[Tax-chick]

My cousin died from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke. Her smoker husband is still alive in his 60's.

I was sick every winter when my mother smoked. I haven't had bronchitis since I left home.

There's more to the smoking/health equation than one person's anecdotal evidence. If they want customers for the restaurant, they should have a non-smoking section. Some people don't want to pay to stink, and others don't want to deal with the health issues.

A simple, free-market situation ...

[Max McGarrity]

I won't address your family history, but even you say there's more to it than "one person's anecdotal evidence."

I will agree with you completely that there is a very simple solution: Let the free market work; keep government out of private business.

[Mr. K]

Ditka made his point clear: if you don't like smoke, don't come to his restaraunt...

if you believe it is dangerous, dont go there- dont pass laws telling him he has to do what YOU believe

[bigfootbob]

"My cousin died from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke"

Sorry for your loss. I too had severe allergies and was in and out of the hospital for several years between ages of 2-5. After my father died my mom married a smoker who insisted on smoking around me. My allergies cleared and I haven't suffered from them since. I'm 49 now and don't smoke, I know second hand is benign. Your cousin's cancer was caused by something other than second hand smoke,

[patton]

My cousin died from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke. Her smoker husband is still alive in his 60's. I was sick every winter when my mother smoked. I haven't had bronchitis since I left home. There's more to the smoking/health equation than one person's anecdotal evidence. If they want customers for the restaurant, they should have a non-smoking section. Some people don't want to pay to stink, and others don't want to deal with the health issues. A simple, free-market situation ...

The above is internally inconsistent - that is, you contradict your own reasoning.

Did I miss something?

[blackbart.223]

"A simple, free-market situation ..."

A simple free market soloution is to allow the restaurant or bar owner to make the decision wether to allow smoking or not allow it. If you don't like smoking you will vote with your feet and frequent any establishment that doesn't allow smoking.

Restaurants and bars are privatly owned and therfore their policies should be made by the owners. Not by the goverment.

[Hildy]

My brother died of lung cancer when he was 43. Neither he nor his wife smoked a day in their lives.

[CDHart]

"There's more to the smoking/health equation than one person's anecdotal evidence."

Amen to that! I smoked for 35 years, got lung cancer in 1998, and was given less than a year to live. Thanks to God, good doctors and a special diet, I'm still here and cancer-free. But even if the cancer doesn't get you, smoking anything usually results in some form of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). If you like inhalers four times a day and oxygen at night and the inability to walk up a slight grade without huffing, just keep smoking -- first or secondhand.

Carolyn

[meyer]

My cousin died from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke. Her smoker husband is still alive in his 60's.

I'm not certain that science backs that statement up.

[error99]

"...My cousin died from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke..."
- - -
I don't believe you.

[Hot Tabasco]

If they want customers for the restaurant, they should have a non-smoking section

Funny but yet in all my years of smoking on this planet, reading all the articles produced by the antis, all the arguments relevant to the merits of bar/restaurant owners banning smoking, I HAVE NEVER READ ONE ARTICLE ABOUT ANY RESTAURANT OR BAR COMPLAINING OF A LACK OF BUSINESS DUE TO A SMOKING ENVIRONMENT!

The only articles I am reading now are about the restaurants going out of business due to city mandated smoking bans! So where is the restaurant/bar owner support from the nico-nazis to help him stay in business????? Certainly inquiring minds want to know........

[bimbo]

My cousin died from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke. Her smoker husband is still alive in his 60's. I was sick every winter when my mother smoked. I haven't had bronchitis since I left home. There's more to the smoking/health equation than one person's anecdotal evidence.

I hope that includes YOUR anecdotal opinion, as well.