Not strictly true to say there have never been approach bans. In the "good old days" when ATC had Operational Control and Tower's reports of conditions were gospel, the airport could be closed to landings and/or departures and the only aircraft who were legally entitled to make an approach when conditions were below minima were training aircraft conducting practice approaches with missed approach, or aircraft declaring an emergency. Of course, ATC would make liberal use of "conditions fluctuating about the minima" which permitted an approach except when visibility was in RVR (in those days, below 2000m).
Further to that, ATC could also stop VFR (Special VFR) aircraft from getting themselves into strife by withholding a clearance when conditions were below sensible levels. These days, they don't have that right and lighties can fly off into ridiculous weather if they wish. ATC is then expected to somehow magically produce a way for them to safely survive.
So, bring back the good old days.
Yes, I know, I'm getting too old for this sh1t.
