THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 7, 1995 TAG: 9504070010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
In response to ``Lighten up on smokers'' (letter, April 3), I believe anyone has the right to choose to smoke. He does not, however, have the right to pollute the air in public buildings with his cigarette smoke.
I have no problems with smokers who are considerate to nonsmokers; but inconsiderate smokers make life difficult for everyone, smokers included.
The letter writer's claim that restaurants and malls are losing out economically from nonsmoking policies is ludicrous. His numbers were derived from a survey of adult smokers. I'll bet there are just as many, if not more, of us nonsmokers who dine out or shop more frequently now that it is easier for us to find places where smoking is not allowed.
I have three 20-month-old sons who were born prematurely. They each have varying degrees of lung problems. I should be able to take my boys to public buildings without having to worry about smokers' ``rights.''
I'm sure many others have health problems that are worsened or triggered by cigarette smoke. We should all be able to dine out, shop, etc., without worrying that smokers ``rights'' will force us to leave because of health risks.
DEBORAH SOBOTTA
Virginia Beach, April 3, 1995 by CNB