“Wallowing in cigarette smoke not your thing? There’s also a non-smoking area with its own bar access.”

To expect that the establishment will set up a “smoke-free night” just to pacify a small group of dissenting Deaf patrons is unrealistic. I suspect it will only create undue hardship with the owners, and result in bad feelings from the other patrons, who will likely take it out on the Deaf Community at large.

It goes back to the same thing I said when certain individuals had “gay issues” with the Be-Bar… it’s all about freedom of choice. You don’t want to be around gay people? Don’t show up at the Be-Bar. You don’t want to be around smoking people? Don’t show up at the Sine.

Yes, I understand all the arguments about smoking - I happen to be a non-smoker myself. But having a “very public protest” at the pub isn’t the way to get the message across. Instead, you need to take your concerns to the Northern Virginia local government and address them…express your objections to smoking and ask what they are doing about passing a no-smoking ban in the area.

That’s the way to get results… but please don’t turn DPHH into a platform for your own personal political agenda.

Why don’t the DPHH coordinator request the Sine Irish Pub for the voluntary smoke-free night? Just a night! Smokers really could go outside and lit up their stuff. Those people have no right to pollute the indoor air. We have the right to the non-polluted air while drinking and chatting.

We ought to send the strong message to the Northern Virginia local government to pass the no-smoking legislation. The Arlington County government did consider about banning “smoking” for public places lately, but no actions!

I am sure that we, deaf people would be seen as real contributors to the society at large if we press for the smoke-free night (just one night). Smokers have much leeaway like going out to smoke outdoor just a step outside the pub.

Or we, the non-smokers will have our very public protest regarding the health hazards to our respiratory system at the Sine Irish Pub to shut down the pub. That is the time for us toughen ourselves to get people see our growning concerns about the indoor smoking at public places.

Deaf parents of deaf and hearing youngsters would be very delighted to know that there will be the smoke-free night. Parents could hold their children when they return home or next day without any stench on their clothes.

Robert L. Mason (RLM)

Why only “irishman”? Where’s the woman? Not everyone has a third leg…;-)