Monday, February 28, 2011

Smoking Bans in Bars Simply Not Necessary

I'm having lunch at Manly's Irish Mutt. It's a little pub on the east side of Indianapolis. Nice place. Traditional bar/pub menu, but with a little bit of an Irish twist. Over 21 only. No smoking allowed.

No smoking because they want to be no smoking. Not no smoking because a law mandated it.

Great crowd at lunch. I got here about 1:00 and the bar rail was packed and several tables sat, as well.

A lot of people will tell you that smoking bans for bars are necessary in part because bars can't realistically go smoke free and keep their business if the bar next door allows its patrons to light up.  Bull.

This is my second visit to Manly's. It's been packed both times. Evidence, I submit, that there is sufficient demand to have both smoking and non-smoking adult establishments.

Let the business choose their environment, don't mandate it with laws that only strip our liberties.