As stated above, the problem is not people smoking around other people, and the solution is not making businesses stop smokers.  The problem is an economy and society that provides far too few options for people in how they earn a living and how they get together.  The solution is a society of equal power where any small group can stake out their own space, workers can control their working conditions, and so smoking or non-smoking spaces can actually be founded by groups of patrons or employees as they see fit.

In defense of Joel Wiens' original posts, though, this in itself is not a good argument against prohibiting smoking in workplaces.  If we had a fair economy, where everyone had some wealth, we wouldn't need a minimum wage law.  But we don't have a fair economy, and does anyone think we should abolish minimum wage, given the way things are now, simply because fair wealth distribution, the right to organize on the job, and non-market forms of interacting would be better solutions if we get them?

True smoking and non-smoking sections wherever possible, with good ventilation and a hazy area in the middle for those (in the minority?) who don't care about breathing others' smoke, seems like as good a solution as we've got.  Or maybe, to go back to the original topic here -- Lula's Drug Decriminalization Decree -- we could set up 250 safe drug use centers, where people could smoke tobacco in warmth, reducing the harm to themselves and others.  I thought I was kidding here, but you tell me.

Since we've been disclosing our smoking habits, I'll say here I don't use any drugs that involve burning, needles, pills, or other non-food entry.  I do over-eat, including sugar and chocolate, I sometimes drink alcohol, and I have chewed coca).  And I really don't like cigarette smoke, though I'm getting better.  A roommate at college asked if he could "smoke" in the room.  "I'm sorry," I said.  "That's one thing I absolutely cannot-- wait, do you mean marijuana?  Oh that's fine."