Should smoking be banned in public places?

Answer 1

This is a difficult question. I think I would agree with a ban in pubs, clubs and resturants. However most people smoke in order to alliviate stress and hospitals, courts etc can be stressful places and I think there should be designated areas for smokers so that they can cope at stressful times. I also think a total ban would be impossible to enforce

Ps I am a non-smoker

Answer 2

While I recognize the unfairness to smokers, I must say as an asthmatic and a non-smoker that I support the ban in SOME public places. I'm from the US (don't know if you're talking about the UK), so here one cannot smoke in restaurants, in some bars at the discretion of the owner, and within 20ft of a public building. I personally find it reasonable. While I understand it's an addiction, I feel that the more limitations placed on smokers the better. It's like letting an alcoholic drink and be rowdy wherever they are, they'll obviously bother someone with their addiction as they will effect others around them. Smoking is becoming more taboo because people are bothered by it. Frankly it stinks and it's an extremely unattractive and unhealthy habit. The more lives we can save by banning it the better. Lung cancer is a terrible thing to live through as it oral cancer, emphasema, and chronic bronchitis. I've watched relatives suffer through the adverse effects of smoking and it's unneccessary to die before your time just for a silly ciggarette.

Answer 3

I live in Scotland so the ban has already been enforced and it's great! No longer do you have to sit in a restaurant with someone near you blowing smoke in your face. Some people say that pubs and restaurant lose business but I think they gain because some people avoid public places because they are too smoky. It's also better for the health of the general public. So in answer to your question - yes.

Answer 4

No, if the government is going to legislate on our unhealthy habits in public places surely it should extend further than smoking. If a public smoking ban is enforced then why not an unhealthy eating ban, stop fat people from eating chips in public, or a drinking ban so you can only drink alcohol in your own home to cut down on drink driving. There has to be a line where legislation stops and personal choice starts, smoking is unhealth but it doesn't impact on the non smoking public as much as automotive pollution does on the non driving section of any community. I smoke but I don't own a car, I think it's a fair trade off.

Answer 5

I think smoking should be BANNED in public places, just because those people who suffer from the addiction to smoking, the public should n ot be suffering being put in a place where they can be susceptible to cancer, etc. I believe that peoples bad habits such as smoking, drinking etc. should not be a contaminate to people who are trying to live a good life and keep there health good.

Answer 6

I would prefer it was, since the smoking ban in scotland, there are more people smoking on the street, although out in the open air, you still have to walk past, behind these smokers and am usually subjected to a blast of second hand smoke which is foul. I end up coughing and they turn round and giving me a look, as if to say 'what, i'm doing it outside!'

I find going to the shops a test of endurance now as you walk past so many more people smoking in public places as they are no longer able to smoke in pubs, offices, restaurants etc.

If smokers feel they are being persecuted, then they should think of us non-smokers too, we need to use the streets to get to where we want to go too and would much prefer getting there without getting second-hand smoke in our lungs.

Answer 7

I can understand non-smokers not wanting to have to go out and be subjected to second hand smoke. But on the flip side of that coin - it should not be so hard to find someplace to smoke that it takes away the rights of smokers - and smokers do have rights too. So, I think there should be some kind of balance found in all of it. There are many restaurants that have enclosed areas for smoking. So I think that there should be some places in public that people can smoke should they chose. And also smoke free areas for those who don't. Be fair to both sides.

Answer 8

Sorry to you smokers,but definitely YES. As an ex-smoker myself, (I know we're the worst,) I would say that I have no problem with smokers indulging while in the company of others of a like mind. It does annoy others however, when they (the non-smokers) are forced to smell the smoke - or even worse the stale smoke of others. Passive smoking may or may not damage ones health, but the smell of stale smoke undoubtedly damages your social life. Luckily I've managed 13 years without one,(after 29 years of smoking,) but only because I'm scared to take a puff in case I get hooked again.

Answer 9

OH YES!!! it is banned over here in Scotland and the rate of smoking has dropped drastically. Why should we die young just bcoz others have no respect for their own bodies!!! I think it is a cracking idea!!! I once knew a man who died from passive smoking, as he spent a lot of time in his local pub b4 the ban... when they opened up his lungs they were so destroyed they swore he was a smoker!!!Why should we smoke when we chose not 2???

Answer 10

yes it should be if it will make even one person give up it is worth it, I smoke but I think it is a disgusting habit and I dont like smoking in public because im ashamed of it and I dont like subjecting people to it. I am always giving up and then starting again, im hoping the new rule will stop my mum smoking or at least make her cut down she has a lot of problems with her health due to smoking