[I wrote this in response to a e-mail list discussion on the viability of non-smoking bars.]

I have spent many drunken hours in the hospitality of the “Jack of the Wood” pub in Asheville, NC. Jack of the Wood is not compelled by the local government to be smoke-free, but as sure as the fine quality of their “Green Man Ales,” the bartender will leap over the bar to demand that you extinguish your very unwelcome cigarette.

The business booms on Friday and Saturday nights with barely any standing room available. Bluegrass music abounds, but no smoking. This is in one of the states with the highest smoking rates around.

Yet, the national average for smoking is only 22.5 percent of the population according to statehealthfacts.org. That means over 70 percent of the population does not smoke and likely doesn’t give a damn whether their fellow bar patrons are allowed to smoke or not. My guess is that there is a sizable portion that prefers the latter. Why else would we have so many people demanding legislation?

I agree with those that find smoking bans intolerable and anti-liberty. But, I do understand the concerns of those who want a cleaner, a more healthy environment in which to have a good time. As I write this, I’m reeking of bar smoke from the local Hard Times Café, here in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. – a decidedly illiberal and uncreative locale. A better option would be very much appreciated.

The challenge is to convince people who believe in the rightness of the non-smoking policy to follow through and produce options that are not currently available. This is also true for those who want to see changes in education, community design, and corporate priorities. It is more important that we make a commitment to innovating and to changing attitudes than it is to complain about what those in government are doing. Screw the government. Let’s make a difference.

-- Kevin Rollins