Michigan House Passes Smoking Ban

The Michigan State House of Representatives has passed a comprehensive smoking ban that would take the smoke out of bar and restaurants across Michigan. While many smokers are nervous about what they consider to be an infringement on their rights, there are some that realize
Michigan House Passes Smoking Ban
Date: December 6, 2007
Lansing, MI
United States of America
 that they have very little to fear.

This proposed Michigan smoking ban would not infringe on a person's right to smoke in such places as casinos, bingo halls, horse tracks, smoker's shops, or registered cigar bars. It would make it illegal to smoke inside any other place of business in the State of Michigan.

The Democrat-heavy Michigan House of Representatives quickly passed this bill under the leadership of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. Governor Granholm has been a strong opponent to smokers across Michigan.

The Michigan Senate is predominantly Republican, and will most likely shoot down this bill. The Republicans in Michigan have opposed Governor Granholm's attempts to curtail smoker's rights in the past. There is no reason to believe that this attempt at anit-smoking legislation will be any different.

Governor Granholm has been quoted in the past as saying that she would prefer to ban smoking in any building in Michigan. This would include people's private homes. The opposition to her anti-smoking legislation has revisited this quote in the last few weeks to show Governor Granholm as someone who wants to curtail the rights of the people of Michigan.

Currently, Michigan leads the country in taxes of tobacco. Earlier this year, Michigan passed New Jersey for having the highest amount of taxes that have been placed on tobacco products. A pack of premium cigarettes in Michigan costs about $5.40 on average at most stores.

There are many counties in Michigan that have passed their own smoking bans, but restaurants and bars have been exempt from this anti-smoking legislation. The Democrats in the Halls of Michigan Congress would like to compensate for this by their legislation.

 
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Debbie, did you read my article? I just reported what was going on at the time. I am a smoker, and hate the legislation. I wish Michigan would lighten up with the smoking ban. So Debbie, you stated taht you hate people like me. You are like me. Don't hate yourself. L.

Posted on 06/22/2009 at 4:06:19 PM

vince you suck, as a smoker if we want to smoke in our own homes we will it's people like you that i hate we have rights to,stay away from us if you don't don't like it

Posted on 06/22/2009 at 4:06:50 PM

" It figures that the republicans are against this smoking ban. All they want is the almighty stimulus dollar -- people buying more cigars and cigarettes regardless of anyone's health. But hey, let's not forget that poor health is big business too! There should be a way for those of us with breathing problems (a disability) to be able to sue (the government? establishments?) for discrimination as we cannot go to restaurants, outdoor parades and concerts because of smoking and polluted air! Non-smoking areas as a part of a restaurant are ridiculous and about as safe as someone peeing in one end of a swimming pool! Let's pass this ban--we've waited too long as it is. Get real--people are dying. "

Posted on 05/28/2009 at 9:05:14 PM

Have you ever heard of MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving MADD That is VERY SAD, at there has to be an outside group to do a part of your JOB !!! Alcohol does more harn & is much worse than Tobacco. But what do you care ? Well something like MADD is needed, but there is nothing for people who smoke not needed. And what is it you want to save us smokers from O- YEA the drunk drivers. Is that why you make us pay out the butt for your VERY STUPID TAXES. Alcohol Abuse - Have you ever heard of tobacco abuse I don't think so. But alcohol is actually a depressant. That means it's a drug that slows down or depresses the brain. Like many drugs, alcohol changes a person's ability to think, speak, and see things as they really are.( You don't see this happening to smokers)

Posted on 06/05/2008 at 6:06:00 PM

At least I can smoke and drive with out killing an innocent person, and destroy a family's life. And you make me to look like the bad guy, because I smoke. SHAME ON YOU !! • Between 1982 and 1993, 266,291 deaths in the United States were alcohol-related -- one fatality every 30 minutes. • Traffic fatalities in alcohol-related crashes rose by 4 percent from 1994 to 1995. The 17,274 alcohol-related fatalities in 1995 (41 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year) represent a 24 percent reduction from the 22,715 alcohol-related fatalities reported in 1985 (52 percent of the total). • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that alcohol was involved in 41 percent of fatal crashes and in 7 percent of all crashes in 1995. • The 17,274 fatalities in alcohol-related crashes during 1995 represent an average of one alcohol-related fatality every 30 minutes. ________________________________________ • More than 300,000 people

Posted on 06/05/2008 at 6:06:53 PM

Smokers rights? Ha! Thats classic. Arizona has a smoking ban, and smokers have no problem stepping outside for a few minutes to get their fix. Smokers, just be patient and wait to go outside. You can go a couple hours without lighting up. This law is soon to be reality, so deal with it! Better yet... QUIT! and save yourself.

Posted on 05/19/2008 at 2:05:00 PM

Well then criminalize tobacco instead of banning smoking in public places. the governments wants the tax revenue, they don't care about the smokers they just want the money

Posted on 05/12/2008 at 10:05:58 AM

See, this is what happens when you give your life to DEMOCRATS. You get personal legislation of freedoms. President Bush is accused of taking freedoms...well sorry, Democrats want more government to make less freedoms for you. Democrats are the enemy, not the Republicans. I do not smoke, but I do not have the right to tell someone else where to not smoke, even if that person is in his/her home.

Posted on 03/10/2008 at 2:03:46 PM

A "right" to smoke? That's a hoot! There has NEVER been any "right" to use tobacco, especially when innocent people are exposed to toxic tobacco smoke. And taxes? If smokers REALLY paid their way in society (for all of the sickness, deaths, property damage, litter, etc. associated with tobacco use), a pack of cancerettes would cost at least $50.00. Smokers suck, in more ways than one. SMoking should be banned everywhere, indoors and out. Then, ban the tobacco drug, too!

Posted on 12/28/2007 at 8:12:56 PM

Personaly, I don't smoke in restaurants or my house for that matter. but bars? Come on! Recently Moving to St Louis made me realize just how over taxed the state of Michigan really is, Cigarette's only cost $3.00/pack here! And gas is $0.50 cheaper per gallon! Granholm needs to go back to Canada!

Posted on 12/06/2007 at 5:12:00 PM

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