The General Assembly is considering a bill that would ban smoking on private property. From a property rights prospective, House Bill 259, "Prohibit Smoking in Public & Work Places" is a radical proposal.

This proposed legislation takes an activity that is legal in North Carolina and makes it illegal on private property. The bill would actually make it illegal for business owners to smoke in their own businesses, even if they are there alone, even if they are the only employee.

As well as being a property rights advocate, I am a nonsmoker, an asthmatic and a parent. I often choose not to patronize smoky establishments. Choice is the key word in this important debate. This proposal does not give the property owner any choice. (more…)