Smoking Policy at Future TSGA Shows

Louie Hallford · From: denison tx

Because of strong feeling on both sides of the public smoking issue, having to address the Smoking Policy for TSGA shows and meetings, has not been the favorite job of the TSGA board and membership.

Realizing the necessity to do so,however, this matter was again addressed at the August,2002 monthly meeting of the TSGA.

Needless to say there was some heated discussion, after which the matter was voted on. By a large majority it was decided that future TSGA shows would be a non smoking event in the auditorium and in the vendor display areas.

Additional discussion was held regarding whether we should enforce this decision on vendors who were renting booths with private demo rooms.

Again the consesus was, that since these rooms were still an area that attendees were buying tickets to visit, that vendors would be asked to honor this policy in any room that is a part of their TSGA package.

The lounge area of the hotel on the first floor is the only public section of the show level floor, where we know for sure at this time, that smoking is allowed by the hotel.

We will check further on this and make any other information available for the conveiniece of our smoking attendees.

Some of us whether smokers or non smokers have life long friends who have opposite opinions on these and similar issues, we pray that our differences do not seperate us from enjoying one of the great loves of our lives, Steel Guitar. We hope to see all of you March 6,7,8,9, 2003 at the DFW Harvey House.

[This message was edited by louie hallford on 24 September 2002 at 02:57 PM.]

Bob Knight · From: Bowling Green KY

The Dallas Show was the best of all Steel Shows.

I and several others that have contacted me will no longer attend.

[This message was edited by Bob Knight on 24 September 2002 at 02:07 PM.]

Sonny Jenkins · From: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

I, as well as many people I've talked to (as reflected by the majority vote) are very pleased it went this way. A lot of us tolerated the odor of dirty ash trays and the burning eyes for a long time for the sake of enjoying the best of all PSG shows. Maybe the other side can refrain from the infringement of other people's air qualty for awhile,,,,or maybe they'll just "pick up their toys a go home". Whatever,,,,,

Ray Jenkins · From: Gold Canyon Az. U.S.A.

First of all,I am a smoker and so is my wife.Just recently we replaced our carpet with tile in our house.When I moved the furniture out and saw the difference in the unexposed areas vs. exposed areas and I went into total shock.I couldn't believe the damage smoke can do over a period of time.I right then decided I would never smoke inside of my house or anybody elses for that matter.I do still smoke in the allowed smoking areas of the Am.Legion,V.F.W. ect.I can well understand the feelings of non-smokers and used too be smokers.We put them in an enviroment that really does make them uneasy.Let's show respect for thier feelings.
The Jam were putting on this Sat is non-smoking and no one is upset about it.Go to a smoking area to smoke,you might meet a new friend,you already have something in common with them.Don't give up on the conventions for that reason.Pretty soon it will be a law anyway.Let it be that we all enjoy life.
Ray

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Steeling is still legal in Arizona

[This message was edited by Ray Jenkins on 25 September 2002 at 05:42 AM.]

Randy Pettit · From: North Texas USA

I'll do my part in making up for the "lost patronage" by bringing my wife and kids to the 2003 show... for the first time.

Bob Knight · From: Bowling Green KY

Joey Ace · From: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

I support the TSGA vote.

I hope to attend.

Steve Stallings · From: Houston/Cypress, Texas

I will be there as well..... and this time I can bring my wife and son!

Kudos to the TSGA. I'm certain that this was a difficult issue for several folks.

I have several friends who are smokers and steel players. I understand their perspective, as I was a smoker until about seven years ago. I really am hopeful that they will understand that this is not about control, but about health.... mine and theirs. Well done TSGA!

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Steve Stallings
Bremond, Texas

Bob Strum · From: Anniston Alabama

Thank you, thank you Louie! See you there, Bob

Mike Weirauch · From: Harrisburg, Illinois**The Hub of the Universe

I'm a smoker so my opinion is bias but is there not a happy medium that can be met? I have never attended the Dallas show but had made plans to attend next year but those plans have changed. I know it is not politically correct to smoke in this yuppy controlled world today but there are still those who do. What about those of you who play in smoke filled bars? Do you pass up a gig because smoking is allowed or do you go and do your job? To not even have a designated area to smoke like they have in St. Louis makes me think that the next thing to go will be the alcohol. I'm not much of a drinker but I do not mind someone else doing it if that is what he or she wishes to do. Is this event going to be held at the Harvey Hotel or Benny Hinn's Tabernacle? The rules are strikingly similar.

Johnny Cox · Posted 24 Sep 2002 3:53 pm

I must agree with the decision of TSGA. I don't smoke and do not want to be around it. Yes there are gigs where I have no choice but tolerate smoke I still don't like it. Even at St. Louis I refraim from visiting the smoking side of the room. If folks need to smoke, just go outside. Thanks TSGA, I sincerly hope that all shows will adopt this policy. And I feel that for every smoker you lose you will gain a non smoker and most likley their family in their place.

Johnny

Bill Simmons · From: Keller, Texas/Birmingham, AL, R.I.P.

Thanks Louie and Steve for bringing this to everyone's attention. Non-smoking in the immediate areas related to the convention is an excellent policy. There are plenty of other areas where one can take a few minutes and smoke all they want without bothering the vast majority of non-smokers attending the show. The smokers who understand this policy are to be commended.

There were about another 6-7 players I've talked to who totally agree about the non-smoking policy who I haven't seen post on this subject. See you in March!

Herb Steiner · From: Spicewood TX 78669

I'm gonna say something that is gonna be REALLY unpopular with some friends of mine, however I want people to know that I'm not trying to be sarcastic or demeaning.

This is not about a control issue, it's about a health issue that's on the minds of a lot of people. Most people who smoke acknowledge that the practice is unhealthy for those who participate. The environment created by smokers does affect those around them. I would think that a responsible person would not want to create a danger for those nearby regardless of what the action was, just as a courtesy.

I'll make an analogy that maybe will fit: If there was a person behind you or next to you shivering, coughing, and sneezing... obviously very ill... would you not feel it was his responsibility not to expose you to potential illness? Wouldn't you want to say, "hey man, stop infecting the audience and get to bed, see a doctor, whatever. Just stop sneezing and coughing on me."?

But there's something else going on, frankly. And here's where I'm gonna step on some toes. Bob Knight, whom I like very much as a friend and who has my respect, brought up control. I'm not singling Bob out here, I'm addressing all of those upset by the TSGA decision.

If you're addicted to nicotine in the form of tobacco smoke, dude, you are a drug addict. I've been in the music business for all my life and I know about drug addicts. Their lives are directed by how to acquire and use their substance of choice. If you make a decision to not attend an event, one you acknowledge as being a wonderful experience, because you won't be able to satisfy your addiction whenever and wherever you want, that substance is what has control over you, not the TSGA.

I think Dumplin' is right when he says that more people will come to the show when the TSGA institutes the policy. Most smokers will simply go outside to the bar or the parking lot, get their fix, and come back in and enjoy the show. And there will be more non-smokers that will be attracted to the event because of a cleaner atmosphere.

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

Al Marcus · From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)

Herb- A very intelligent post. Thanks...al

autry andress · From: Plano, Tx.

The TSGA keeps getting better & the crowds
are larger each year I Think. (Not sure what the total was), but with the large crowds
It's time for a change & I support the Non-Smoking Policy. I will be there to support the players & the love of the Steel Guitar.
Thank you Louie Hallford for taking the roll
of President. Many Thanks to Wayne Smith past
President Great Job.

patrick donovan · From: orange, texas, usa

Perhaps a new Association of Texas Steel Players is in order. I for one would support it. I intend to continue to smoke my pipe, if the "Smoke Nazi's" don't like it...Well Don't let the doorknob hit you in the butt on your way out the door! I will no longer support the TSGA in any fashion.

The only thing worse than a reformed smoker is a reformed drunk. You guys had your livers checked lately...your so concerned about health, perhaps you should.

Patrick

Rex Thomas · From: Thompson's Station, TN

Hope to see you there.
I wanted to give a special thanx on the Forum to Louie Hallford who has been GREAT with the follow-up e-mails in helping me with plans to come to DFW. That works for me. I sure appreciate the extra effort, Louie!!

Janice Brooks · From: Pleasant Gap Pa

Kenny Davis · From: Great State of Oklahoma

Herb's right. I'm a little "torn" on the issue since I worked for a tobacco company in the '80's. I've been pretty close to the "smokers rights" issues. I don't smoke, and never have, but I believe in the Bill of Rights - It protects non smokers as well as smokers.

I've played in clubs for a good part of 25 years, and accepted the smoke as a work hazard. In the last few years, the ventilation systems have either gotten better, or clubs have paid more attention to the smoke issues. Now, I really don't notice the smoke stink until I get home. I believe the problem with the Harvey is the lack of air filtration, along with the lack of respect for the "No Smoking" area at the back of the room. For me, I don't mind getting stinky if I'm getting paid for it, but I don't care too much for spending $300 -$400 to be miserable that weekend. As far as "control", the TSGA already dictates what color of dot we get on our badge!

Bill Moore · From: Manchester, Michigan

Considering the average age of forum members, one would think that most of us have personal experience with the health problems caused by smoking. I'm a non-smoker, here's some of the reasons, I watched my father die at the age of 59 from emphysema. I can remember his face turning a deep shade purple as he gasped for oxygen. A good friend's mother had most of her lower jaw removed, mouth cancer, she lived about another year, with half a face. A co-worker of mine had his larynx removed, now he carries a little amplifier to hold next to his throat, to communicate. He smoked right up to the day he went in for surgery. Smoking caused these problems. I cringe every time I see a young person buy a pack of cigarettes. Smokers, like most addicts, pretend that somehow they are different, someone else will have problems, not themselves..

I've never been to the Texas show, but I can't help but think that it will better for everyone if it is non-smoking.

Charles Tilley · Posted 25 Sep 2002 5:24 am

It is hard to understand why someone decides to give up a great event over something like this. I honestly feel that most everyone who smokes would like to be free from the habit and expense. As time goes on, the smokers will be in the minority. It's not too much to ask someone to take a cigarette to a smoking area or a hacking cough to the back of the room if it is irritating someone else.

I agree with the non-smoking decision and also agree with those who smoke as it being their right to do so-------- just respect those that you are affecting in an undesiarble way. You would'nt intentionally cough in someone's face with the flu would you?

The Rose City Steel Guitar Convention in Tyler will be smoke free and we want everyone to attend that wants to. We wouldn't want this to be an issue that causes someone to not attend but there is the majority that deserves our attention.

I will be in Dallas in March and l won't smoke in any area that is non-smoking.

Bobby, l do respect you and your decision even though l don't agree with you on this.

Charles Tilley
Rose City SGA

[This message was edited by Charles Tilley on 25 September 2002 at 06:26 AM.]

john buffington · From: Owasso OK - USA

Congratulations to the TSGA for going smoke free!!!!!
As a former smoker (13 years) I totally agree it is an addiction. I was delivered from it with God's help, and agree 100% it is offensive to non-users. The TSGA will survive with no problem as a result from their decision. We at the Okla Steel Guitar Association have been smoke free for the last 9 years and have been complimented of the fact of being smoke free. TSGA, not to worry you'll do fine as always.
John Buffington VP OSGA

Bob Hoffnar · From: Austin, Tx

With all the very real issues of control going on in our culture (like banks having access to health records, random searches, HMO accountants deciding if somebody is worth keeping alive, irs ... and on and on ) fighting for the right to smoke in confined public areas seems like fighting for the right to crap in a bucket whenever you want.

this just came in:

Larry R · From: Navasota, Tx.

Thank you Louie and TSGA. I can now bring more freinds and family to the show without complaint.

Greg Simmons · From: where the buffalo (used to) roam AND the Mojave

I'm still waiting for the no-peeing section designation in the swimming pool...

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Greg Simmons
Custodian of the Official Sho~Bud Pedal Steel Guitar Website
shobud.cjb.net

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