Times Colonist

Victoria, B.C. - 26 March 1999

VOICES (letters to the editor)

'Smoke-easys' will be next

In the early days of this century, there was a group who called themselves the Temperance Society. They were against the drinking of alcoholic beverages. This group lobbied the government of the United States and in the 1920s were able to get passed the Articles of Prohibition.

One small result of this was the springing up of underground "speakeasys" where illegal liquor was consumed. Government agents raided these and other illicit establishments. The criminal element began to run rampant.

Now, after most of the people have forgotten these facts, the anti-smoking groups are having a field day and have many non-smoking bylaws passed. The opposition is, as it was then, vigorous.

Can it be far in the future that we will see the rise of "smoke-easys"? Law abiding owners becoming criminals due in part to their wish to give their customers their habitual needs or wishes?

The politicians must begin to realize that they cannot regulate human nature and should not be swayed by pressure groups.

W. M. Browne, Duncan, B.C.

No Complaints

Re: Elizabeth Cull's letter :Two-way street," March 12

I am a non-smoker, too, but I am not about to pollute Victoria, the air and vegetation from here to halfway up the Island and back with my car and then complain about having smelled traces of smoking in a restaurant along the route.

Mickey Stevens, Victoria, B.C.