I'm going to agree with you, Chris. I personally think that business owners should be able to regulate behavior within their own establishments. You, as a client of that establishment, or a possible client, have the right to either patronize that establishment or not. It's the money that talks, nothing else.
If a tavern owner chooses to ban smoking in his place of business, he, as owner, should be allowed this right. If people who don't smoke do not come to this tavern (or any other business) and the owner loses clientele, and thence money, I think that's the price of doing business.
As far as the health issues are concerned; I am aware of all the risks and the studies to my content. I think it's my choice on whether to indulge in smoking or not. Just like McDonald's, it's our choice on whether we choose to patronize this (and other) fast food restaurants.
There are many automobile accidents that result in immediate death every day. Is anyone proposing a ban on automobiles? Smoking, while not the healthiest thing to do, cannot kill on an immediate basis. Let's weigh these facts before we preach behavior to others.