It is obviously necessary to be very careful if one has to decide on an abridgement of property rights -- and "jihad" is not too far off the mark in the case of some anti-smoking campaigns. But once it comes down to a question of harm to others, then your property rights properly come under scrutiny.
All risk removed, and the ascendancy of mediocrity.
It's a bit much to claim that lack of smokers will lead to mediocrity....
But the point is that that private property that welcomes the public is still private property. And the public is free to avoid that particular private property as they wish. Please don't bring up the tired old argument about Health Department regulations covering the kitchen. The patrons don't have access to the kitchen. They do know before entering whether smoking is allowed or not.
It's a bit much to claim that lack of smokers will lead to mediocrity....
No it's not.
An aversion to risk-taking leads to mediocrity.