Civitas: Private Property Rights Up In Smoke?

The following is taken from an e-mail distributed by the John William Pope Civitas Institute:

In one of the most intrusive overreaches by government since the Kelo decision, the Judiciary I Committee of the North Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill (HB 259) that would outlaw smoking in all workplaces, restaurants, bars and private clubs. Passed last week by a vote of 9-4, the bill is being pushed by Democrat Majority Leader Hugh Holliman (D-Davidson), and will be considered by the full House in the near future. While seemingly altruistic in nature, this bill’s draconian scope would eliminate a property owner’s right to allow a legal activity to take place on his premises.

Let’s get a couple of issues off the table immediately. First, smoking is — at least currently — legal. Second, smoking is bad for your health and significantly increases the likelihood of certain forms of cancer. Third, smoking in confined spaces is bothersome to others. Secondhand smoke is smelly, irritating and, generally, a nuisance, and most people, including most smokers, don’t like being exposed to it. Fourth, prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke may have health risks, and people should not be subjected to it unwittingly.

For the complete Perspective, please click the link below.
www.jwpcivitasinstitute.org/keylinks/ConservativePerspective/Smoking%20Ban.pdf