Indiana

Where There?s Smoke

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

My very reliable sources are telling me the anti-smoking people are about go at it again and try to push for a total public smoking ban in Marion County.  Under the current law smoking is only allowed in places that are either not open to the public or only allow adults; a reasonable compromise that was worked out four years ago.

I don’t see why my anti-smoking friends would want to push for a total ban when the free market has addressed this issue.   There are a number of  smoke-free drinking and eating establishments in Marion County.   Indy Jazz Fest went smoke free and my part-time employer, Crackers Comedy Club, has also gone smoke free.  Consumers and workers have plenty of choice as to whether they want to patronize or work in a smoke-free environment.

In addition, a poll done by Smoke Free Indy shows more than 80% of the County’s population like the current compromise.    So if everyone has choice and everyone likes the current compromise, what reason is there to change anything?

You ponder that while I’m having a cigar.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on September 28, 2009 (boomark / email).