To the editor:

Speaking out about the proposed smoking ban for bars and restaurants in Lawrence is an especially important topic for me. As a bar and restaurant manager, I know how smoky the places can get, especially late at night. I do worry for my own safety and for the safety of my employees.

However, this is the career path that I have chosen, gone to school for and love doing. I believe that people choose their career paths as well as the little jobs along the way. I believe that if people did not wish to work in a smoky bar, then they wouldn’t have applied there. Only in a communist state are people forced to work in a place that they don’t want to.

Even in a restaurant with a separate smoking section and good ventilation, an employee can merely request not to work in the smoking section, and I guarantee that every manager and owner will make that happen because it is such a menial request. So, to me, the excuse for further pushing the issue based solely on employee rights is ridiculous. If you don’t like your job, quit!

Furthermore, what will become of the establishments that allow and encourage cigar smoking? This is a growing trend all over the nation, and eliminating the customer base of these establishments will be detrimental not only to the actual establishment itself, but for the upkeep and trend growth of the Midwest way of life, which is five to 10 years behind New York and Los Angeles.

Finally, there are plenty of places to go to get a drink or a bite to eat that are already completely smoke-free. As mentioned in previous newspaper articles, the Bella Lounge and Marisco’s and virtually all fast-food establishments in town are completely smoke-free. People that are so gung-ho about the condition of their air can easily utilize these places or call in an order to be carried out from some other place or have something delivered or cook at home or drink at home in their own smoke-free domicile.

Kendall S. Owen,

Lawrence