No Smoking at Six Flags

[Danhockey04]

Wow. People these days. Seriously, do you go to an amusement park to go smoke or enjoy the rides? I really dont care what you people who smoke think, I would rather enjoy my days at the park in a smoke free enviroment not having to worry about people smoking in front of me and not caring where the hell they blow their smoke. If you cant go to a specific area, then just quit smoking, cause when you smoke, you ruin other guests enjoyment, especially when you do it right in front of them. Seriously, this move may actually be a positive to draw in families and not worry about their kids being around people that are going to light up and blow smoke into their faces, it is more family friendly.

[Trailblazer Tony]

While I don't necessarily agree with this, Six Flags is a private buisness and they can decide to go smoking or nonsmoking. Yes, smoke in the lines bothered me, but otherwise it wasn't a big deal. Someone smoking infront of you? Just walk to the left or right 3 feet. Very rarely were you ever put into a harmful (smoke filled) area at six flags, most of the time it was complaints about smokers in line (already hot and cramped - don't need to add smoke) or the smell of the smoke.

But like I said above, Six Flags is a buisness and they can do that. However I don't expect people to really obide by that. I still expect to see just as many people smoking in lines and smoking on the paths.

I'm with you on this one. As most of you know, I hate the idea of allowing smoking in public areas, but since Six Flags is outdoors, as long as it isn't in a line, the smoke just "floats away" so I don't see the big deal. However, like you said, it is Six Flags' decision, if anyone doesn't like it, they don't have to go...shorter waits for me!

[twixmix0303]

Unfortunately, when it blows away, it does so like the exhaust in your car, you can still see, smell, taste, and breathe it.

This is disgusting. I'm comparing what some people breathe in everyday and enjoy it to the exhaust from your car.

[Mr. D.T.]

I had dreamed this would come about for years and now my wish is finally granted. That means less attitude adjustments and clogged arteries in line for coasters or slides.

[RedOne3781]

Let me start off by saying that I am a smoker. A pack a day smoker.
However, I agree with this new rule 100%. I even agree with the new non smoking ban the city of Chicago just put into effect.
It is a simple common courtesy that is being applied to accompany those who do not wish to deal with the issues that second hand smoke can cause.
Even if you ignore the proven aliments that second hand smoke causes, you still have to take into consideration the other health issues some people deal with.
Why should someone with any sort of breathing issue be forced to inhale something that will hinder their breathing even more?
And for the other smokers who are complaining about this, I just want to point out a few things.
1. Disney World adapted the same rules a few years back. I have been there several times since the rules were put into place. And let me tell you, smoking sections are all over the place. They are not hard to find, and they are hardly ever off the beaten path, or tucked away in some hidden corner. I am going to assume that Six Flags will be the same way. I can already picture in my head a few places I bet they put the smoking sections (the area between Triple Play and the Hometown Fun Machine for example).
2. This new rule just states that you have to smoke in certain locations only. It could be worse, they COULD claim that it is a family environment and ban smoking all together.
It's really not that big of a deal. If you are so addicted to smoking that you can't go one day without it, that's your problem. I know that sounds kind of harsh, but it is the truth. The parks are making you smoke in designated locations. It's not like they are taking away any of your rights or anything.
Sorry, this is a subject I have strong feelings about. Just wanted to put in my $.02

[twixmix0303]

I don't think in front of the train station would be a likely spot for smoking.

[Carlo]

Many parks have banned smoking. Paramount, Disney, Universal, Bush, Sea World, Holiday World. It was just a matter of time before Six Flags would follow suite. I expect Cedar Fair to make this policy in the near future.

[Trailblazer Tony]

^As someone mentioned earlier, Dollywood too.

[Mr. SFGAm]

It's really not that big of a deal. If you are so addicted to smoking that you can't go one day without it, that's your problem. I know that sounds kind of harsh, but it is the truth. The parks are making you smoke in designated locations. It's not like they are taking away any of your rights or anything.

I agree with you 100%!

If it's that much of a chore to walk however many extra feet to one of the smoking areas, then maybe you should just stay home.

And who knows, maybe this rule will actually be enforced and we will no longer have to breathe the 2nd hand smoke, or stare at all of the cigarette butts on the midways or along the ride lines.

[SIC COASTER]

Don't worry me and Mike enforce this rule pretty damn good I think.

[Mr. D.T.]

Let me start off by saying that I am a smoker. A pack a day smoker.
However, I agree with this new rule 100%. I even agree with the new non smoking ban the city of Chicago just put into effect.
It is a simple common courtesy that is being applied to accompany those who do not wish to deal with the issues that second hand smoke can cause.
Even if you ignore the proven aliments that second hand smoke causes, you still have to take into consideration the other health issues some people deal with.
Why should someone with any sort of breathing issue be forced to inhale something that will hinder their breathing even more?
And for the other smokers who are complaining about this, I just want to point out a few things.
1. Disney World adapted the same rules a few years back. I have been there several times since the rules were put into place. And let me tell you, smoking sections are all over the place. They are not hard to find, and they are hardly ever off the beaten path, or tucked away in some hidden corner. I am going to assume that Six Flags will be the same way. I can already picture in my head a few places I bet they put the smoking sections (the area between Triple Play and the Hometown Fun Machine for example).
2. This new rule just states that you have to smoke in certain locations only. It could be worse, they COULD claim that it is a family environment and ban smoking all together.
It's really not that big of a deal. If you are so addicted to smoking that you can't go one day without it, that's your problem. I know that sounds kind of harsh, but it is the truth. The parks are making you smoke in designated locations. It's not like they are taking away any of your rights or anything.
Sorry, this is a subject I have strong feelings about. Just wanted to put in my $.02

It's nice to find a smoker who agrees with me. I'm not, and thank goodness. I absolutely LOATHE second-hand smoke and I don't want to inherit the consequences because someone doesn't care. I know you care and I appreciate it. A lot of others aren't gonna be very happy with this new rule but that's their problem. If they're not on our side, oh well.

[Rusty888]

I don't mind smoker unless I'm in line (especially with Batman) but business wise I think this is a smart move. I think that this will improve the "family quality" of the park.

[Galvan]

Don't worry me and Mike enforce this rule pretty damn good I think.

Aint that the truth!

[FreghtFestFreak3]

I personally an happy this is out into effect. I'm 100% against smoking for many reasons. See, whenever I inhale secondhand smoke (though never on purpose), my airway starts to constrict. It may not be that bad but enough of it and I need my inhaler (thought I don't have asthma, it's something to do with allergies). Also, my mom is at high risk for mouth cancer from upteen years of smoking and it rather scares me. Finally, I belong to my high school's SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) organization. We sponsor red ribon week and such. This, in my opinion is one of the best things Six Flags can do. I support this decision fully. *claps for Six Flags*

[DejaVuGurl1203]

Good move Six Flags.

[TooTired]

Okay, I don't post here much, I just sort of lurk to see what news there is. Anyway, I'm going to post my opinion on the matter.

I am a smoker. I've never smoked in line, and if the park isn't too crowded, I will smoke while walking from ride to ride or even while relaxing. I consider myself to be a very courteous smoker. I know that there are certain friends I can not smoke near, and I avoid them when I am smoking. I usually give myself a fifteen foot buffer zone. And I rarely smoke around my girlfriend because although she won't admit it, I know she doesn't like it.

I feel the actions I take as a smoker are adequate. I will not let this rule hinder my activity. I will smoke where I please if I feel it is not bothering anybody (Within reason). If someone is upset at the smell of smoke, tough. I'm upset with a lot of odors I encounter throughout my day. If I am smoking outside, secondhand smoke is not going to pose much (if any) of a health risk.

That being said, I will smoke in the park next season. If a security guard asks me to stop, I will. But that doesn't mean I won't light up again five minutes later. If they kick me out, oh well, I have a season pass for a reason.

[Binks Drake]

They can still revoke your season pass...

[Galvan]

Too Tired,
I completely agree with you about the second hand smoke. People complaining about secondhand smoke outside is as assinine as complaining about snowfalling in Chicago. But, the whole "if a security guard asks me to stop, i will and then light up 5 minutes later thing" Thats something that i really didnt like.

Everyone else,
Honestly, is it really that much of a big deal that smokers have to be in a specific area to smoke? People have to be in a specific area to use the restroom, or eat dinner etc etc. Is it really that much of a stretch to stand in a particular spot and smoke?

[TooTired]

They can revoke my season pass, but how do they know I have a season pass? Once people are in the park how do you tell the difference between the season pass holders and non-season pass holders.

And Galvan, I understand and respect your not liking the idea of someone disregarding rules and authority. I've been going to Great America for the past 18 years, and never once have I broken a rule. But so far the rules at Great America have all been created and enforced to ensure my safety and provide me with an enjoyable experience at the park. This rule seems to cater to the minority. Most reasonable people do not have an issue with secondhand smoke outdoors.


And to people who cry "ASTHMA!" I have asthma. A very mild case that is only allergy and sometimes exercise induced. But I do have asthma.

[SIC COASTER]

You have a mild case, others maynot.

[TooTired]

True, but look at it this way. I have a mild case, I'm sucking in copious amounts of smoke and I'm just fine. If I'm smoking outdoors and I'm keeping a pretty good distance from large groups of people how much smoke are they really going to inhale? And if someone does have an asthma attack from such a small amount of smoke, an amusement park is far from the most dangerous place for them.

[Galvan]

It is my belief that they ask you questions and everything once they take you into Guest Relations etc etc.

Seriously, why would you want to risk getting your (very expensive i might add) Season pass revoked, just for a few extra puffs on a cigarette just to say you went against the rules.

If you ask me thats pretty stupid, I mean while im sure you enjoy a good cigarette, (ask anyone who smokes and im sure they'll say the samething) Id say that you enjoy SFGAM alot more. So much in fact that you wouldnt want your Season Pass revoked over it.

[Trailblazer Tony]

Too Tired,
I completely agree with you about the second hand smoke. People complaining about secondhand smoke outside is as assinine as complaining about snowfalling in Chicago. But, the whole "if a security guard asks me to stop, i will and then light up 5 minutes later thing" Thats something that i really didnt like.

Everyone else,
Honestly, is it really that much of a big deal that smokers have to be in a specific area to smoke? People have to be in a specific area to use the restroom, or eat dinner etc etc. Is it really that much of a stretch to stand in a particular spot and smoke?

The only time secondhand smoke becomes a problem outside is in crowds. Like in a line or on a very crowded day, the smoke doesn't seem to leave. By allowing smoking in certain areas is basically just guarenteeing a smoke free crowded area and I don't see the problem with that.

[twixmix0303]

TooTired:

How old are you? Twenty, thirty-something? I'm not suprised you haven't seen the effects of smoking yet.

Don't try to spoonfeed that B.S. that smoking isn't bad for you. Glad to see you care about those with asthma, too. Should guests with broken ankles not visit, either? Theme parks do require a lot of walking, you know.

You also mentioned that this rule "seems to cater to the minority." There is no way in h-e-double hockey sticks that is the case. Certainly, there are no non-smokers that prefer that smoking be allowed park-wide. The only guests that do want park-wide smoking are the smokers (most of which suffer from lazy smoker's syndrome), which is about 1% of all guests. Should 99% of guests be inconvenienced, just so the park can cater to 1% of guests? NO!

And Galvan, complaining about secondhand smoke outside isn't really that assinine. What's the difference between standing next to a smoker that is outside, where the smoke is blowing in my face, and standing next to a smoker that is inside (picture a gymnasium), where the smoke is still blowing in my face. What do four walls and a ceiling do to suddenly make secondhand smoke matter? The sun doesn't just evaporate all the smoke; a cigerette is a cigerette whether you are inside or outside.

[Chitown]

Once again, a smoking topic comes up and the same people thump their chests and preach the gospel about the dangers of smoking.

As a smoker, I know it's unhealthy. You would have to be a moron not to know this. Leave the health effects out of it because you are beating a dead horse.

I am probably one of the most courteous smokers out there. If the rule says to only smoke in designated spots, I have no problem with it. Why does the smoking in queue lines always come up to? It's has been a rule for years not to smoke in line. Yes, you have ignorant people that light up, but I guarantee the majority that smoke and visit parks adhere to this rule. Heck, I have told people that light up in line to put it out.

Until you are a complete and total health freak in life, please leave your opinions about smokers to yourself.