Smoking Ban on Private Property Violates Rights
By Yaron Brook (Salt Lake Tribune, February 6; Utah Standard-Examiner, February 21, 2006)

The proposed smoking ban in private clubs and bars in Utah should be rejected.

Individuals should not expect their government to protect their health by banning smoking in bars and clubs. They should be left free to make their own choices and take their own risks--and they should be responsible for the consequences. It should be up to each individual to decide whether to smoke, whether to go to a bar that permits smoking, or whether to permit smoking on his own property.

Forcing property owners to adopt a non-smoking policy is a violation of their rights, and of the rights of those who enjoy smoking cigarettes.

Free individuals need government to protect their rights, not to violate them.