Why is smoking legal?

To the Editor: Smoking is a nasty habit and it is dangerous to your health, so why is it legal? New Jersey has recently passed a bill banning the use of tobacco in bars, restaurants and other public buildings. I’m in the bar business and concerned about this bill and its effect on my business, so I called the senators who were on the exploratory committee. Unfortunately, I never got to speak directly to a senator but was connected to their aides. I expressed my concerns about the effect of not allowing my customers to smoke at the bar. The aides were all polite and patient, and after I was through they all had the same responses to my concerns about the loss of revenue. I was told to please understand that this is not a money issue. This bill is concerned with the health of employees, patrons and the general public. I thought for a moment: How could I argue with such a great law? I couldn’t, so I made my own suggestion. Why doesn’t New Jersey become the first state to ban the sale and use of tobacco statewide? Just think of all the lives that would save! I was surprised by their answers. I was told New Jersey couldn’t afford to do that, as the state collects millions of dollars in tobacco taxes. Excuse me! I thought you just told me this was not a money issue and that this bill was concerned only with the health and welfare of New Jersey citizens. Doug Thomson Airport Pub Wantage