Readers share their thoughts on state's smoking ban

It's been four months since the state banned smoking in public places. So, we asked how the ban has affected you. Have you noticed a difference in your behavior or that of those around you?

We got a wide variety of responses, here is just a sample:

"I am a smoker, but I have to say it's nice to go to a bar and not stink when I go home. I really don't mind stepping outside to smoke. I do think it's a little excessive to make me stand 25 feet from a doorway. As an employee of a company downtown Seattle, it's difficult to find a spot that doesn't violate that part of the law."

— Aaron S., Seattle

"I'm a non-smoker and I think the ban is silly. I can see family establishments; bowling alleys, restaurants, but bars where you need to be an adult to be there is like treating us all like children."

— Tina, Kent, WA

"Folks, I live in Ireland now (used to live in Seattle) where the smoking ban was brought in a couple of years ago. There was a lot of discussion about it and now two years on there is huge support for it. As for bars that have experienced a drop in business — well they have adapted, offered better food, better environments, and have had to compete for business — a good thing for everyone. There is no question — it is worth it!"

— A McKenna, Dublin, Ireland

"If this ban helps ONE person quit smoking, it's worth it. I believe that more and more people will start coming out to the clubs once things die down. It's much more pleasant now."

— Anne B, Seattle

"I have been a nonsmoker for 6 years but it was my CHOICE to quit, not a state mandate. I am sick of the social engineering in our state."

— Lee Wallot, Snohomish, WA

"I was confused by the description on the ballot when I voted for this law. I believe the law goes too far, cutting into personal choice and freedom. I have been a non smoker for 11 years."

— Sharon Kohrdt, Port Townsend, WA

"Initially, I was opposed to it, even though I am a non-smoker. I often go out in Seattle on the weekends, and I have noticed that my chronic asthma has felt much, much better since the ban."

— Greg K., Seattle

"I used to dine in restaurants with great frequency. My tip money probably funded a few college educations. Since the smoking ban I don't dine out at all. It's a shame that Washington could not allow restaurant owners to self-decide on the issue of smoking. What's next, prohibition? Will Washington decide to ban red meat in restaurants?"

— Crystal Hayes, Lynnwood, WA

"To smoke is not a right. To breathe half way decent air is."

— Tony Millhouse, Federal Way, WA

"Now that THE PEOPLE have spoken in order to preserve a healthier union, when will obesity be banned? Surely those hapless, waist-challenged individuals should be saved, too. Is it not in the best of interest of THE PEOPLE to legislate all behavior?"

— Les Gaud, Seattle

"The state has no business telling business owners what to do. If smoke bothers you go some where else. I do not smoke but if someone else wants to I don't care. Require good ventilation but that is good enough. Keep the government out of private business."

— Jim Snider, Leavenworth, WA

"The ban is great for restaurant workers. However, the 25 foot rule is rather lame because it's not being enforced at all."

— Matthew Lankford, Seattle

"I haven't gone out any more then before the smoking ban. As an avid non-smoker I think the ban is stupid, most of the places I like to go where smoke free. However I think smokers tend to go out more to bars and we should not be limiting their rights, or ruining businesses in our community. If people want to smoke let them."

— Jason O., Silverdale, WA

"Some type of ban is good for the health of society. Washington's ban is too extreme. I feel the ban is an infringement on our rights. I would like to be able to visit a cigar bar and have a scotch and a stogey and the fact that that is illegal is incredible to me."

— Zach Lohrer, Seattle

"I'm so glad that the government can set public behavior policies. I can't wait until we allow them to tell us what to think also."

— Mo Gaud, Coupeville, WA

"I think it is one of the more important social changes in our state's history. Finally, something right comes out of a people's initiative. All the talk of it being too much government in our private lives is malarkey. Especially from those folks who didn't go out and vote. An initiative is by the people, not the government. I've been to a couple of places for a beer or a meal that I haven't been to in over 10 years. If it wasn't for I-901 I still would not be visiting those proverbial smoked out taverns and pubs."

— Trevor L. Johnson, Snohomish

"My smoking habit has not changed. My eating out and visiting taverns or bars has dramatically. Not that I did not frequent non-smoking restaurants, it was 50/50. Now I have cut my spending by more than 50%. Taverns and bars should have been left alone. The trend for restaurants has been non-smoking for some time and everyday more were joining the trend. We should have a law more down the lines of Oregon's, by the way reminds me I am frequenting more establishments on the Oregon side. This is a plus, I save TAX money!"

— Greg Gruber, Vancouver, WA

"I was in a casino this weekend and I had forgotten how terrible breathing the smoke is. I left. I support the smoking ban."

— Skip Mussen, Wenatchee, WA

"This law has hurt more than helped. 2nd hand smoke hasn't killed 1 person. It's all a lie."

— Steve, Olympia

"It has been wonderful for me! And, the positive health impact will be great."

— Lorena, Quilcene, WA

"I think the ban is great! It's so nice to go out and not finish the night smelling like smoke. A night out used to cost more because of the dry cleaning cost of getting the smoke smell out of my good evening clothes."

— Suzanne, Seattle