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Refusing to play at places where smoking is allowed

#123
I think smoking restrictions are going to become more stringent, if recent history is any indication.

In 1998 CA's ban on smoking in restaurants and bars was considered "landmark" It did not take long for other states to start following. Now CA has a law, that you are not allowed to smoke inside a car, if there are minors inside the vehicle. There are also restrictions on smoking in parks and public places. I do not think it will take too long for other states to follow suit


the sad thing is consideration of what prompted these laws. What kind of Fwit parent jumps in an enclosed vehicle, with their children, and lights a cigarette? Obviously that is someone who selfishly cares far more about their habit then they do about their children's health.

Smokers do have rights, but so do non smokers. Non smokers have the right to have dinner or a drink without their senses being assaulted by someone else's bad habit. If the smokers had been more sensitive to the rights of others, their rights to smoke would not have been limited. It is simple cause and effect.
 
#124
jmattbassplaya said:
That's the thing, he won't be playing at all if the only venues in his area allow smoking. And they might not. If that's the case then what I'm saying is completely irrelevant, but if they do then he'll likely see himself either without a band or with one that will never gig out. If he's cool with that then no worries. But if you do want to gig out and most the venues in the area do allow smoking then you're not likely to find yourself in an actively gigging group. You'd just be too much of a hassle to work with - even if you're a good player. Neither one of us is necessarily wrong or right with this. It just depends on the circumstances. The OP did, however, ask if his stance might be an issue and I'm telling him that it definitely can be. I know if he were auditioning for my group, and all the venues in the area allowed smoking, I'd immediately tell him, "Thank you for your time, but you're not the right fit for us" before he even played a note.
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And that is why I said he should be up front about his policy when auditioning. He should actually do so during the vetting process before going to audition. No matter where you are there will be venues where smoke is not an issue. Maybe not smoke free, but I play lots of wineries where the air is fresh and what smoking does go on is far enough from me that it doesn't affect me. Many bands exist solely to play festivals and other outdoor venues. So will it affect his ability to find work? It will preclude him from being considered by some bands, but if he is a solid bassist who sings lead, he will be able to find work anywhere.
I live in a state with no statewide ban, but there are some municipal and a few county wide bans. I think this is about as smoke friendly of a state as you will find. If I were to chose to work only in smoke free or open air venues tomorrow. I would work about half as much as I do now. But I would still be working.
The OP would be wise to check out not only the state laws, but local and county smoking bans to see if there are enough appropriate venues to find occasional work, Then seek like minded individuals in that area.
 
#125
Lee H said:
the sad thing is consideration of what prompted these laws. What kind of Fwit parent jumps in an enclosed vehicle, with their children, and lights a cigarette? Obviously that is someone who selfishly cares far more about their habit then they do about their children's health.
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There's another smoking thread in the Off topic section. There are people in that thread (who have also chimed in here) who would defend that Fwit parent's rights to do just that. One even (half) jokingly challenged my description of a car as an "enclosed space", citing OSHA's definition.
 
#128
Playing in smoking bars is a choice, you do it or you don't....how you justify it is a different matter. Health wise....as has been said there are more dangerous things to your health all around you.

But in the immediate, and I am a smoker, there is the smell.
Funny enough I play Brussels a lot. Yes the place that makes a lot of EU laws, and funny enough smoking is allowed there.

What it is is the smell gets in your cloths, your hair. You did not notice it before the smoking bans, but once you have had it out of your playing life, when you go back to it it is very very noticeable. I first noticed it a few years back.
After a hot sweaty night, a quick clean up and back to my hotel, as I lay in bed the smell was there. In the end I got up and had a shower because I could smell it in my hair.......I even had to put my stage cloths in the bathroom and close the door because the smell was in them. Even the next day I could smell that suit in the back of the van where it hung. I now travel with a small bottle of peppermint essence, which i rub into the lining of the garment back to nullify such smells for smoking venues I end up playing in this world.

But not play them.....well no, smoke is just another thing to rise above and play, after all we are there to do a job, and if it is an issue, some stage fans will soon blow it away.
 
#131
gigslut said:
There's another smoking thread in the Off topic section. There are people in that thread (who have also chimed in here) who would defend that Fwit parent's rights to do just that.
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so who gets to defend the children's rights to health? Obviously the parents have their heads too far up their rectums to defend their children rights, and the children cannot defend themselves....

Bottom line...smoking is an addiction. The addict will always try to further their own habit, often at the expense of others...


I admit. I smoked when I was in high school. In college I decided that I really didn't like the habit, and I was wasting my money on something I didn't like. I have not had a cigarette since. Instead of drugs, alcohol or cigarettes, I have harleys, classic cars, and a nice home. My child benefits from my decisions, while the smoker's child suffers... These kinds of choices are what being a parent is about
 
#132
Floyd Eye said:
Nice. Was there a reason you had to be a prick?

I'm pretty sure I am not the only BL who would NEVER hire a musician who refused to play in venues that allowed smoking. ;)
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Was there a reason you needed to be a prick to the OP? This ain't a guitarist forum where everyone can dish it but can't take it. :cool:

I'm not even trying to be tough. If you're legitimately offended by my response, perhaps you shouldn't say such things in the first place. ;) Really, I don't give a hoot, but I'm entertained how musicians behave sometimes. Typical musician attitudes wouldn't fly at my job. :hmm:
 
#133
Lee H said:
so who gets to defend the children's rights to health? Obviously the parents have their heads too far up their rectums to defend their children rights, and the children cannot defend themselves....

Bottom line...smoking is an addiction. The addict will always try to further their own habit, often at the expense of others...
Click to expand...


And the response (not mine) to that was that the children have the right to walk (rather than ride in a car with a smoking parent) ... :eyebrow:

no kidding
 
#134
spade2you said:
Was there a reason you needed to be a prick to the OP? This ain't a guitarist forum where everyone can dish it but can't take it. :cool:

I'm not even trying to be tough. If you're legitimately offended by my response, perhaps you shouldn't say such things in the first place. ;) Really, I don't give a hoot, but I'm entertained how musicians behave sometimes. Typical musician attitudes wouldn't fly at my job. :hmm:
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How was I being a prick? I stated the obvious. If not being around smoking/smokers is more important than gigging then he has no worries. Again with the obvious, not too many bands are going to be interested in a bass player who refuses to play ANY type of venue, much less any smoking venue. That is unless the guy is Les Claypool or something.

As far as being offended, I am not. My skin is thick and I assure you my response was intentionally short and light. I have been banned from here many times, but I ain't going to be banned over this. ;)
 
#137
To the OP-
I would be up front about your issue with any prospective employer. If I was that employer I'd inform you that I would be getting a sub to play in your place at gigs where smoking is allowed.

You didn't mention having asthma or any medical condition.
I just have to ask- couldn't you just bring a fan to the gig?
:hmm:
 

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