Originally posted by sigma:
But why does the government have to mandate it? Why do we need a law that tells businesses what they can and cannot allow on their own property -- and we're talking about something that doesn't affect surrounding land values.



Because most business owners continue to think that eliminating smoking in their bars and restaurants will hurt their business. There was an attempt to institute a ban in a small town near here. The restaurant owners all showed up to a meeting to tell the town that they will all be forced to shut down in a couple years if smoking is banned, despite tremendous evidence to the contrary. I'm a perfect example of someone who would frequent these places a whole lot more and replace any lost business.

Personally I have a big issue with smoking in "public" places. I'm an asthmatic and I'm allergic to smoke. Its frustrating going to restaurants and asking for non-smoking just to be seated in the booth right next to the smoking section, then get a dirty look from the host/hostess when I ask to be moved because I have difficulty breathing; or getting into arguments with friends/family/etc. because they think it shouldn't bother me to sit with them in a smoking section. I also don't go to bars anymore because there are few that actually attempt to manage the environment inside. Someone tried to tell me that I should just not go to restaurants and eat at home if the smoke bothers me that much, to which I say you should not go to restaurants and smoke at home if the law bothers you that much.

Look, if you want to smoke and end up like my grandfather who spent 15 years speechless and in a wheelchair because of two strokes and emphysema, I won't stop you, but please don't drag me down with you.

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