Gov. Chet Culver's recent decision to pass the smoking ban has us asking the question, how much is your next nicotine fix worth?

Tuesday's ban prohibits smoking in most public places, except outdoor areas of bars, outdoor areas of county fairs and the Iowa State Fair, farm tractors, retail tobacco stores, private clubs that have no employees and the gambling floors of casinos.

Allowing patrons on the gambling floors of casinos shows just how greedy legislators are. As long as they have a steady flow of money into the economy, they are OK with certain citizens who wish to puff away.

Even as an editorial board supporting the ban and comprising three smokers, we feel this is a double standard. Exemptions are put in place when it benefits the government - or their wallets - but then places ridiculous restrictions on everyone else.

What are these outrageous restrictions, you ask?

Well, next time you and a group of your friends are gathered around the campfire enjoying a cold beer and your favorite cigarette, think again.

Under the new ban, smoking on the grounds of any building owned or leased by the state or its political subdivisions, which would include cities and counties, is prohibited. This means any city park with a shelter or campgrounds with bathroom or management facilities is now completely smoke-free.

But if you're still searching for an outlet to cure your craving, you can still smoke at the Iowa State Fair. What could go better with your cigarette than a fried Twinkie?