Omaha/Nebraska Smoking Ban

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:22 pm

Not that I really care.... But did they give the businesses any warning?

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:33 pm

|expletive| |expletive|

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:41 pm

Brad wrote:Not that I really care.... But did they give the businesses any warning?

You mean other than the ruling three weeks ago? I doubt it.

I would tend to agree that there's a better way to roll one of these ordinances out other than "Hey, it's coming at some point and by some point I mean now."

Ultimately, I'm thrilled this gives me more places to get drunk and tell DTO he's a moron.

-Big E

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:51 pm

I guess this means you can go to your local neighborhood bar now.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:54 pm

Sure does, but I'm making damn sure Ms. Big E is along on that one. I know about them and their agenda.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:58 pm

What ever do you mean handsome?

TechnicalDisaster · Post by **TechnicalDisaster** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 4:44 pm

Brad wrote:Not that I really care.... But did they give the businesses any warning?

I don't remember where I saw it, but I remember seeing a sign on a bar this weekend that said "Beginning on June 17th this establishment will be smoke free."

Someone must have known.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 4:48 pm

I was not really at the bars this weekend so I didn't see anything, all I remember is that they said it would be about 30 days.

Asten · Post by **Asten** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 10:58 pm

Yay. I for one will go out every night I'm back in town over the 4th!

TechnicalDisaster · Post by **TechnicalDisaster** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:37 am

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2 ... d=10362762

North Shore Tavern owner Dave Nelson said he was burned Wednesday by the smoking ban that went into effect Tuesday. Three of his customers and a bartender were cited Wednesday for violating the ban.

Nelson said he knew about the ban, but the bartender was not aware of the change. Police are asking people who spot smokers to first register their complaint with the business owner or manager. If the business doesn't put an end to the smoking, people can call police.

Not to change the subject, but I noticed all the Fireworks tents are up in LaVista this morning. I wonder if the Police will cite unlawful fireworks use as fervently as they do smokers at a bar?

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:17 am

bradley414 wrote:I wonder if the Police will cite unlawful fireworks use as fervently as they do smokers at a bar?

I am very pro secondhand fireworks explosions. :D

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:22 am

I find it funny the "first" ticket was that the bar I always considered the smokiest bar in town!

Not a bad bar, but that place could make a smoker's eyes burn....

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 12:27 pm

almighty_tuna wrote:
bradley414 wrote:I wonder if the Police will cite unlawful fireworks use as fervently as they do smokers at a bar?
I am very pro secondhand fireworks explosions. :D

Problem with fireworks explosions is that they may leave you without that second hand.

I stuck my head in a couple of places Tuesday night that I've been wanting to go to but don't because of the smoke. Both acted like I was from Neptune when I asked why they weren't following the ban.

-Big E

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:56 pm

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2 ... d=10362993

Looks like they're letting them off the hook, but the grace period is done kaput over.

Swift · Post by **Swift** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:10 pm

DTO Luv wrote:|expletive| |expletive| |expletive| |expletive| |expletive| |expletive| |expletive| |expletive| |expletive| |expletive| |expletive| |expletive|

Look at it this way, standing outside having a smoke is a great way to meet new people. And you know they already have similar interests as you.

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 6:46 pm

Brad wrote: The problem being that now not even cigar shops can allow smoking in the and there is one loop hole in the state ban allowing tobacco shops that sell ONLY sell tobacco to allow smoking.

Jake's Cigars in Benson built a heated covered patio for their shop/bar.

I thought that was dumb. Cigaro's on 108th and Mockingbird has a sweet back room with furniture and a tv for people to buy some cigars and hang out. Well, you can no longer do that under the current ban.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 11:10 pm

Creighton goes tobacco-free July 1

Khristopher J. Brooks wrote:The Rev. John P. Schlegel, Creighton president, said one of the university's missions is to "improve the health of the individuals and communities we serve," and banning tobacco works toward that goal.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 1:50 am

The Homy Inn was wall to wall stupid people tonight (or at least they were when I was there, self included). People were outside smoking, walking back in, and getting on with their lives. I can only assume this is exactly the same as it was 5 days ago.

Post by **Brad** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 2:27 am

I saw a band tonight for the first time without smoke! It was Awesome! No too bad LaVista will not enact the ban!

Swift · Post by **Swift** » Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:05 pm

I was at several bars last night. It was nice to not feel like I need to take a shower before I let my self pass out.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:47 am

I hate the ban. It was stupid at the Max. Everyone there smokes so the outside patio was packed. It's just stupid.

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:32 pm

DTO Luv wrote:I hate the ban. It was stupid at the Max. Everyone there smokes so the outside patio was packed. It's just stupid.

I heard Molly's Pub in Ralston was packed this weekend.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:20 pm

joeglow wrote:
DTO Luv wrote:I hate the ban. It was stupid at the Max. Everyone there smokes so the outside patio was packed. It's just stupid.

I heard Molly's Pub in Ralston was packed this weekend.

I heard the same thing, however 5 min down the road in La Vista we were not effected, but that's a whole different story.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:25 am

KC has a smoking ban. It was passed earlier but challenged in court. The court let it go into effect last Saturday. They do have an exemption for their casinos though (if all the casinos around KC go smoke free then KC's will follow).

Greg

Post by **Brad** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:10 pm

Pool hall files suit against Omaha's smoking restrictions

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2 ... d=10366807

TODD COOPER WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER wrote:Big John's Billiards, which has a pool hall in Omaha and Lincoln, has asked for a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction halting enforcement of the law.

TODD COOPER WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER wrote:But Theodore Boecker, an attorney for Big John's owner Will Prout, said the result is that businesses in Ralston and La Vista have an advantage over Big John's because those cities haven't banned smoking in such businesses.

"It's a fairness issue," Boecker said. "A smoker can literally drive two or three minutes and find a (pool hall) that allows smoking."

Boecker questioned why other exceptions remain. Omaha's ban excludes private residences, certain hotel and motel rooms, certain rooms in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, outdoor areas of employment, research study areas and tobacco-only retail outlets.

"If you're really trying to protect the health of workers, why don't you protect the health of workers at retail tobacco outlets?" Boecker asked.

The lawsuit also questions how Omaha can have an immediate ban while state lawmakers gave similar businesses more than a year to get ready for a ban.

A statewide ban on smoking in workplaces takes effect in June 2009. Boecker wouldn't rule out an eventual challenge to the state ban, as well.

cosmoguy · Post by **cosmoguy** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 8:04 pm

Brad wrote:Pool hall files suit against Omaha's smoking restrictions

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2 ... d=10366807

TODD COOPER WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER wrote:Big John's Billiards, which has a pool hall in Omaha and Lincoln, has asked for a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction halting enforcement of the law.

TODD COOPER WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER wrote:But Theodore Boecker, an attorney for Big John's owner Will Prout, said the result is that businesses in Ralston and La Vista have an advantage over Big John's because those cities haven't banned smoking in such businesses.

"It's a fairness issue," Boecker said. "A smoker can literally drive two or three minutes and find a (pool hall) that allows smoking."

Boecker questioned why other exceptions remain. Omaha's ban excludes private residences, certain hotel and motel rooms, certain rooms in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, outdoor areas of employment, research study areas and tobacco-only retail outlets.

"If you're really trying to protect the health of workers, why don't you protect the health of workers at retail tobacco outlets?" Boecker asked.

The lawsuit also questions how Omaha can have an immediate ban while state lawmakers gave similar businesses more than a year to get ready for a ban.

A statewide ban on smoking in workplaces takes effect in June 2009. Boecker wouldn't rule out an eventual challenge to the state ban, as well.

They'll say you're a redneck when...

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:16 am

cosmoguy wrote:They'll say you're a redneck when...

...when you're trying to keep your business afloat after your other location in Lincoln closed because of another smoking ban? I guess I don't get the joke.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 2:35 pm

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2 ... d=10405318

As Omaha smokers retreat to patios, some patrons balk

Smokers are retreating outdoors to bar beer gardens and restaurant patios in light of the city's ban on indoor smoking in public spaces. But that's creating a problem for some nonsmokers, who want to enjoy the nice weather, too, minus the ashtray stench.

So the smoking debate continues — it's just been taken outside.

Thread Lockdown in 5.....4.....3.....2.....

Although I find this one very puzzling:

Dr. Stephen Rennard, a pulmonologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said he is not aware of any study that proves that outside secondhand smoke can affect a person's health. It's a nuisance more than a health risk, he said.

1) Apparently he does not subscribe to the theories of the US Surgeon General.

2) I'd be curious to learn how the chemical make-up of secondhand smoke changes when it goes outside to make it no longer a health concern. Riddle me that, Dr, Rennard. Sure, it dissipates faster outside, but tell that to the crowd of 50 outside of Mr. Toad's stinking up the whole corner of 10th and Howard.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 2:48 pm

Do you go outside at Urban? I heard there is some Cigar smoking going on down there...

Honestly, I don't really mind it outside, 95% of the time there is a breeze which keeps it clear enough for me. I also think when reality sets in the winter, a lot of people will give up social somking.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 2:53 pm

Brad wrote:Do you go outside at Urban?

No, specifically because it smells like Bigfoot's dick for that very reason.

Brad wrote:I also think when reality sets in the winter, a lot of people will give up social somking.

Kind of the whole idea.

I really don't get too bent out of shape when people are smoking outside. I get more upset that they litter than anything. But smokers need to accept the fact that smoking is becoming less and less socially acceptable - ban or no.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:05 pm

Fascists! If I want to go outside and puff on Big Foot's dick, that's no ones business but my own. I'm assuming that's a brand of cigars right??? Right?!?!?!

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:14 pm

Big E wrote:I really don't get too bent out of shape when people are smoking outside. I get more upset that they litter than anything. But smokers need to accept the fact that smoking is becoming less and less socially acceptable - ban or no.

It's already socially unacceptable in the sphere I travel in. I was in California last week, for a week, and you just don't see people sitting outside smoking. Maybe they have banned it there as well, or maybe the vast majority of people have just quit smoking, at least in public. Either way, we all win.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:24 pm

I was over at Stir tonight.... NO SMOKING! Its an Outside venue! Amazing. However from my perch, you could still see smoke rising from the pit.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:47 pm

Well, what sort of herb smoke was that?

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Thu Aug 14, 2008 8:49 am

Coyote wrote:Well, what sort of herb smoke was that?

Bouquet Garni

Post by **Brad** » Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:36 am

Coyote wrote:Well, what sort of herb smoke was that?

According to the lead singer.... Lots of weed. He said he was getting stoned just playing in front of them!

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:06 pm

$6+ for a pack of Marlboro's?

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1 ... d=10588291

To support expansion of a public health insurance program for lower income children, the federal tax will increase from its current 60 cents to $1.01 a pack. President Barack Obama signed the expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, often referred to as SCHIP, last month.

Three weeks ago, the average price for a pack of Newport menthol cigarettes was $3.47. With recent price hikes due to tobacco costs, the price Sunday night was $6.29. After April 1, it will be nearly $7.

HOLY |expletive| |expletive|. I quit at <$2.50 and thought I was being raped then. Good though. They should be $100 a pack.

So, reading on to the next part of my rant:

"It's getting so ridiculously expensive," Overton said. "It's not worth the hassle."

Some Omaha smokers, including Overton, are rethinking their habits.

Their options: Pay it, cut back or quit.

Overton, 34, said he can't pay it. He has a newborn girl at home.

He refuses to dish out $7 for a pack of cigarettes, especially when the money could be better spent on a pack of diapers.

So it is the $7 that is making you rethink your habit and not your newborn child's health? Daddy of the |expletive| Year here, folks.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:12 pm

Finally!! Some one is thinking about the children! Let them take bong hits instead - its safer.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:23 pm

"Cigarettes are getting expensive! It's almost $10 a pack. That's crack prices. Pretty soon I'll have to start sucking d!ck for cigarettes!"

This is where we stop being friends Big E.

There is no need to vilify smoking. Jesus, it's one of the few all American owned, operated, employers left and people constantly try to limit the sale of their product. Genius!

TechnicalDisaster · Post by **TechnicalDisaster** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:38 pm

So it is the $7 that is making you rethink your habit and not your newborn child's health? Daddy of the |expletive| Year here, folks.

I was once in a checkout aisle of the grocery store and the guy in front of me was buying a pack of cigarettes, a case of bud light, and the smallest can of baby formula they sell. When the cashier read him the total, he came up short. Guess which item he passed on?

The baby formula.