The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Dear Editor: To Whom It May Concern And This Should Concern Everyone: This letter is pertaining to the anti-smoke laws happening in this so-called free country. Firstly, I am an ex-smoker who works in a local pub. I must also state that I am for the smoking restrictions in restaurants. I have never, even when I myself smoked, appreciated people smoking while others were eating. But restaurants that supply separate and well-vented smoking areas are fine. People must have the right to choose! Secondly, the reports state that one of the reasons for the smoking ban is the influence it has on the youth of our country. Why, for heaven's sake, are the bars, pubs, and lounges being attacked? There are no 'impressionable youths' in these places. But the bottom line is where do we live anyway? Are we in Canada? Or are we back in 'old Russia'? Where are our rights to smoke or not to smoke? As far as I am concerned, any drinking establishment should be left alone. It is a smoking environment. If you don't like smoke, stay away from the bar. That is the bottom line. I no longer smoke, but I will march, debate or fight for the right to have a cigarette should I or any other free Canadian chose to. Thanks for the space. Sincerely Yours, Tammy Boiteau
