So some hospitals have apparently started banning people from smoking anywhere on their property — even in their own private cars in the parking lot. It’s not even masked as some sort of safety thing — they just don’t want people to smoke.

Hey, I don’t let people smoke in my house. A hospital can make all the rules they want. Of course some aren’t happy.

Roger Swafford of Forces Alabama, a smoker’s rights group, said the smoking ban demonstrates the hospital’s complete lack of concern for their patients.

“Visitors that are smokers and willing to adhere to the hospital policy will likely shorten visits,” Swafford said. “Hospitals should have a designated area for visitors and staff members who choose to use a legal product […]

“When some people complain and get the government involved, and start telling me what to do in my house or my car, then they have gone too far,” Pritchard said.

Whatever, man. If Pritchard’s argument is about private property rights, then he’s being completely inconsistent. I realize that some of these hospitals might be public, but it’s still property that being controlled by a board of directors or something. I’ve always said that I think owners should be the only people who decide whether or not you can smoke in a restaurant. I don’t see how this is any different.