GOV, to what extent should smoking be banned?

The consensus is that Prohibition was a bad idea.

Then why are we creeping toward prohibition of tobacco products?

I am firmly against blanket bans on smoking. Among other things they don’t work particularly well.

For example the prohibition against smoking on CTA property is almost never enforced. I’d rather have one car designated smoking after 9 PM than have to police smoking restrictions myself. I’d rather have part of the platform designated for smoking than to have someone light-up next to me.

I perceive that many people in modern society are angry. Citizens on the Right and the Left are using government to coerce and punish people who aren’t living life in a way that the activists approve of.

If you don’t approve of people’s sex lives make it difficult for them to obtain contraception.

If you don’t approve of people’s chemical vices make it difficult for them to partake.

Enough already!

Society has an interest in reducing smoking, but stigmatizing and punishing smokers is mean and gratuitous.

Why is it that we think we need one set of standards for everybody? Why not craft public policy that creates a mix of smoking and non-smoking bars?

Pro-smoking establishments claim it will hurt their bottom line to ban smoking. Why not grant a number of smoking licenses and let establishments bid for them? Over time the number of licenses could be reduced, especially if the bids decrease in value.