Smokers and public buildings

The government, in their new legislative programme, plan to propose a law which shall outlaw smoking in public places. An interesting piece in The Independent details such a move.

Banning smoking in 'public' places is a misnomer. So-called public places are in many instances private establishments. They are not created or administered by the state. In such areas, it should be the property owner who determines whether people possess the right to smoke or not.

The article states that St. Barts hospital has banned smoking. Well it is the government's right, since the hospital is their property.