Personally, I'm strongly against anti-smoking ordinances. I have no problem with the various governments banning smoking on [u]their[/u] properties, but they have no business forcing it on private enterprise.
I do think, though, the governments have a duty to protect individuals who desire protection. To that end, I believe the appropriate course of action would be through zoning ordinances. Require that businesses choose to be either smoking, non-smoking, or both, and require that choice be posted blatently at all entrances.
The smoke-free choice should include the entire property. Non-smokers who go to a smoke-free establisment should not have to pass through a cloud as they enter or leave.
Those choosing smoking could still cater to non-smokers, but the non-smokers would not have any complaint about being there. They were informed.
Those choosing both must meet building codes that will prevent any mixing of air between the two sides. No more smoking/non-smoking areas separated by a lattice. Staff would not be allowed to go from one side to the other. In the case of a resturant, this may even necessitate two separate kitchens. Smoking would not be allowed outside the smoking side since it could not be controlled and may drift to the non-smoking side.
Rusty, I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this one. I think hospitals should prohibit smoking on their property. They work so hard to save people who have screwed up their bodies with smoking, I think it is quite hypocritical to allow it. I know how hard it is with a loved one in the hospital, and how smoking seemed to provide me with a moment's "relief" while I was there. I also remember the guilt I felt over being outside having a cigarette while my Dad and, later, my wife were up there alone with things hooked up and stuck in them.
My 2 cents.
Shevie
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/23/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 238
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,762
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $904.4
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 44 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 20 [B]Seconds:[/B] 5
