This concerns the push by some legislators in Juneau to prohibit smoking in public places.
Obviously, there are strong opinions on both sides of the issue. I think an acceptable resolution almost everyone would agree with is a state statute that requires all establishments open to the public to post one of two signs at the entrances. One would say: This is a smoking establishment. The other would say: This is a Non-Smoking establishment.
This statute would allow the owner to make the decision on whether their business is smoking or non-smoking, which they can do now. It would also make those entering aware of the business policy. And, it gives the people looking for work who smoke an option.
I strongly believe fraternal and veterans’ organizations should be exempt because of the following: their policies are determined by boards of directors; decisions are made based upon the vote of the majority of the members; and mostly, they are typically not open to the public.
As a veteran and Alaska resident I question the rationality of taking away someone’s right to smoke in a private club when members of that club have voted to allow that right. Further, to do it to in all establishments because owners want to make their establishments non-smoking, but are afraid they will lose business if all others don’t, is asinine.