"Libertarian Party Questions Need for Smoking Ban
Indianapolis, IN – The Libertarian Party of Marion County, a political party dedicated to individual and personal property rights, is wondering why non-smokers are trying to eliminate smoking venues for everybody.
Pending legislation in the Statehouse, as well as anticipated legislation in Marion County’s City County Council, seeks to limit choices for all Hoosiers. What is not clear is if these non-smokers are hoping to eventually ban tobacco altogether or if they think they have a right to enter a business and tell the owner how to manage his property.
“Legislation like this will do nothing but erode the limited property rights we still have,” says Timothy Maguire, Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Marion County. “Non-smoking venues are already available to all Hoosiers and nobody is being forced to work for or patronize a business that allows smoking.”
Former Libertarian candidate Mike Kole spoke to the State legislature earlier this year supporting business owner property rights. Look for more announcements from the Libertarian Party in the future as Indianapolis Libertarians plan events to raise awareness.
The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, and is the only non-major party with ballot access in the state of Indiana. Libertarians believe in being SERVED by a small non-intrusive government that is financially responsible, administratively competent and socially tolerant.
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Authorized by the Libertarian Party of Marion County – www.indylp.org
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact Sean Shepard at 317.513.2406 or by email at sshepard94(at)gmail.com"
1 comment:
I am staunchly Libertarian on nearly all subjects, but this is the one issue I still struggle with.
On one hand, I agree that this generally should be a decision left up to patrons and employees as to whether they want to visit or work in smoking establishments.
However, it becomes a problem when it affects those who have no choice, such as children who generally have to go to the same restaurant as their parents. Mommy and Daddy might not care about going to a smoking restaurant and may not consider the child's opinion or health in the equation.
For this reason, it seems that Indianapolis (I'm not sure about other areas) has gotten it right. Ban smoking in all-ages establishments and leave smoking to the over-21 spots. It gives choice to those who have it and protects those who can't choose.
Overall, I would tend to disagree with the complete smoking ban our neighbor nanny-city, Chicago, has in place.
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