Smoking Ban Discounts Individual Liberties

Published June 27, 2007

In the June 26 article, “Senate Acts to Curb Phila. Smoking Ban,” Sen. Charles Mcllhinney (R- Bucks) was spot on when he stated that a statewide smoking ban “should not discount individual liberties.” In the name of protecting these liberties, shouldn’t we leave the decision to allow smoking up to individual business owners? Businesses remain viable because they cater to and meet the demands of their customers. If potential customers have a problem with an establishment that permits smoking, they can choose to spend their money elsewhere.

Erin S. Murphy ([email protected]) is a legislative specialist for The Heartland Institute.