[Hildy]

I'm not a smoker, but I grew up with smokers. When I moved to California and found myself in public areas that were smoke-free, I have to tell you it was so much better. Now, when I'm in another State or somewhere that allows smoking, I literally get ill and sometimes that headachey feeling lasts for a day or so, not to mention the smell on the clothes, etc. It just seems like a huge imposition on those who don't smoke. Of course, if I smoked, I'd feel differently. My brother and sister-in-law smoke way too much and I'm actually sad for them that they can't forego smoking for any period of time and have to excuse themselves to walk outside to smoke. Addiction is a very sad thing.

[Just another Joe]

And we come down to it.
I don't like the way it smells.
Is that really a reason to use government force on private property owners to disallow your dislikes?

I have no problem with an owner/operator going nonsmoking the way these Applebee's did but the "Thomas and King's chairman and chief executive officer and vice-mayor of Lexington", Mike Scanlon, is such a hypocrit that I wouldn't let him decide what to feed my dog, much less any type of ethical decision.

[CSM]

2 posts ago you used the private property owner decided argument, now you advocate government impositions on private property to ensure your preferences are met. Which side of this issue do you take?

[Gabz]

So you really are in favor of government mandates on private businesses in regard to smoking?

I actually have to laugh at some of the states that have banned indoor smoking for "health reasons"........they all have major, and I mean MAJOR air pollution problems and they are worried about a little bit of second hand smoke. California, Delaware, and New York come quickly to mind.