Simple solution to smoking in restaurants

The issue of smoking in public restaurants and bars has a very simple answer. Why must the government make everything so difficult?

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The decision should be left to the owner of the establishment. The owner is the only one who knows the percentages of smokers and non-smokers who enter his business, and only the owner should have the right to make important decisions that affect his livelihood.

The answer is to make a simple law requiring all such businesses to post a sign on the entrance stating their tobacco policy. Some examples:

Warning: our patrons are allowed to smoke tobacco products. If this offends you, or you're afraid for the health of yourself and family, you may wish to consider another restaurant. Or,

Warning: this is a smoke-free building. No tobacco products allowed inside.

No one has the right to compel a business owner not to allow smoking in his establishment and, in return, no one has the right to smoke there, either ...

Maybe it should be no alcohol allowed. The last I checked, alcohol caused more deaths of innocent people than all the drugs and tobacco products put together. Does anyone complain about the loud, dirty talking in front of our children by drunks in a restaurant?

Ronnie Conrad, Augusta