well, the government has always told us what we can and can't do in so many aspects of life. I personally think it is great that they are recognizing that second hand smoke is extremely dangerous and are doing what they can to protect the people that they govern. I'm sure it isn't just one guy sitting on the panel that says "heck...let's ban smoking in restaurants...we have nothing better to do". I'm sure it comes from many many requests and such. If the government just allowed us to go and shoot whoever we wanted to shoot...because we were addicted to guns, then....we would not be ok. but obviously they have banned that
i'm not trying to compare guns to smoking...but it is just an example of how the government bans certain things to protect the general public. they are not making it illegal to smoke...if you want to smoke...step outside...or go where it is allowed. i wouldn't allow people to smoke in my house...they would have to step outside. that is all you have to do in a restaurant...step outside..or go somewhere where it is allowed. it's really not that big of a deal....and most of the people that smoke that i know are ok with being courteous to non-smokers. they are aware of the health risks and can respect someone not wanting it around them.