We all know that there have been smoking bans becoming increasingly widespread throughout Texas, and the U.S. Well, yesterday in Austin there was a bill tentatively passed to ban smoking in public places across our state but so many exceptions have been included that it’s basically not going to make a dent at all.

The most severe exemption is an amendment to the smoking ban bill by Rep. Burt Solomons, (R-Carrollton) that would leave the choice up to property owners of a business, not the bar or restaurant operators, to decide whether or not they will allow smoking on the premises.

As you would probably guess, this issue spans part lines and has support from both parties, but is also equally as opposed by both Republicans and Democrats alike.

Oh and to those of us who enjoy cigar bars, bingo, etc. - don’t worry because those have been exempted as well. The day the government takes away my right to enjoy a fine cigar in the company of other cigar aficionados, I move to another country!

In conclusion, the smoking ban bill will most likely have a final vote in the House today. If the votes goes as it has previously thus far, it’ll move on into Senate.

Smoker, non-smokers, how would you feel about the government telling us we can’t light up at a bar, restaurant, club, etc.? How much control is too much?