Mon Sep 8, 2008 6:04 pm (PDT)


Sep 08, 2008 18:09 ETMichigan Tobacconists Say Where There's Smoke
There's Legislation
LANSING, MI--(Marketwire - September 8, 2008) - According to Chris
McCalla, legislative director of the International Premium Cigar &
Pipe Retailers Association, his organization has learned that the
Michigan state legislature will likely reopen debate on a proposed
statewide smoking ban based on allegedly erroneous information
provided by well-funded anti-smoking forces.

Michigan's State Representatives and Senators have been deadlocked on
a proposal for several months with each preferring their own version
of such a ban. McCalla believes the two chambers are working to
approve a statewide smoking ban by the end of this current session.

"IPCPR members are owners and employees of neighborhood smoke shops
across Michigan, throughout the United States and the world where
premium, handmade cigars are sold to adult consumers," said
McCalla. "Their customers are friends and neighbors who enjoy the
pleasures of a good cigar... and they are voters," he added.

McCalla noted that most cigar stores are family-owned small
businesses led by mom-and-pop operators who are pillars of the
communities they serve, providing thousands of jobs and paying
millions of dollars annually in payroll, sales and excise taxes.

According to McCalla, Michigan legislators and the general public are
being deceived by the well-funded anti-smoking organizations into
believing what they hear about second-hand smoke.

"They need to read the 2006 Surgeon General's Report which clearly
concludes that second-hand smoke should not be considered a
legitimate health or environmental hazard. Biased media reports,
slanted statements by anti-tobacco groups and even deliberately
erroneous press releases from the Surgeon General's office contradict
the actual findings of the Report," he said.

McCalla referred to a report written by Dr. Jerome Arnett, Jr., a
pulmonologist who lives in Helvetia, West Virginia.

"The abuse of scientific integrity and the generation of faulty
outcomes have led to deception of the American public on a grand
scale, draconian government over-regulation and the squandering of
public monies while personal choice and freedom have been denied to
millions of smokers," Arnett wrote.

A recent study published by an environmental chemistry professor
supports McCalla's and Arnett's position.

Barry Dellinger is a professor of environmental chemistry at
Louisiana State University. His research on the environmental effects
of combustion was presented last month at the 236th National Meeting
of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia. Dellinger found
that nonsmokers are impacted primarily by elements in the air formed
during the combustion process of things like coal in power plants and
burning trees, not tobacco. "Wood smoke is the worst," Dellinger is
quoted as having said, discussing heart and lung health risks.

McCalla challenged the Michigan legislature to demand clarification
and validation for health claims made by the anti-smoking
organizations in support of any statewide smoking ban.

"Information promoting legislation of this magnitude, with its
widespread social and economic impact as well as its deprivation of
constitutional rights of business owners and consumers alike, needs
to be documented for public review and shared in an understandable
format," he said.

Only a few votes short. And Grandhole says she;ll sign one ("I'm chafing at the bit") , with or without exemptions.

Michigan continues to have the worst economy and the highest unemployment of all 50 states.


http://www.freep. com/apps/ pbcs.dll/ article?
AID=/20080924/ NEWS06/809240398 /1008

State House snuffs out statewide smoking ban
Lawmakers fear it would hurt casinos
BY DAWSON BELL • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • September 24, 2008

LANSING -- Concerns about the possible impact on Detroit's casinos
led to the state House's narrow rejection Tuesday of a bill to ban
smoking in all Michigan workplaces.

The ban -- which would affect casinos, bars, restaurants and even
smoke shops -- garnered 50 votes, six short of the number needed for
approval. Forty-nine members voted against it. Eleven were absent or
abstained.

Opposition came primarily from Detroit lawmakers who said a ban would
hurt casino revenue -- the city and state share that money -- and
lawmakers who said the ban was a government overreach into citizens'
lives.

The issue could be revisited later this year, said a spokesman for
House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township. The House and Senate
have both approved versions of a smoking ban this year, but have
failed to come to agreement over what kind of exemptions should be
allowed -- or even if there should be any exemptions.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm said earlier Tuesday that she would sign a
smoking ban, with or without exemptions.

Backers of the total ban said Tuesday the issue was one of protecting
the health of nonsmokers, especially those working in smoke-filled
restaurants and bars.

Smoking would still be legal in Michigan, said Rep. Andy Meisner, D-
Ferndale.

But Rep. George Cushingberry, D-Detroit, said extending the ban to
the Detroit casinos could lead to a steep decline in revenues, jobs
and tax receipts, affecting police and fire protection and state aid
to public schools.

House leaders rejected amendments to exempt businesses operating
within 20 miles of an Indian casino -- where smoking would still be
permitted -- as well as cigar bars, smoke shops, charity events and
bingo halls.

A proposal to suspend implementation until the governor negotiated
smoking bans with Indian tribes that operate casinos also was
rejected.

The MRA continues to oppose a smoking ban, and has also argued that if a smoking ban is passed it should be applied as broadly as possible so as to provide a level playing field. We will continue to closely follow this issue.

We encourage you to contact your lawmaker immediately to express your views on this issue. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the MRA Public Affairs Department at (800) 968-9668.


The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice community. Founded in 1921, the MRA represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 423,000 people and creating more than $12.8 billion in annual sales. For more information please call 800-968-9668.

The MRA should remain opposed and not add, "But if you do..."

Why is it that when lawmakers try to pass statewide smoking bans, their reasons are in order to have a "level playing field?" A level playing field is one in which business owners decide for themselves whether or not to permit smoking! Take 2 hypothetical bars: Bar A and Bar B. Bar A has always attracted nonsmokers. On the other hand, 90% of Bar B's customers are smokers. A statewide ban is enacted, and Bar A is unaffected. Bar B goes out of business. How in the hell is this "level?"

Why would a group opposed to a ban wish for an "all-or none" scenario? This makes no sense.

What does it cost a non-smoker to pass a Smoking Ban? Nothing

What does a Smoking Ban mean to a person who smokes?

It means a smoker can no longer enter any building taller than a single story.

It means a smoker can no longer cue up to voice they opinions, access private or public services, buy things.

It means that smokers can no longer attend public hearings, serve on civic or charitable boards, visit museums, art galleries, concerts, public performances, or attend sporting events. In many places they can not use public parks or beaches.

It means they can spend no leisure time with friends, family, or business associates.

Although smokers have no medical or mental condition, they have been thrust into the world previously endured by the "untouchables".

Before a smoker thinks about where to go to make a purchase or conduct any business they must first consider the time it will take, to get there, to complete their business and until their return to a smoking permitted environment.

Smoker can no longer comfortably work outside their home.

As a result smokers are no longer members of society and no longer participate in the society. Can society continue to function without 20% of their members?

In the minds of the non-smoker, it evidently can.

To a smoker, a non-smoking environment instantly translates into a feeling of claustrophobia, they can no longer breath, can no longer function, can no longer enjoy the companionship of their families, friends, or colleagues.

A non-smoker may have endured seconds in second hand smoke. They may have concentrated on the odor for minutes, but pass thru clouds of diesel exhaust and immediately forget it. That whiff of smoke will remain in their minds for hours as if a garbage truck had released it's load on their heads. Their pure state of cleanliness has been ruined. They must immediately shower, scape and clean their body, clothes, and space. They must rush to the nearest medical facility for purification and healing.

Just as the non-smoker had to think about entering a tavern or restaurant before the ban, smokers have to think about leaving their solitary bedrooms today.