City should designate smoking zones 

I would like to voice my opinion on the smoking ban in downtown San Luis Obispo. Let me start by saying that I do smoke. However, I do understand that people want to shop or go to dinner without being bombarded by cigarette smoke. It stinks, I know: I’ve tried quitting a few times because it is a nasty habit.

 I try not to smoke downtown out of respect for my fellow citizens. But I do feel there should be designated areas for people who do smoke. Something will have to be done because just the other day, I saw two cooks from a prominent downtown restaurant taking a smoke break right in the middle of the sidewalk. I won’t say who or where, but I will say it is in the heart of downtown. As an American, I do feel that it is my right to light up whenever I want, but I am not opposed to walking a block or two to a designated area.

I know it is everyone’s right to not be subjected to smoke. I guess I am a gentleman’s smoker. Rooftops would be ideal spots for designated smoking, especially for the pubs and restaurants. The patrons on the street level wouldn’t have to see it or smell it. Even Disneyland has a smoking area.