[Gabz]

I understand and totally agree about the ban against smoking in public places and adjusted very easily to not smoking in restaurants and work etc.

I have no problem with the owners making these decisions......but I am firmly against the government forcing PRIVATE property owners to do so, generally against thier will.

[Slipperduke]

Absolutely. If what the anti-smoking lobby says is true, that most people want to enjoy their evenings without smoke, then fine. Let's invite bar owners to voluntarily go non-smoking, all of us smokers will just go to the bars with the ashtrays. But when you start forcing establishments to conform, you start getting into murky water.

I'm a Brit, I never thought it would work in NYC, and even then, never Ireland. Very disturbing.

[LowInMo]

Quite correct.

Why doesn't someone open a "smokers-only" restaurant or bar?

The free publicity would be sure to make it a goldmine.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble or enjoy tobacco products, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."