Jackson Free Press

Last Thursday, I joined the JFP Lounge at Hal & Mal's in the smoke-free Oyster Room. Now, don't get me wrong; I love Hal & Mal's, and I love the comraderie of the JFP lounge. What I hate is the fact that every time I go to Hal & Mal's, whether for the red beans or an after-work cocktail, I have to deal with cigarette smoke. Occasionally, it gets to be too much temptation and I bum a smoke from another patron (I used to have a three-pack-a-day habit, so it's always an issue). Last Thursday, though, I left with a sore throat just from the second-hand smoke that didn't notice the no smoking sign where I happened to be sitting.

I'm really not picking on Hal & Mal's specifically. Fact is, there are few places in Jackson where I don't have the same problem. How great would it be to not have to risk my health to eat the best red beans in town or to have a drink with friends? I have to think that some of the folks working in Jackson restaurants would love it, too.

If you're of similar mind, you have an opportunity to make your voice heard.

In the tradition of 60s sit-ins, Smoke-free Jackson is holding a city-wide rally tomorrow, Nov. 15, to take the message to local restaurants. "Dine In for a Smoke-free Jackson," will begin at 10:30 in the Fellowship Hall at St. Luke's Methodist (621 Duling Ave.), and from there, participants will spread out to have lunch at local restaurants, armed with information packets for restaurant owners and managers.

Ultimately, the goal of Smoke-free Jackson is a comprehensive ordinance banning smoking in all Jackson workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Neighboring Ridgeland has already put the ban into place, and Jackson City Councilman Leslie McLemore is backing an ordinance for the city in council.

For more info, contact Kelly Lindsay at 601-321-5516. Not coincidentally, tomorrow is also the 31st Great American Smoke Out, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.