It hasn't been publicized as much as one would think it would have been, but it's still the new law that took effect Monday, the 1st of October.
I saw a sign outside on the door to Bob e Que restaurant stating that there is no smoking in the building.
"No Smoking" signs must be posted at every entrance to every public place and place of employment where smoking is prohibited according to the new law.
There are several exceptions though.
If you want to see a summary of the new law check here; http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/govoffice/smokingban.html.
The law itself is here; http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/Chapter/PC0410.pdf.
Personally I'm not big on government control. However, when it affects the general public in public places, I tend to agree.
Smoking in public places does affect the public. My family and I have a hard time eating in a restaurant when all of a sudden we smell cigarette smoke.
Smoking sucks. No pun intended. Both my wife and I use to be a smoker. It's not easy to break the habit. But it can be done.
There are countless reasons why one should quit.
The biggest reason is your health.
That's why I quit about 25 years ago.
It was becoming very difficult for me to breathe if I was exhorting any energy.
Not to mention the damage I was causing to my lungs.
Even walking up a flight of stairs, I would be breathing very hard.
Unfortunately I have had several friends die from lung cancer. It's not a pretty site.
Can you image not being about to breathe?
The funny thing is when I smoked, I was aware of the dangers and I still continued to smoke.
It became a habit for me to have a cigarette whenever I was on the phone.
It wasn't until I had difficulty breathing that I finally decided to quit. But how was I going to talk on the phone without a cigarette in my hand?
It was hard, but I did it.
For a few years now, most smokers have been very considerate when they know they are around non-smokers. They usually go outside to light up, but they had a choice in a restaurant, they could smoke in the smoking section until now.
Now what are they going to do? Stop smoking - maybe. Stop going to restaurants? I don't think so.
Several smokers have gone to chewing tobacco. Not very sexy. But at least they get their fix and are legal.
I bet many rural locations are going to still allow smoking for a while until they get a few fines.
It will be interesting to see how well this law works in our back yard.
If you believe the new law of not smoking in public places should be upheld equally and observe violations occurring, you could boycott the establishment or report the violation via the Internet at www.health.state.tn.us or by calling 1-800-293-8228.
Information will then be routed to the appropriate department for handling.
How do you feel about the new law. I'm interesting in hearing from you on this subject.