[Annie03]

"This is just speculation, but I think a large part of that attitude also comes from "the customer is always right" "

I think you speculate correctly. When all that started (was it the 80's?) people took it as a license to be obnoxious (like a 2yo having a tantrum). I worked with the public in various capacities, and when that idea took hold, civility went right out the window. That was my observation, at least. I have no problem with a business owner deciding that they want a non-smoking environment. I choose not to frequent such businesses. By the same token, owners who choose to have a smoking establishment, be it an office or a restaurant, should retain that right.

[exnavychick]

A simple concept that flies right over the head of the nanny staters, apparently. So simple, it's complicated. *rolling eyes*

[Gabz]

You make a very good point about civility and the anti-smoker movement.

There is nothing CIVIL about the behavior of the anti-smokers. The opposite can not be said about the majority of smokers.

I will go out of my way to accomodate non-smokers, as do the VAST majority of smokers.

But anti-smokers are a different breed of non-smokers. They are not willing to accept the concept that all smokers aren't drug-addict-trailer-trash. They refuse to acknowlege the truth of my previous statement and demand that everyone cater to them.