Seems to me the problem is inherent to what is defined as a _public_ place. Since this definition has now morphed into just about everywhere... I am baffled why more restaurants don't define themselves as a private club.
Restaurants and bars and taverns are not public. The owners bought and paid for the business themselves with no help from the states.
That's why we can't understand how the highly paid anti-smokers can ban smoking in private Veteran Clubs.
Public property: That which is purchased and maintained by tax dollars for the benefit of all people.
Private property: That which is not purchased or maintained by tax dollars and is for the benefit of the property owner.
Yes, I am acquainted with the "classical" definition of private property. But that's not what the courts have ruled..