Comments for Common Error No. 100 at http://www.adamsmith.org , comment 1 to 2 out of 2 comments http://www.adamsmith.org Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:04:34 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.adamsmith.org/blog/justice-and-civil-liberties/common-error-no.-100-200804241276/#comment-95 There is, or ought to be, a clear distinction between those absolutists who say that smoking should be banned and those who prefer not to inhale smoke. I prefer it when people do not choose what they will add to my food, water or air, but I have no problem with people eating, drinking or breathing what they wish as long as it does not affect my choices. So the default position has to be no smoking, but I see no reason why similarly minded, consenting adults should not be able to enjoy tobacco in places - bars or whatever - which make that express choice. I think it is wrong headed to make this a simple for or against freedom issue. - David Blackie Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:28:01 +0100 http://www.adamsmith.org/blog/justice-and-civil-liberties/common-error-no.-100-200804241276/#comment-86 I agree with your statement that "there is little to suggest that non-smoking patrons of bars and clubs stand a significantly greater health risk if others smoke." Patrons of bars and clubs (hopefully) don't spend a major portion of their lives in these places, so are not exposed to smoke The no-smoking-in-bars movement was started in California (where I live), but its original intent was lost as it made its way across the Atlantic into Europe. California banned smoking in workplaces because employees are encouraged (i.e. paid) to spend a significant portion of their time working there. The employer is responsible for workplace hazards. The smoking ban in bars and clubs was no different to restrictions on, say, chemical fumes in factories. European countries seem to have missed this point altogether. Smoking is bad, ergo the state bans it. It's important to note that in California, it's perfectly legal to smoke in a bar manned solely by an owner-bartender. There are plenty of small neighborhood watering holes where it's OK to light up. - Antun Karlovac Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:49:00 +0100