[TKDietz]

Not all businesses, but restaurants, theaters, bars, buses and so on... you bet those are "in the public." These are public places where the whole community is "invited" to come.

Now, I would think there should be a distinction for businesses where the public isn't regularly being confined to closed, smokey rooms. I would think that blanket ordinances banning smoking in all places of business go too far. But, I suspect such ordinances could be devised in such a way where they would not be unconstitutional infringements on property or privacy rights. I think your remedy if you live in a community that passes such a law is to move to a community where they don't over-regulate. Pretty soon local authorities will feel it in the pocket book and get the message that perhaps regulating peolpe to death isn't a good idea.

[MrLeRoy]

restaurants, theaters, bars, buses and so on... you bet those are "in the public." These are public places where the whole community is "invited" to come.

So if they prominently post a "Smoking Allowed" sign outside, non-smokers are no longer invited and everything's OK, right?

[Gabz]

These are public places where the whole community is "invited" to come.

No they are not. They are private places where SOME members of the community are "invited" to enter. "proper attire required" "no shoes, no shirt, no service" "no one under 21 permitted" are all very common signs on PRIVATE businesses that do restrict what members of the community are "invited."

Another popular sign is "We Reserve the Right to Refuse Service to Anyone."

[Gabz]

(sorry, I accidently hit post before finishing)

I think your remedy if you live in a community that passes such a law is to move to a community where they don't over-regulate. Pretty soon local authorities will feel it in the pocket book and get the message that perhaps regulating peolpe to death isn't a good idea.

We moved from Delaware because of such things. Not because of the state wide smoking ban (although that did add to the list of reasons) but just the continual encroachement on personal liberties and the continual maternalistic/paternalistic attitude of government entities that they know better ..........

Bleck - I'm an adult, I have parents, I don't need the government to be my mommy and hold my hand.