SMITH: Burn Ban

Read complete story: Oklahoma Gazette, 2009-02-18
Author: Chris SmithReview:
The Oklahoma Legislature is once again taking up the issue of smoking in public places. State Senator David Myers, R-Ponca City, has authored a bill that would ban smoking in most every bar and restaurant in Oklahoma. This comes just a short time after the 2003 state law went into effect banning smoking in restaurants and bars on the basis of their food revenue. At what point will Republicans say enough is enough when it comes to government intrusion into private commerce?

Restaurant and bar owners were faced with the decision in 2003 to invest in separately ventilated areas for smokers, or commit to serving food and beverages without a smoking option.

I fully expect the Legislature to do the right thing when it comes to this new proposal for a number of reasons. First, the current law achieves its purpose and strikes an appropriate chord with those wishing to dine in a smoke-free environment and those wishing to enjoy an after-dinner smoke. And secondly, and maybe even more importantly, I have faith in those legislators whom I personally know to occasionally enjoy a good cigar. Besides, can you imagine a state representative voting against the interests of Junior's, the Ranch or Cattlemen's? Where would they eat?

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