Did Chicago officials really think they could pass a restaurant and bar smoking ban without seriously damaging businesses? Every law has unintended consequences.

JT...these state and munipal smoking "bans" are the most agregious violations of personal property rights. Of course, since a majority of Americans don't smoke anymore, than it's quite all right with them. After all, it's their "right" to go in any establishment and not be bothered by SHS. Mob rule at it's finest!!!!!!!!

And might I add that the Surgeon General of the U.S. should be fired for falsifying information. His last "proclamation" in '06 shed no new light on what has been proven to be junk science. Chalk up another win for the "nanny state". Where are the cries about stolen liberty on this issue?

Bar owners in Oak Forest, Tinley Park and Orland Park complained this week that their business sank as much as 50 percent because the towns banned smoking in public places effective Jan. 2.

They passed this ridiculous ban in Houston. It's effective Sept. 1, 2007. I think I read that the experts predict no drop in business because people who avoided smoky bars will now be inclined to seek them out. Right.