I take it that a /sarc tag is implied.
Actually, the issue here is not smoking. The issue is "second-hand" smoke as it affects non-smokers. The article is right. As far as poisoning of the non-smoker in a room full of smokers, the issue is nonexistent. Except, that is, for humans affected with asthma and allergic reaction to the smoke.
What is justifiably complaint-worthy and objectionable is having to work in rooms smelling of stale smoke, having to put up with meetings that smell bad and almost causes one's eyes to water, and having to go home with stale smoke odors in your hair (esp. for women) and in your clothes that need to be hung out side to air or be washed for further use.
Smoking is simply a filthy habit and an inconsiderate irritation forced on others that needs to be banned in closed public areas, just for its social unacceptability.
(Speaking as a full-time tobacco user from 9/54 to 11/90, freed from that for the last 24+ years. Also sympathetic to those that really enjoy a full-bodied prime Cuban cigar after a fine meal, if you can get one. As Rudyard Kipling mused in his poem "The Betrothed,": ". . . a woman is only a woman, but a good Cigar is a Smoke" -- my italic emphasis. Regarding theistic immolation of the tobacco leaf by the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, we hear from Wikipedia that "He enjoyed his cigars and smoked a 'F. P Del Rio y Ca.' in his last days according to his grandson.")
There you have it.
I can handle smoke odors, what causes me to have respiratory distress is the phenomenal amount of fragrance people seem to think they have to use. Some of the 'body sprays' have my eyes watering from five feet out.
BTW, the absolute worst smoke I have encountered (in terms of immediate pulmonary irritation) was burning lint in a clothes dryer fire. Second place goes to burning chilli peppers, and the average house fire ranks a distant third. (I am a former firefighter.) Tobacco smoke is way down the list.
The bottom line is that the people who pushed to ban smoking in as many venues as possible didn't like the smell. That becomes a matter of personal preference, not a health issue. Me, I find the cloying funk of tree farts on a summer breeze oozing out of some plug-in widget unbearable.
“Smoking is simply a filthy habit and an inconsiderate irritation forced on others that needs to be banned in closed public areas, just for its social unacceptability.”
Yep, private property rights be damned! We don’t want stinky clothes!
Now that we have established that private property rights are no longer valid for property owners that allow the general public to enter, now we can use that newly formed “public accomodation” definition to do so much fun!
Let’s begin by forcing bakers to make wedding cakes for gay marriages, then we can make photographers take pictures of the same ceremonies! We can force folks to open their bed and breakfasts’ to the joyous occasion!
It doesn’t matter if those business owners object, or have moral/religious objections, they own a business that offers “public accomodation.” As a result, they are no longer free to chose which customers to cater too! They must accomodate the State’s demands!
Enjoy “The Brave New World!” It is well earned.