TO THE EDITOR:

I would like to applaud the County Commissioners with regards to the smoking ban by considering to ask what Chisago County business owners think. I am a small business owner of a bar and restaurant and I personally believe that if all bars/ restaurants have to go smoke-free, many will have to close their establishments. I have been to bars/restuarants in Hennepin County before and after the smoking ban, and I'm very surprised that they are surviving as I'm sure some have not. I also agree with "what right is next" and "where is it going to stop."

How much control can we allow the government to have about our personal choices. I also believe that the government does have bigger fish to fry then worry about people choosing to enter into a smoking establishment. And agree that it is a person's freedom of choice to enter a smoke-free or a smoking establishment. I believe that owners have the right to choose to go smoke- free in their establishment if they choose, since they are the ones who know what's best for their own establishment.

Brenda Williams
North Branch