I realize its a disgusting habit, I share the same sentiment as you about restaurants. I just think its wrong to tell people in NC where and when they can smoke.
Eh, I could substitute 'steak' and 'scotch' for the same effect.
I remember talking to pub owners in county Cork in the summer of '06, several months after the Irish banned pub smoking. Both owners said the same thing: originally, they held the libertarian arguments and the economic arguments, but after a few months both saw an increase in business, and were pretty gung ho about it. Seems most of the patrons, smokers and non-smokers, were willing to stick around for a couple more glasses when they weren't breathing other people's fumes.
Plus, I've got a few bartender friends, some who smoke, some who don't. ALL of them appreciate the fact that they don't perpetually smell. One girl was thinking about changing professions (she's a damn good bartender, too) but started to re-enjoy her job once her hair didn't permanently smell like an ashtray.
Plus, as an ex-smoker and social alcoholic, it is much easier for me to go out and avoid that shit. You put a couple stout drinks in me, and put me in my circle of friends (of which most still chain smoke) and it is only a matter of time before I'm going to crack. Personal consideration, I know, but I've tried quitting many times, and the only time it has stuck was when I could go out and not have that shit literally in my face.
Besides, this is NC. In our part of the state, put a heat-lamp on the stoop on the three nights a year when it is uncomfortably cold. Boom. Problem solved. Don't know how it is down in Jacksonville, but have you noticed the blossoming of outdoor seating and porches at the pubs? If we score a cafe culture, in addition to a clean place to socialize, I'm cool with that.
If folks are going to use the government to tell me
what I can legally smoke, I've got no problem with the government telling other people
where they can legally smoke.