[wideawake]

I don't support such laws.

But I know exactly why they are popular, and it's not a desire to control other people.

It's a desire not to deal with a physical discomfort.

[CSM]

"It's a desire not to deal with a physical discomfort."

Yet they are to weak to risk their own capital and sweat to start their own business catering to non smokers. They are to weak to convince the owner to cater to their needs. They are to weak to even chose to not enter that property. Only the weakest of our society turns to the use of government guns to ensure their preferences are catered to by other individuals.

[Protagoras]

I don't support such laws.

Excellent.

But I know exactly why they are popular,

Same thing can be said about transfer programs. I can see why they are popular with recipients.

and it's not a desire to control other people.

I disagree with that. Unless people are unbelievably stupid (and I don't believe that generally) they understand that such laws tilt the playing field in their direction. I cannot force someone to run their business the way I want them to, against their wishes, unless I violate their rights.

It's a desire not to deal with a physical discomfort.

It is a desire to force others to do what is comfortable for them. And that is a distinction with a difference.

If they don't want the "discomfort" of the odor of smoke, they should refrain from going where it is present.