A few weeks ago, a discussion about a new smoking ordinance the City Council is considering generated lots of mostly civil discussion here at Back Talk. Now, the DMN’s editorial page is weighing in on the issue, saying that while it’s well within the city’s rights to ban smoking in bars and pool halls, it’s not fair to extend that ban to entrances and patio areas. Cigar bars and specialty businesses (definition unstated) also should be exempt from a proposed smoking ban, the editorial says. "When public health is at issue, the city’s right to regular trumps business owners’ rights every time," the editorial opines. As far as I know, the proposed smoking ban extension hasn’t been scheduled for a council vote yet, but rest assured that the interest in this issue will ensure that a vote occurs at some point.