I have to say, though, that the more the "anti-ban" faction makes their case the more I feel like I should just admit I'm in favor of a ban.
My opinion comes down to this. The "pro-ban" argument in favor of customers is irrelevant. Customers do not have to go to a bar. I say this as a casual drinker and non-smoker. I would absolutely like to be able to find a non-smoking environment in which to have an occasional beer, but I don't expect a law to provide it for me. The "anti-ban" faction makes this case very well, but it's entirely meaningless.
The only argument that holds any weight for me in favor of a smoking ban is related to the people that work in bars. I've seen arguments made that "I have to drive to work and that's dangerous, therefore the government shouldn't make laws banning a particular set of carcinogens in the workplace where I want to go smoke". I'll let that statement stand on its own lack of merit.
Bottom line to me is that the only case for smoking bans that holds any weight is related to workers in the hospitality industry. If you can prove to me that it's impossible to servie liquour and/or food without carcinogens from tobacco smoke in the air I'll accept that a ban is silly. Since (oddly enough) I think it's possible to serve the booze and food without a side of carcinogens, I'll accept that there's an argument in favor of the ban.
I have mixed feelings, but the "pro freedom" folks that are against the ban keep convincing me that the ban is a good idea.
(And the phrase "parental socialism" didn't help the "anti-ban" argument)
Jim McGuire Como
Check out the Usual Suspects Blog - http://www.browncross.com/usualsuspects
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