Sterling Stage
Begging Black to Reconsider
RECEIVED Tue., Jan. 26, 2010
Dear Editor,
I am writing to beg you to reconsider your influential opinion on the smoking ban [“Page Two,” Jan. 15]. I have been working, off and on, in nightclubs for 20 years, and the difference between a smoking club and nonsmoking club is literally night and day. To try and repeal this would be like taking away the 40-hour work week or removing safety standards from the mining industry. A true step backward.
It's very simple: When other people drink, I don't get drunk, but when other people smoke cigarettes, I am smoking, too. I quit 15 years ago; it was very hard, but I stuck with it and I finally prevailed. Why should I still be at risk of getting lung cancer just because of the way I make my living?
As far as the clubs not doing well, it's a recession, that's what happens. People aren't going out 'cause they're broke! Not because they have to go outside to smoke. To attach the two is complete nonsense. As I said, I beg you to reconsider.
I am writing to beg you to reconsider your influential opinion on the smoking ban [“Page Two,” Jan. 15]. I have been working, off and on, in nightclubs for 20 years, and the difference between a smoking club and nonsmoking club is literally night and day. To try and repeal this would be like taking away the 40-hour work week or removing safety standards from the mining industry. A true step backward.
It's very simple: When other people drink, I don't get drunk, but when other people smoke cigarettes, I am smoking, too. I quit 15 years ago; it was very hard, but I stuck with it and I finally prevailed. Why should I still be at risk of getting lung cancer just because of the way I make my living?
As far as the clubs not doing well, it's a recession, that's what happens. People aren't going out 'cause they're broke! Not because they have to go outside to smoke. To attach the two is complete nonsense. As I said, I beg you to reconsider.
Thank you,
Gary Lindsey
Gary Lindsey
[Louis Black responds: Relax, Gary. The editorial said nothing about a repeal, and I can safely assure you that calling my influence even "very limited" would still be an exaggeration.]