It's a case of rights!

I agree totally that everyone has a right to eat or drink at an establishment and not have to come home smelling like an ashtray. However, if you’re into rights, then please read on, as this is an argument whose core is that of rights and choices.

Customers have a right to go eat / drink / etc wherever they choose. Employees have a right to work wherever they choose. Businesses have the right to operate their business however they choose.

Jadin's 100% right. This is a case of government going waaay too far.

The last time I looked, this country is still somewhat capitalist. If as a consumer you don't like way someone does business; you don't like the products/services someone provides, you're not supposed to wait for government to fix it - you're supposed to take your money elsewhere. THAT'S HOW IT WORKS! If you expect the government to fix everything that you don't like about business, then move to Cuba. I'm sure Communism will be more to your liking, and you won't have to worry about that pesky freedom of speech thingy.

So, if you don't like the environment at [insert establishment's name here] due to their smoking policy, go elsewhere! It's your responsibility as a citizen of a capitalist country!!! If you didn't like the service, or you didn't like to food, or you thought they should use Heinz instead of Del Monte ketchup, would you contact city officials? I'm guessing not. Smoking is no different.

I can hear you thinking right now, “…But smoking affects my health. We have a Health Inspector that makes sure the food is ok to eat. How is this any different?” I’m glad you asked that question.

A Health Inspector’s job is to make sure the food prep area is clean & sanitary and that employees are washing their hands, using gloves etc. Yes, this is to ensure that no one gets sick. However, the reason this is done by the government is because this is an area of a restaurant that patrons don't see, and usually aren’t allowed to enter. You’re a better man than I if you can spot salmonella on a sandwich just by looking at it.

Smoking is not salmonella. You can see smoke. You know that eventually, after years of breathing in second hand smoke you stand a higher chance of developing lung cancer. Since you don't approve of the way this establishment does business, go down the street and patronize a place that is more to your liking rather that whining about a business that you don't like.

One last thought: Has anyone ever witnessed smokers complained to management of a restaurant that DIDN'T allow smoking? I'm thinking not. Guess what - they go elsewhere! That's right - they exercise their rights as capitalists and patronize a business that caters to their preferences. Does this mean that smokers are actually better citizens? Hmmm...