Why are smoking bans being implemented in the Western World?

Question

Do you really think that the government gives a damn about your health? Surley, the cars chugging out black smoke are worse and what of the billions of pounds tax the government received every year from tobacco companies.

I can't understand why this is going through.
No need to tell me the health risks, im well aware.

Answer 1

The smoking bans all started on a local level because of *individuals* who were concerned about health issues petitioning their city, then state representatives. It was easy to target the smokers because there's a *very* clear cause and effect to the non-smoker... I sit near the smoking section and I feel lousy and come home stinking, therefore let's get rid of the smoking section. Since my local government has jurisdiction over my local bars and restaurants, and apparently the non-smokers outnumber those smokers who want to fight the ban (some smokers don't mind waiting until after dinner to smoke), the bans go through.

You're quite right that other factors are equally unhealthy, but they aren't in the local jurisdiction the way bars and restaurants are... such as freight trucks belching out black smoke! Once things that have federal jurisdiction start paying attention to the epidemic of environmental asthma, *then* I'll think the government gives a damn about my health.

Answer 2

As an ex-smoker I understand the need to smoke. However, these days I hate it if I'm walking down the street and someone infront is puffing away and I'm having the breathe in his smoke. They don't realise how disgusting it is for a non smoker. I don't go into pubs because I'd have to bath and wash my hair and change my clothes after coming out to get the stink off me.
But I also think that the government is just pretending they want everyone to give up smoking because if everyone did actually stop smoking tomorrow the government would collapse due to it's sudden drop in revenue.
I do'nt know about in America but here in Europe all vehicles are subject to strict emissions regulations and I've not seen them belching black smoke for many years now.

Answer 3

I think it is great that the government is finally making common health a higher priority than a persons' privelage or choice. Smokers say they have a right to smoke, and I feel they do, as long as it does not affect others. Just walking by a group of smokers on the street causes me to choke. I don't have asthma, but I can not tolerate smoke. Secondhand smoke is deadly, we've known that long enough now. Enough research has proven the negative affects of secondhand smoke that it should not be a personal issue, but rather an issue of overall wellness. Working in a smoking section is not healthy. An older woman puts herself at risk, a young pregnant mom puts her baby at risk. In many restaurants around here, the restroom is either in the smoking section, or you have to walk by the smoking section to enter it. That defeats the purpose. Our Denny's has the smoking section right up front, so while I wait to be seated I can be filling my lungs with carcinogens. Very appitizing! You cannot force a person to quit anything. Even prisons deal with drug exchanges. Banning smoking may not help people quit, but it will certainly make it easier for the rest of us to breathe.

Answer 4

basically because they can! Secondary smoking is obviously an important health issue as well as the drain on the health budget caused by smoking related diseases. The reason that the legislation can be put through is that smokers comprise a 30% minority of the population.. the rest don't care or are militant anti-smokers. On the other hand, 110% of us are drivers and any legislation to seriously control vehicle emissions or car use would certainly result in public hostility and outrage.

Answer 5

It's yet another case of this Government hypocrisy, if they are against smoking, then ban it full stop. If they did that and offered help on the NHS for those smokers who need it, instead of giving money to drug addicts to buy food. Those smokers would find giving up a lot easier,and lets face i doubt there are many smoker out there who commit crimes to get their fix every day. Of course every body's tax would go up, as the government would have a massive short fall in their figure's, so as long as those none smoker's don't mind paying the extra then the government should go for it and stop ***** footing around !!!

Answer 6

I have no idea. I know for a fact my government (UK) could not give two hoots about the state of my health.

I am however worried about the cuts in tax revenues this will bring about. Smokers are stupid enough to smoke, they like it, are willing to pay for it and therefore contribute billions per year in duty. The amount of money made from taxing cigarettes dwarfs the amount spent by the NHS on smoking related diseases.

In fact, obesity, spongers (from home and abroad) and lack of care homes for the elderly clog more beds and even individually cost a helluva lot more than smokers.

Answer 7

Because the health care costs associated with smoking are 400 times the revenue from taxes. Sounds like an easy decision to me!

Answer 8

The NHS does offer help for stopping smoking. (See below).

I can't wait till July when the ban comes into place in England. I'll be able to go to a pub or restaurant without coming home stinking.

Answer 9

no i think that the government for once have go it right. it will help smokers find the motivation to pack up smoking having less places that they can smoking. also just remember that they will getting less money in taxes from the sale of cigarettes so it isn't for financial reasons that they are banning smoking in public spaces.

Answer 10

Its a matter of respecting the next person rights who doesn't smoke. It has been confirmed by the US Surgeon General that second hand smoke also carries the same risk as someone who smokes.