Since the New Deal, the federal government has regulated private businesses in order to serve the public welfare. My economist friend also asserted that businesses should be financially compensated if they are forced to ban smoking. This is illogical. Bar and restaurant owners who allow smoking are making a foolish business decision. There are three times as many nonsmokers in the US as smokers.
Many nonsmokers stay away because they hate smoke.
A Massachusetts survey showed that smoke- free laws would increase bar patronage by nonsmokers. In 1990, my adopted hometown of San Luis Obispo, Calif., became the nation's first community to ban all public indoor smoking. Nonsmokers have the right to go to any bar or restaurant in town and not be assaulted by noxious fumes. Tourists love the smoke-free environment. Enforcement problems are nonexistent.