RSSNew Hampshire … So Much for the Live Free or Die State, NH Bans Smoking in Bars and Restaurants
“The science is clear — secondhand smoke poses a dangerous health risk, and that is why this new law is so important,” Lynch said.
What a bunch on nonsense coming out of the once “Live Free or Die State”. New 
Hampshire that always prided itself on its independence and always straying off the beaten path has just become one of the many. The Granite State has passed a smoking ban in bars and restaurants. God forbid it be up to the business owner to make this decision about his or her own livelihood. The business owner has invested how much time, money and energy only to have politicians interfere with private enterprise. Who ever heard of no expectation of smoke in a bar or pool hall. Or a cigar bar for that matter.
Now for the total hypocrisy of it all. Governor Lynch, if the science is so clear and smoking provides such a health risk than what would you call not making it mandatory to wear a seat belt while riding in a car or a helmet while riding a motor cycle? Yea, no health risks there. What’s next from the “Live Free or Die” state, a state income tax?
The reality is that the smoking police politicians are some of the worst hypocrites of all. If smoking is so bad and such a health risk and killer … then make it illegal. No, the politicians can’t have that. They would rather tax these cancer sticks and make money off things they state cause such harm. Once again, politicians just caring for “WE THE PEOPLE”.
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21 Responses to “New Hampshire … So Much for the Live Free or Die State, NH Bans Smoking in Bars and Restaurants”
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hey, have you ever gone into a smoke filled restaurant in New Hampshire???… being close by the border ~ my family has not patronized such places because of the smoking inside… even when you’re asked to sit in non-smoking zones, it’s a joke… it’s a fogbank inside these places! Yuk~
In Mass., everybody griped at first and then it worked out…with the smoking ban… I’m sure, that New Hampshire will survive and perhaps, they will now see an increase in their businesses from folks like me, just across the border who would have loved going to their restaurants, save for the smoking!!! Live free or die? well, I chose to live, thank you… rather than breathe in the second hand smoke ~
for the helmets… it’s amazing to see the motorcyclists driving helmet free ~ that’s their choice (my son rides and wears a helmet)… a month ago, a guy was riding down the street by our business… and thank God he had his helmet on… we’d of not had him alive afterwards, if it weren’t for his helmet keeping his brains from spilling out… he broke a leg, ankle, scraped up very badly ~ he wore very expensive kevlar protective clothing, otherwise, his skin would still be embedded in the pavement ~ so, if folks wish to smoke ~ they can OUTSIDE the restaurants, if they wish not to wear a helmet, that’s their decision ~ for taxes… New Hampshire may not pay tax in their stores, however realestate prices are very high and about matches it here in Massachusetts… it may not all be what is appears to be and seems to be… we’re all paying high taxes ~ Now, if you want to get into something, let’s talk about the lack of having of New Hampshire drivers not having to have motor vehicle insurance… we’re paying for the New Hampshire drivers here in Mass…(not to mention the illegal alien drivers who are not insured) that’s worth talking about ~ and the politicians need to address… and never will… why should they? they have a mantra… live free or die ~
Buckle up, bro, it’s been a bumpy ride!
SM,
Minnesota did this several years ago and there was the same reaction – this isn’t fair to business. I was totally against it and still am….however,
After two years here is what I have observed – Bars & restaurants have either created with the help of the local governments, sidewalk areas for eating/smoking. Pain in the butt for six months out of the year where it is too cold….but people still need their smokes.
It is REALLY nice to go out for a beer….not walk into a cloud of smoke thicker than Mexico City air…and go home that evening not reeking of cigarette smoke (I can now tell my wife I spent the evening at a charity board meeting rather than the truth….I had a beer while listening to people howling like cats trying to Karaoke Peaches & Herb’s classic song, “Reunited”; or a chalk squeeking version of ‘Feelings’.
After two years…I am all for restaurants that serve over 50% of their revenues in food not allowing smoking; and bars/restaurants that have over 50% of their revenues in alcohol/non food items having smoking. Let’s face it, the vices go together. One just would have to pick whether they want to reek like smoke, or not.
md
We’ve adopted similar legislation in our community and after the predictable whoopla from the coffin nail crowd, the controversy has died down with no obvious economic impact. The ban is really designed to protect workers in those environments whose exposure to second hand smoke is a health hazard and involuntary.
As someone who pays ever increasing premiums for healthcare, this type of legislation, while controversial, may be a small step in saving a few lives and containing healthcare costs. And yes, no one is making food service/bar employees work in these environments, but like all of us, our choice of where to work should also not require us to surrender our health.
Communities and states adopting such legislation are likely proactively dealing with the inevitable lawsuits from workers whose health was damaged by working in unsafe (read “smoky’) environments. In short, the smokers’right to live free in the Granite State should not mean that food service workers have to die from breathing carcinogens.
And along with denying politicians of their tobacco lobby contributions, outlawing smoking, like prohibition, would only drive it underground, also denying our government of their rich cigarette tax subsidies. There’s something that ain’t gonna happen.
My husband smokes, I used to. I do not wish to breath in the nasty smelling stuff if I’m paying good, money to enjoy my dinner. (If at a bar, I think it’s just what you need to expect, but not a restaurant.)
Why is it only the smokers who feel their rights are violated? How ’bout us non-smokers? Are not our rights violated having to choke down your filty exhaust from those cancer sticks? What about young children, do they have rights to breath clean air?
Just something to think about. I do not mind anyone smoking around me unless I am eating dinner. Don’t know why, but that is the only time…and we MUST remember there are people with lung or other health ailments that should not inhale 2nd hand smoke. Where do they stand…outside?
Brenda
This should happen everywhere. If one doesen’t think smoking is suicide he is a moron! Smoking SUX should be banned altogether averywhere.
We have adopted a similar ban in the city of Appleton, as has Madison. There is now a proposal in the State Legislature for a State wide ban. It has considerable support. Second hand smoke is a serious health issue. I know that one of the biggest arguement points by the smoking crowd is that we just do not have to frequent places where smoking is allowed. It is our choice. However, that choice really is not being given to the employees. They deserve a healthy working environment. It is not logical for someone to tell them to quit their job and find another. Not in a State where tourism is a major industry and many of the jobs we have left in many parts of our State involve restuarants and bars.
This has become more of an issue of the health of workers and patrons rather than one of telling a business owner how to run his business. I see no difference in this type of control over the controls we have on the health and safetly of serving food at proper temperature or keeping vermin or roaches out of the establishment. I merely think of it as a health code issue.
Do you have any idea what the goverment will regulate for us next. How about no smoking in your home, car or back yard?
People who don’t smoke and the smoke bothers them, tends to seek non smoking places. I say let the consumers decide, not the goverment.
I don’t smoke, and smoke bothers me, HOWEVER I DO NOT WANT THE GOVERMENT CONTROLLING THESE ISSUES.
We have opened a can of worms here.
All thru economic history, consumers dictate where they go and spend their money and the vendors either accomodate one group or the other.
Ban tobacco altogether-yea that works-lets all breath CLEAN air and enjoy our meals.
Miss UE…I see your point and must agree. Although I prefer non-smoking in restaurants, government buildings and schools, you are correct that the government can’t run our lives or we are doomed!!
Alot comes down to common courtesy. My husband actually only smokes in the basement or bathroom…nowhere in the rest of the house. I appreciate that because he doesn’t have to self-regulate, but chooses to.
Brenda
I think we should ban alcohol. It is a judgement altering drug. Innocent ppl are wiped out, the drunks walk away without a scratch. Alcohol is a legalized drug.
Big bucks lobby….that’s why it is not regulated or banned.
Second hand smoke you can move out of the rest/bar.
Can you do that with a drunk swerving into your lane?
I’m actually for it too. The places where I’ve lived in California have banned smoking in restaurants & on the beaches. When I went back east & had to eat in restaurants with the smoking/non smoking sections the smell was awful. Same with the beaches–they are like ashtrays in some areas. Yuck. I didn’t know how much I appreciated the law until I smelled it in action. I don’t object to having a smoking room like they do in airports though, they can pipe in heat during the winter. Miss-Underestimated, you are right though, I have read about people being policed in their own homes & yards. I draw the line there.
NO MORE GOVT interference in private business !!
Let citizens make there own personal choices on who too patronize .
Look up the mortality rates for lung cancer in 1971 (when 75% of the population smoked) and 1996 (when 25% of the population smoked) and ask yourself why the mortality rate is increasing. Look at all the chemicals in the food we eat, the quality of the air we breath, the water we drink – it really amazes me that only tobacco is being blamed for everything.
Why all the hue and cry over a smoking ban ? I used to smoke for years. I’m glad I quit. The smokers can take it outside. I’d rather there be a little less personal freedom than have to put up with some obnoxious character (plentiful here in Texas) lighting up every five minutes and making all of us breathe his fumes !
well when they ban smoking… they never ban it from outside and anyone that doesn’t smoke walks through a haze of smoke to get in the establishment. Also, you guys are missing the point, save Miss Underestimated… it’s about the fact that it should be personal choice… it’s not illegal. I prefer non-smoking bars and resturants so I frequent them… unless Red is going to smoke a cigar… the problem with so many of these bans was that it ended up being a lack of common-sense, don’t go to a cigar bar if you don’t want to be around smoke. Also I notice when I visit family in TN most of the resturants have AMAZING ventalation systems and I don’t even notice the smoke although looking around dang never everyone smokes!
It’s really more about what the gov’t is going to regulate next… sex, drugs and rock -n- roll???
Many of you are failing to understand the point of this post. It really has nothing to do with a smoking ban. It has to do with a state who’s motto … Is Live Free or Die.
New Hampshire has always prided itself on being a breed apart.
They have always claimed to be trend setters, bucking the norm and not following anyone no matter what. So much for that.
BTW, if we banned everything that was bad for us it would be a pretty boring world.
R
New Hampshire has it’s “Live Free or Die”
Vermont ~ is a Nation unto itself ! most definately ~
Massachusetts ~ appropriatly named “Taxachusetts”
New Hampshire is a breed apart ~ and they certainly are “trend setters” one thing is when you are driving through the State ~ is the huge abount of vanity plates on folks license plates… some are down right hilarious! It is almost abnormal to have numbers on your license plates in that State… Worth the drive ~ just be careful of the motorcyclists with NO helmets ~ and be aware, no seatbelts… the wait at the tollbooths is annoying ~ you may now be disappointed not having the smoke to inhale while eating your dinner ~ oh well… I’m sure, if you miss the cigarette smoke, someone could blow it in your face for you~! and if you are even thinking about drinking and driving… wrong State to pass through ~ especially on major Holidays ~ for the 4th of July… they have so many fireworks shops and tatoo parlors, Miami Ink, couldn’t keep up ~
I’ll still say, they can’t hold a candle to their Northern counterparts… Vermont still has it hands down~! and that’s from a girl in Taxachusetts~ It’s true SM, they do Live strongly by their Motto… Live Free or Die ~ for sure!~ and probably wouldn’t hesitate to tell anyone to piss off either!
(one instance was a hiker who died along the Presidential Ridge many years back, in winter… so many folks were outraged,from the loss of this young many folks complained and they wanted legislature to implement some kind of system to prevent hikers from doing stupid stuff ~ the young man’s name was Tinkham who passed from hypothermia ~ the friend continued hiking to Mt. Washington’s hut with howling record winds and was about frozen…Mountaineers were not impressed that this “friend” didn’t do the right thing by helping his friend..he left him there to die ~ the Boston Globe never had so many calls about it either ~ folks in NH definately didn’t want the Govn’t involved with their Mt’s.. even if it meant prevention of life ~ so be it… they’re tough up there… no question ~
Even when the Old Man of the Mountain’s face fell off, (near Cannon Mt.) it was almost a national day of mourning… (it was sad most definately), however, it was the State’s emblem ~ and his rockface fell off… shame, too… he’s missed ~ Live Free or Die!~ THey are a TOUGH breed up there ~ no question ~ and proud of it too~ why do you think the primary is held there??? Politicians aren’t stupid either ~ they suck up big time to New Hampshire…
LOL … I forgot about the Old Man in the Mtn crumbling … you are correct.
They all wore black arm bands that day.
Kitty … just to let you know … I have lived in New England. I speak from complete experience of NH and its quirkiness.
R
SM ~ Great post!! Quirky!!! Perfect description ~ (smile) and LOL~
Another Live Free or Die…for the memories… just hike up to Tuckerman’s Ravine ~ on Mt. Washington ~ you can ski down into the bowl, climb the icefall’s, pray there aren’t avalanches while sitting on lunch rocks watching the nuts go straight off the bowl’s face on their ski’s, or snow boards… there you’ll truly experience Live Free or Die in motion!~ yahooooo!!! November ~ Springtime… it’s a great hike and the entertainment is worth the hike in ~ you have to have a part death wish to go off the ridge into the Tuck’s bowl… whooo hoo!!!!! what a great place living in New England… but NH really is fantastic~! Kangamangas in summer… jump in the river… foliage is awesome… Cathedral ledge, rock climbing… it doesn’t get any better ~ the Presidential ridge hike ~ THE BEST!!! Carter Dome ~ Chicoura ~ anywhere in the White Mountains is awesome!!! Yankee Smokehouse in Ossippee ~ to pig out after a great exhausting hike ~ oh yea ~ maybe they won’t be able to smoke the meat now with the ban.. (bad joke)… perhaps, they’ll have to just change the name ~ I can see the T-shirts now, a smoking pig or a pig smoking a butt…with the circle with slash through it ~ Live Free or Die!!! gotta love it! Thanks for sharing! (By the way, love your website and thanks for being so informative, especially keeping Natalle’s memory alive…)
For those of us with asthma it is a blessing. Not too many people cared to be curtious.
I have absolutely no sympathy for a bartender who gets lung cancer from secondhand smoke after they make a living serving poison to people and likely sending out drunk drivers. Same for non-smoking patrons.
I have no problem with smoke-free family restaurants. When I lived in Nevada 10 years ago, I was able to smoke a butt in a conveiniance store, which I also agree was out of line, so maybe I was a hypocrite for taking advantage of it.
If the tobacco companies were smart, they’d invest in science to extract all these cancer causing agents from tobacco. I only support suing tobacco companies when they deliberately put ammonia in their product to cause addiction. Ingredient lists should be made available.
As for the offensive odor, boo hoo. You better start bitching about cheap perfume that flares up people’s allergies and asthma. Either that or accept the fact individuals have rights that may offend others.
As far as banning tobacco…you are retarded to ever dream I’ll quit using it over the legality issue. Same with alcohol…I’ll start brewing moonshine first.