Smoking Regulation 06.15.09

After living for a while in a state that has a ban on smoking in public places, you forget how truly awesome the ban is.  May 2005 was the magic time when Georgia made the move.  No more being asked smoking/non-smoking when you’re seated.  The biggest problem that I have with the habit is the carelessness and manners, or lack thereof, that seem to follow the nasty habit.  Especially like for children, who have to ride in cars with their parents while they smoke away.

We were in North Carolina over the weekend working, when I was surprised to find out that they didn’t have such a law, yet anyways.  We stopped for a pit-stop on the way to Graham, and when I got back in the truck, it smelt like I just returned from a strip club or a casino.  I didn’t notice as I walked past the counter, but my brother said he saw the cashier smoking right there at the register.  Yuck!  After a few miles of riding with the windows down, the odor had disappeared, or at least enough not to notice as much.

I’d like to see it taken further, or at least the people doing it step up and use some manners.  Like for gas stations, why put the ash tray things at the front doors?  So the employees can stand there at the doors and smoke while on break?  That’s really thoughtful of your customers.  In fact, that is a sure way to lose me as a customer and have me drive to another store.  One that doesn’t, at that moment, have an employee at the front door covering you with their habit’s nasty odor as you enter.

As always, just my opinion.