State of Illinois

[sack]

I can't believe what i just read over at Cigar Cyclopedia! Seems as though the Illinois Senate has passed this bill, 34-23, that would regulate smoking in cigar stores. This Bill includes this section- 35 (2) " Any retail store that begins operations after the effective date of this amendatory act may only qualify for an exemption if located in a freestanding structure occupied solely by the business and smoke from the business does not migrate into an enclosed area where smoke is prohibited." This act could wind up affecting existing establishments and eventually wiping out some of the oldest stores in the U.S. You could call Diana Silvius of Updown Cigar at 312-337-8505, she is spearheading a drive to stop all this nonsense, ask for Diana or Linda. Now that the Democrats control the Illinois government, i'm not sure if this will pass into law or maybe the govenor will veto it. :angry:

 

[Brickhouse]

Well, this sucks overall, being a resident of Illinois. My B&M is in fact part of a larger building, so I guess the best I can hope for is that becomes effective on all shops in the future.

However, to be honest, it doesn't matter much to mine. You are free to smoke in there, however there isn't a chair or table to be found. Sad really.

 

[sack]

This more or less changes some of my plans to open up a store when i retire. According to this bill, you would'nt be able to open up in a mall or other crowded area. This is all a bunch of B.S. Please call Diana and see what she has to say, she is sharp and has had some success with the legislature in the past.

 

[MiamiCubano]

That definitely does suck, but, as per my reading of the portion provided, how would it effect exsisting B&Ms?

Any retail store that begins operations after the effective dateof this amendatory act may only qualify for an exemption if located in a freestanding structure occupied solely by the business and smoke from the business does not migrate into an enclosed area where smoke is prohibited."

Seems like it would only apply to those poor souls who try to open a B&M after it's passed, and exsisting B&M's would be grandfathered in/protected.

Maybe I'm missing more to this proposed bill, but, even as it stands, it still sucks.

 

[sack]

That definitely does suck, but, as per my reading of the portion provided, how would it effect exsisting B&Ms?

Any retail store that begins operations after the effective dateof this amendatory act may only qualify for an exemption if located in a freestanding structure occupied solely by the business and smoke from the business does not migrate into an enclosed area where smoke is prohibited."

Seems like it would only apply to those poor souls who try to open a B&M after it's passed, and exsisting B&M's would be grandfathered in/protected.

Maybe I'm missing more to this proposed bill, but, even as it stands, it still sucks.

I'm sure existing businesses would be grandfathered in for now, but this tripe has a way of growing stronger and i'm sure will eventually affect them also. IMHO!

 

[Brickhouse]

Carbondale, Illinois just banned all smoking period in all public structures. No smoking at all inside or within 15ft of any structure including bars.

You can't smoke in a bar at a college town? That'll go over like a turd in a punch bowl. My B&M is the only place in the city where you can smoke, and the asshat that runs it doesn't even have a place to sit.

 

[sack]

Carbondale, Illinois just banned all smoking period in all public structures. No smoking at all inside or within 15ft of any structure including bars.

You can't smoke in a bar at a college town? That'll go over like a turd in a punch bowl. My B&M is the only place in the city where you can smoke, and the asshat that runs it doesn't even have a place to sit.

:laugh: That sucks big time!

 

[sonuvabum]

Believe it or not, Texas is considering similar legislation. They are proposing a complete ban on smoking in all places where the public gathers with no exemptions. The bill is poorly written and has no latitude at all. I've written letters my reps but I am not optimistic about the responses I got.

Doesn't look good.

 

[NullSmurf]

Colorado passed one that exempts cigar shops and cigar bars that derive a certain percentage of revenue from tobacco. Bars in general are smoke free. However, there is a move afoot to overturn the bill as unconstitutional on the grounds that cigars and casinos were exempted. I have to agree, but that opens the door to ending smoking in any form. That's the down side of this strategy.

 

[MiamiCubano]

That definitely does suck, but, as per my reading of the portion provided, how would it effect exsisting B&Ms?

Any retail store that begins operations after the effective dateof this amendatory act may only qualify for an exemption if located in a freestanding structure occupied solely by the business and smoke from the business does not migrate into an enclosed area where smoke is prohibited."

Seems like it would only apply to those poor souls who try to open a B&M after it's passed, and exsisting B&M's would be grandfathered in/protected.

Maybe I'm missing more to this proposed bill, but, even as it stands, it still sucks.

I'm sure existing businesses would be grandfathered in for now, but this tripe has a way of growing stronger and i'm sure will eventually affect them also. IMHO!

That's what is truly awful. I was just a bit intrigued by the portion quoted which indicated that the oldest businesses around could be shut down. Sensationalist and, from the bill portion quoted, wholly inaccruate.

But you're right, things such as this start "small" and then snowball. Hope you citizens of IL are successful in lobbying to get it shut down. You need to talk to your representatives, and make them well aware of how their constituency feels.

 

[Matt R]

Blowme's new tax plan is even harder to stomach....

"The governor's office is adamant that the tax targets only major corporations, because it would apply only to businesses that take in $2 million or more in revenues annually. Blagojevich had proposed $6 billion in new taxes, but embraced a version offered by Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) that would raise $7 billion and provide $1 billion in property tax relief."

 

[i8tokyo2]

Blowme's new tax plan is even harder to stomach....

"The governor's office is adamant that the tax targets only major corporations, because it would apply only to businesses that take in $2 million or more in revenues annually. Blagojevich had proposed $6 billion in new taxes, but embraced a version offered by Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) that would raise $7 billion and provide $1 billion in property tax relief."

I thought it was 1 mil not 2 mil and that is not a major bussiness. Chicago is bassed on medium sized bussiness and that is going to drive them right out of illinois

 

[PTownshend]

This sucks SUPREMELY!!!! :angry: As a US citizen who lives not 20 minutes from the Canadian border (Nearest Niagara Falls, Canada) I have the pleasure to at least purchase my ISOM vitolas in that vicinty and, until last year, smoke them there. One such place that I frequent informed a friend and I that with the new Draconian anti-smoking law in effect there (Ontario-Canadian citizens, correct me if I'm wrong) doesn't allow any smoking IN ANY BUILDING (including HIS cigar shop!). Meaning, Sammy (the proprietor) cannot smoke in his own building. Word has it that the powers that be there even want to stop smoking in houses where children reside. OH FER @#(&* SAKE!!!!!

Anyways, just had to rant. This shit is becoming too much to handle and I'm wondering when things will start to fall in favor of the smokers!

Anyone? Bueller??

Pissed off and not wanting to take it anymore,
Darren :angry:

edited to show that I'm not a complete moron in the gramar dept!!

 

[rbbrock]

edited to show that I'm not a complete moron in the gramar dept!!

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Edited to add bolding, and to say that this does indeed suck big, hairy balls. Iowa is moving this direction: local smoking bans were overturned by the Iowa Supreme Court, so the Senate passed a bill allowing local government to regulate smoking.