I don't want under your skin AGU. Not my intentions at all. Nor have I "put words in your mouth".. I did single you out, but because you are one that has always pushed for 'personal freedoms', 'personal rights', government conspiracies, over regulation, ect. But It just seems that 'personal rights' are only valid, when the benefit your point of view.
I don't begrudge you, your right to breathe smoke free air in public buildings, including government buildings, hospitals, stores, ect.anyplace that people are required or may be forced to intermingle with the 'second class' smokers.
As such an avid advocate of personal rights and freedoms, why should you begrudge me the right as a "private property owner" the same basic individual rights?..
so far, i have seen no indication that making someone stand out on a patio to smoke has cut sales in ANY establishment.
Who said anything about "cut sales"?.. not me.
But I can address it..
If I as the owners of a business, feel compelled to alllow smoking in my establishment, and that smoking persuades you to not patronize my business, 'there' is income/sales loss, that "I" have chosen to lose. That is "my" descision, and I should be willing to take that loss.
But that desision should be mine to make.. IMHO.
Vice versa.. If the bar next door chooses to forbid smoking, and "I" refuse to spend my money there, theres a sales loss that he chose to lose.
I simply feel it should be an 'individuals right to choose'.
I'm done, too. I won't argue about it.
okay,, my 3rd EDIT
I don't think we're so far apart on the issue agu, after rereading the entire thread. "Here", smoking is forbidden in all bars, reseraunts, casinos, and within 15' of the entrance of those esablishments. They aren't even allowed a specified smoking area... I'm not against that, "at all"...
IF the "owner" of that establishment chooses to make that his policy.
But I don't feel that a 'law' (governmental control), should be forced on him, in his privately owned establishment..
No different than a 'cigar bar'