Have they ever even put one of these bans to a public referendum? People would probably vote for the ban, but at least the public would be the ones deciding. From what I've seen, it has all been decisions made from on high from at least the city council level if not state. Seems like its usually one rabid nazi that cows the rest into following along because they think there's no political downside to going along.
Yes, they have been put forth as a vote. However, until the general public (non-smokers) realize what is happening to the private business owner and when only 25-30% of the people in a state smoke, we lose elections all the time.
I am sure many non-smokers have their favorite restaurants and bars that they wouldn't want to see closed. But until the day where everyone can agree that smoking bans ARE bad for business, we will see more closing their doors.
I don't think anyone is that selfish to demand smoke free at the expense of the business owner. I wish people would wake up.