Smoke-free bars? Really?

Here's a bad idea: A smoking ban in Myrtle Beach bars.

As WBTW-News 13's Mason Snyder reported tonight, "Next month Smoke Free Horry plans to present Myrtle Beach City Council with research its done that shows the negative health impact second hand smoke has."

If smoking is legal, businesses ought to be able to choose whether they will allow smoking -- especially bars and restaurants.

Here we go again with the never-ending confusion between "freedom-to" and "freedom-from."

We ought to just allow as much "freedom-to" as possible, and let the people who want "freedom-from" go somewhere else.

That includes me. I'm a non-smoker.

If a business owner wants to establish a bar and allow smoking, does that mean everyone has a divine right to go into that bar on his or her own terms?

Should we worry about the sensibilities of animal-rights advocates by banning steak from steakhouses? Does an animal-rights advocate have a divine right to enter Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery and remain un-offended?

Sure, cigarettes are unhealthy. So are cheeseburgers and everything else on the McDonald's menu.

Just keep Horry County a truly Independent Republic.

Art, Car, Bike, and Stunt Show -- La Familia: A Benefit -- for a local woman diagnosed with leukemia

Jess, the woman who cuts my hair, gave me a flier about an upcoming Art, Car, Bike, and Stunt Show set up to benefit a local cancer patient.

Here's what the flier says:

"La Familia: A Benefit" hostedy the The Elite Company will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011, at SBB 4 Corners in Murrells Inlet, SC, from 10 am until midnight. We hope to not only raise awareness about leukemia but, also money to help a local family who as been affected by it.

All proceeds will go to help local artists Michael "Crackie" McDonald and his girlfriend Brittany Riddle who has been recently diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is currently underdoing treatment.

The American Cancer Society will also be on hand passing out information on all forms of cancer as well as taking donations for their Relay For Life.

The event also has a Facebook page. Call Elite Ink Tattoos at 843-448-4708 or email lafamiliamb@gmail.com for more information.

Big big big words on winter beers

First, let us direct our attention to Paste Magazine, where Josh Jackson has blogged a review of 10 winter ales, which you can read right here. Second, allow me to talk about some of the new and winter brews we'll be able to find in the Myrtle Beach area -- and I talk about them in my latest column. Enjoy!

Crafty Rooster Beer Festival THIS WEEKEND! Brewing At The Beach tomorrow!

Don't miss the Crafty Rooster Beer Festival in Conway this weekend! The fest will be held at the Farmers Market (not Crafty Rooster) at 217 Laurel Street, Conway. Hours run 5-10:30 p.m. today (Friday) and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday (tomorrow, Nov. 12). What better thing could you do on 11/11/11? CLICK HERE for more information! Also, don't forget Brewing At The Beach, taking place at New South Brewing Co., 1-6 p.m. Saturday (tomorrow, Nov. 12). My advance story on Brewing At The Beach is this week's cover story in the Weekly Surge. Read it here.

I'm so glad Tolkien is dead; he should never have to see this

Do you home brew?

Then I would love for you to participate in my upcoming cover story for the Weekly Surge. Please email me at beerpour@yahoo.com, share your phone number, and tell me when the best time to call would be. Thanks! Colin