"My first 'blog'-The Bill to ban smoking at all private workplaces is on today's Calendar

While currently sitting "at ease," (a Legislative Term for waiting) while we wait for the results from the Board of Governor's vote report, all minds are on the pending debate on vote on House Bill 2 which bans smoking in all workplaces. I think this Bill goes too far and am going to work to amend it or defeat it.

It bans smoking in ALL public and private workplaces-even single employee workplaces. It bans smoking in any enclosed area, such as a breeze way or covered pool. It bans smoking even at private homes if the home is licensed to care for children or adults.

I think this is a significant intrusion on private property rights. A business owner can already ban smoking in their business if they see fit. Many already have.

No one forces consumers to eat at restaurants that expose them to smoke or shop at businesses that allow smoking.

I believe in the free market. If enough people stop patronizing a business because of its smoking policy, the business will change policy in order to protect maximize its profits.

This bill has several other flaws too. Mainly, if this Bill becomes law, the business owner can be fined if someone smokes in their business even if they ask them not to do so. Imagine, a shoplifter is charged by the police. Under this Bill, the business owner would be charged because of the smoker's lawbreaking activities.

I firmly believe that a business owner should remain free to make this choice. We don't need a law.