To the editor:

The entire state of California and the city of New York have adjusted, and thrived, with a restaurant smoking ban. However, Lawrence is going to be hopelessly devastated and bankrupt if we enact it here. Are you kidding? So if there is a citywide ban, are smokers going to travel to Topeka and Kansas City so they can have a smoke with their meal? I doubt it. Smoking cannot be compared to other lifestyle choices. Your Big Mac or your Bud Light will not pass into my body; your smoke will.

Recently we went to eat at a new local restaurant. We sat in the “nonsmoking section” right after we walked through the smoking bar section to get there. Great. Then I had to take my 3-year-old to the bathroom. Well, then we were in trouble, because the bathrooms are right next to the bar and we completely forgot our gas masks. So people who argue that it is my choice are correct. We will never go there again. Restaurants owners should stop worrying about the business they might lose after a ban, and realize how much they will gain.

Allison Veeder,

Lawrence