| Libertarian Party of NY -- Press Release -- Libertarian Candidate To Ignite Smoking Ban Opponents At Seneca Rally |
Libertarians are seeking petition signatures to repeal the smoking bans imposed last year. It reads "We the undersigned, whether smokers or non-smokers, agree with the Libertarian Party that bans on smoking in restaurants and bars should be overturned. Bar and restaurant owners should have the right to decide whether to permit smoking or not on their property. The public has the right to choose whether or not to patronize or work there. The government should not interfere with their choices."
The petition was authored by ex-State Chair Richard Cooper, a nonsmoker who chairs the Nassau County Libertarians. He contends that "We Libertarians are pro-choice on smoking. Who should decide whether there should be smoking in bars and restaurants? We say the property owner, not politicians or bureaucrats. The U.S. Surgeon General, Richard Carmona, has said he would support banning cigarettes and all tobacco products. The handwriting is on the wall for Americans who cherish freedom and personal responsibility, not just smoking." Libertarian State Chair John Clifton, a nonsmoking social worker and former drug abuse counselor, sees smoking bans as violating freedom of choice. "The city and statewide restaurant ban on smoking is a blow to free choice for all New Yorkers, whether they smoke or not."
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