To the editor:

I just wanted to express an opinion on this smoking ban that has the town in such a hubbub. I’ve been working in this town, off and on, for the past 11 years as a bartender. Every establishment I’ve worked in has allowed smoking. I am myself an ex-smoker. I guess I am one of the employees this Clean Air Lawrence is trying to protect.

In a nutshell, I didn’t ask for their protection. I am well aware of the hazards of smoking and the supposed hazards of secondhand smoke. Smoking is an adult activity and carries with it adult consequences, hence the age restriction and warning labels on tobacco products.

We are free citizens living in a free society. Our health and lifestyle choices should not be made for us. If we’re going to pass a smoking law, pass a law where a mandatory sign is put in the front window of every bar and restaurant stating either, “This is a smoker-friendly establishment” or “Absolutely No Smoking Allowed.” Let the adults of this community decide where and how they are going to relax and dine. It’s the only thing that makes sense to me.

What really angers me about the situation is that these Clean Air Crusaders have rarely, if ever, walked through the doors of many of these establishments they’d be affecting.

So they’ll probably pass this baloney ordinance. And all those uptight about how clean the air in Lawrence is can sit, smug at home knowing that no one is smoking in the establishments they’ve never walked into or spent money in.

Laura Heim,

Lawrence