Smoking bylaw opponents get together

Victoria, B.C., November 1998

The Victoria Age of Majority Business Coalition is comprised of owners of bars, bingo parlors and casinos, as well as residents of senior citizens' homes; they've joined forces to try to defeat a bylaw that will ban smoking in all their premises as of January 01st. I wonder how many of those seniors are war veterans who put their lives on the line for freedom? They're probably wondering why we bother with Remembrance Day as they are about to lose the very basic freedom of smoking in their own homes. The perpetuation of the 2ndhand smoke fraud continues - staff in the seniors' homes must be protected from the hazards even while being confronted on a daily basis with the longevity of primary smokers.

After January 01st 1999, cars and private residences will be the only places where smoking is allowed indoors in the Capital Regional District. That part of Vancouver Island will be an excellent place to cross of your list as a tourist destination if this affront to civil liberty goes through.

A survey of bar, pub and cabaret owners found that most believe the new law will result in millions of dollars in lost business, and substantial reduction in employment in the industry. They sure got that one right.

The Food & Restaurant Association is 'cautiously' supporting the bylaw because they think it will provide a 'level playing field'. So sorry FRA, this Coalition represents areas of ADULT entertainment - no kids allowed. The Coalition is asking for a lifting of the ban in places restricted to patrons over the age of 19. If you operate a business that caters to people who include children in their outings, you play by different rules.

Gee, it must be tough visiting with the kids a great-grandpa or grandma who continues to puff away at 90+ years of age. How do you explain the garbage the anti-smoking types continue to pump out? Solution? Toss that venerable senior out into the dead of winter to indulge in their filthy habit; chances are pneumonia will finish them off, scoring another one for a "premature, smoking-related death". The statistics must be served.

The Coalition is trying to raise $200,000 for a campaign war chest. Smokers in each pub are being asked to donate the cost of one package of cigarettes in support of their effort.

Good luck Victoria Age of Majority Business Coalition with your demand to the "right to carry on business selling and facilitating the use of legal products", and your attempt to uphold the freedom of choice for all Canadians.

It's to be hoped that next November 11th won't be a Day of Remembrance of Freedoms Lost.