The glaring inconsistency of how we treat some drugs versus others (like alcohol) is ridiculous. I have yet to see a promoter of the Drug War who also advocated Prohibition, which is really the only reasonably consistent position one could take if you believed in that sort of thing.

It is also interesting to see the number of people on the other side of the aisle who promote legalizing marijuana, but want to make it illegal to smoke tobacco in bars.

Your answer to the smoking problem is eminently reasonable, which is why I doubt it would ever happen. Why not let establishments decide for themselves how to handle the smoking situation? If there is any legality involved, it should probably be limited to laws requiring an obvious sign near the door stating the policy of the restaurant or bar. I patronize non-smoking places when given a choice. My wife smoked when I met her, and quit soon after. Like many ex-smokers, she can no longer stand the stuff.

BTW, on this subject, if you have a chance to catch this week's South Park on reruns over the weekend, it's worth a look. This perverse little show may be the last refuge of libertarianism on TV.