from 53x.org
<>< Josh Rule : : 2008 MCPP Intern
I attend university in Illinois, and the past couple of years, a new law (well, lots and lots of laws actually…) has gone into effect. It’s the ban on smoking in public facilities across the state of Illinois. Most of the individuals I have talked with really appreciate this law, because it makes the air in restaurants, hotels, and most other public venues that much cleaner. In fact, I am very appreciative of this law, because I simply don’t like cigarette smoke.
Yet, this law is in absolute defiance of the freedoms held by individuals and entrepreneurs throughout the state. Why, many of the smoke shops have had to shut down their smoking rooms! How is a quality cigar and pipe dealer supposed to do business? Well, I know the answer to this question… repeal the law. That is really the only way to restore people’s freedoms – get rid of the impediments. Yet, what can the private sector continue to do, especially individuals, to encourage public facilities to go smoke-free? Any ideas? Let me know in the comments.
I personally think the free-market is doing a great job of responding to the increase in consumer second-hand smoke consciousness. I’m not a fan of smoke either, and thanks to many people like me, many restaurants have opted to close off or remove their smoking sections.
To assume that legislation is necessary and that businesses won’t respond to consumer demands (whether that be a smoke-free restaurants or a bar where smoking is allowed.) is just one example of our legislators complete ignorance.
Anyway, great post Josh!
I, too, hate cigarettes — I watched two grandparents die from smoking. But if we illegalize stuff we don’t like, where will it stop?
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I think there are some interesting points here, but I wonder how this will all play out in the next few weeks…???
What is significant about the next few weeks? The law has been in effect for many months now. I do not follow Illinois politics very closely, though, so if there are developments, I would be interested to hear them.