Our View

New Jersey legislators ought to throw out any state bill that would ban smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants. There’s no need to copy New York on this idea, as there’s no need for this law to exist in any state.

But politicians will be politicians, and for them this an easy win — take action that will "protect the public health." In this instance, however, the public can protect its own health.

With restaurants, there are already enough restrictions in place to separate the smokers and create a smoke-free environment for non-smokers. When it comes to bars, one can just make the decision not to enter a bar, knowing that there is likely to be smoking there.

And in either case, the business can prohibit smoking on its own volition if it wants to promote a smoke-free establishment — a quality that could attract a loyal non-smoking clientele but would more likely wind up being a bad business decision.

One local business owner noted that this law would "literally ban the bar," which is not too far from the truth. This law will undoubtedly hurt business for thousands of New Jersey establishments. Just look at the reports of New York bar owners who claim losses of 40 to 50 percent since the ban took effect.

It might be a political victory to take credit for acting in favor of the public health, but this law is just not necessary. In this time of economic struggle, this law seems like the last thing New Jersey needs.