Replies

"I am supporting basic health regulations for the common good, and you are opposing them. There is no "confiscation" involved."

In any instance where a government imposed regulation (law) infringes upon a private property owners ability to use that property as they intend to use it is confiscation. Many restaurant and bar owners invested in expensive equipment to filter the air and make it more comfortable for their patrons. By passing a law restricting them from serving smokers, and realising a profit from those customers, the government has confiscated that use of the property. Any confiscation of a use of property is, in effect, confiscation of that property.

"That stance - supoorting public health - is the basis for such things as the health codes that restaurants currently operate under. Is forbidding restaurants to serve rotten meat "socialistic'? Of course not, and banning smoking in restaurants isn't either."

Yes, these health regulations are socialistic. If a restaurant wants to serve rotten meat to customers who want to eat rotten meat, then they should be free to do it. Any restaurant owner that wants to continue to attract customers will make sure that they serve a quality product. If they don't the customers will not arrive. The market should drive these things, not the government.

You support the government driving the market. Socialism at its worst!