New Jersey Strippers Protest Indoor Smoking Ban

[matcom]

<snip>

TRENTON, N.J. --With curious officeworkers gawking and strip-bar standards playing in the background, several hundred people joined a handful of exotic dancers in front of the Statehouse on Thursday to rally against New Jersey's new indoor smoking ban.

About 20 of the women -- who, to the disappointment of some in the crowd, didn't reveal anything more risque than their midriffs -- said the ban will result in lost clients and lost money.

"It's going to murder our business," said Dominique Hernandez, 24, who dances at a lounge in Florence. "A lot of people want to get off of work, have a drink and a smoke and watch some pretty girls. There's nothing wrong with that."

Apparently not, judging by the looks Hernandez -- in tight jeans and a revealing black T-shirt -- received from onlookers.

"I'm just passing by on the way to the office," was the refrain from many men, and some women, in the crowd.

But many said they came to protest the smoking ban, saying it was a violation of their rights.

"I've been a smoker since I was 13 and it's really against our rights," said Allan Brophy, 24, of Union. "Pretty soon they're going to be outlawing it in our houses."

Brophy did admit that word of strippers at the rally had "piqued my interest."

The rally, trumpeted by two radio shock jocks, featured signs that read "Defy Anti-Smoking Nazis" and "Tobacco Control Is Out of Control." In the background, a loudspeaker blared typical strip bar tunes such as "You Can Leave Your Hat On" and "Girls, Girls, Girls."

"We're standing up for the average Jersey citizen who on their own would never be heard," said Craig Carton, one of the radio hosts on New Jersey 101.5.

The ban, which affects bars and restaurants -- but not gambling areas of casinos -- is to be signed into law Sunday by Gov. Richard J. Codey.

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2006/01/13/nj_strippers_protest_indoor_smoking_ban?mode=PF

[Deep13]

1. So strippers want to breathe that shit?

Reminds me of Andy Kaufman who did not smoke but got lung cancer from working in nightclubs.

[underpants]

2. Hold it-WHERE THE *** ARE THE ALLMAN BROTHERS TUNES?

Joe Cocker? Motley Crue?

GOd what a **** up century this is turing out to be

[ucmike]

3. saw this on the local news last night.

what a group. i think the strippers are mostly upset that they won't be able to smoke at work.

the worst part i saw was when one of hte club owners at the protest said this was "about the rights of our veterans and soldiers who died defending this country." i was waiting for someone to relate it to 9/11.

i don't under$tand how the ca$ino$ are exempted from the law. actually, i do under$tand$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$