Post by RS Davis on Nov 15, 2003 7:52:35 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Terry Gray Wrote:[/glow] When debating the pros and cons of smoking bans, we need to ask whether it makes sense to protect and defend private individuals’ rights to their property. If we agree that private property rights should be protected, then we should make a clear distinction between private property and public property.
Omitting legal jargon and using common sense, private property belongs to a private owner, and public property belongs to the public or to some government entity that represents the interests of the general public.
Those who favor smoking bans prefer to consider bars and restaurants to be public property simply because the public is invited to visit those establishments. However, opponents of smoking bans recognize that the invitations to the public are by the graces of the private owners, and the property remains private property.
Omitting legal jargon and using common sense, private property belongs to a private owner, and public property belongs to the public or to some government entity that represents the interests of the general public.
Those who favor smoking bans prefer to consider bars and restaurants to be public property simply because the public is invited to visit those establishments. However, opponents of smoking bans recognize that the invitations to the public are by the graces of the private owners, and the property remains private property.
- Rick
