What does everyone think about the smoking ban in public?

Question

This is for a class project and I was wondering if it was a good thing or a bad thing, thank you everyone.

Answer 1

I think it is absolute crap. It is one thing for an owner to ban indoor smoking of thier building, but banning the out doors is B.S. I have a question for you. In all honesty, Would you rather be in a closed garage with a started suv or minivan for a half an hour, or be in a garage with a smoker for a half an hour. Which one will kill you? facts anymore are too over-exageratted like the effects of second hand smoke. Truth.com states that second hand smoke is 3x more deadly than first hand smoke. They don't tell you that is only true if you are breathing DIRECTLY from the tip of a lit cigeratte. (that kind of means first hand dosen't it? I don't doubt that there is some kind of danger from inhaling constantly inside of a car with all the windows up and people smoking, or for a kid in a house with a family of smokers and no ventilation (most likely asthma and possibly lung cancer after years) but to say that inhaling a whiff of smoke outdoors is more deadly than inhaling the massive amounts of exhaust coming from all the cars on the street that those people are right next to, is a joke. The people worring about that are people with too little to worry about. So now the issue comes down to Offense. Which would mean that the smell "Offends" people that don't smoke. How far can you take that issue? Since we are no longer talking about saftey, this Offense issue could apply to Car exhaust, perfumes, outdoor trash cans, bright color shirts for those with sensitive eyes or countless other things that have just as much cause as the people have for being against outdoor smoking. The questions then becomes where do you draw the line? Is this a form of persecution? Why do we as humans as a whole, feel victorious when we can persacute a minority, and since this is a democracy we can do so because majority rules, Right or Wrong? When do we become more tolorent and worry about things that apply to fixing our own lives rather than trying to fix someone elses life whether they want it fixed or not, not just using the excuse that the end justifies using the wrong means? Take some of the indoor spots, I say fine. Take the outdoors? I call Bullsh*t.

Answer 2

To get to the bottom of the smoke-banning, you have to ask yourself some questions:

Why is smoking being banned so many places now? Where is it being banned? What is the motivation or those who are for and against the ban? Who benefits from a ban? Who suffers from it?

You would think that most people who want to ban smoking are motivated by the fact that they want to go out to eat, get drinks or whatever and not have to smell the smoke then or on their clothes when they get home. This is a perfectly reasonable stance on the matter, however it's not the reason many people offer when they propose a ban. What is that reason? For the health of those who work in areas that allow smoking.

This reason is a crock of BS. As a former worker in many bars and restaurants I can tell you that there isn't a demographic with a higher percentage of smokers than those who work in the F&B industry. Ask anyone in it. If I worked as a bartender and didn't like smoke then I could quit and get another job. Believe me when I say that although it takes a certain talent to be a good server, this is hardly a destination career. If you don't like it move on.

What's the argument in favor of smoking? Unlike your original question implies, the places affected the most by a smoking ban are *private* businesses. You are under no obligation to enter a smoking restaurant. Once you're in there you can leave. There is never a situation where you are forced against your will to be in a situation where you might encounter smoke.

The one and only reason people want to ban smoking is so they don't have to smell it. It's plain and simple. The health benefits are nothing but a canard they are using to force their opinions of what's right and wrong on others. It's not too much different than a morality law.

So if that's who is for a ban, who is against it? First of all are some of the owners of the places affected. Bars and restaurants are private property. Many people believe in the right of an individual or a business to determine what sort of activities are acceptable on his/her property. What right do local juristictions have to impose rules or laws on me in my home?

If you go are the type of person who can't stand smoke then go to a place where the *private* owner doesn't allow it. Or better yet, open your own bar. The economics of the situation make it pretty clear--if 80%+ of people don't smoke, then shouldn't a business that forbids smoking do quite well compared to those that allow it?

That's what the argument boils down to, plain and simple. Non-smokers want to impose their will--via government ordinance--against the smoker population at the cost of telling a business owner what can and can't go on at his/her establishment. This is Big Brother at work. I know that sounds paranoid, but I adhere to the basic fundamental belief that the less involvement and control the government has in my life the better my life is.

How about a compromise where smoking is not allowed in tax-supported places or dining areas, but is allowed in drinking establishments that provide adequate circulation and post signs?

Answer 3

I am a non-smoker for the past 18 years. I agree with the ban in all public places that are tax supported, in public areas where you pay an entrance fee (like sports events or theatres), in airports and other public places. I do not agree with the ban in privately owned bars and clubs. I think the owners of such places should have the option who there clientele will be and act accordingly. I see no problem with smoking friendly bars, and no smoking bars; or bars that have smoking and no smoking sections. I think employees at such places should be exempt from the work place laws, as well.

Telling a bar owner that his establishment MUST be non-smoking is just a little too Big Brother for me to stomach. In the USA I think he should be able to have a big sign that says, "Joe's Smoking Bar, Cigars and Cigarettes welcomed, if you don't like it, KEEP OUT!) If Joe makes a good business, then good for him; if Joe goes broke because people don't like his smoking bar, then he can change.

Answer 4

I'm not sure what the ban all involves, but here are a few of my thoughts.

Smoking in restaurants, bars or indoors should be illegal since I'm really tired of inhaling other peoples' smoke while I enjoy a night out. It's also unhealthy - (second hand smoke).

I see many people smoking at the entrance to public buildings and it looks very tacky. Also, tacky is a woman or man driving a car with a cig hanging out of their mouths - plus - it causes wrinkling of the skin in later years. Some people automatically assume if someone is ignorant enough to smoke or cannot discipline themselves to stop, that they are less intelligent or less motivated than others that don't smoke.

On the other hand, I understand smoking is legal and they may wish to do it "somewhere." I don't think any public entity should provide a place to do it, though. (ex: not to build a special room for smokers). Believe it or not my public high school had a smoking "area" in the vestibule for the kids who wanted to smoke bc they were stinking up the bathrooms and students complained; that was in the 70's).

Smoking in public should be legal outdoors, but they should not "litter" to get rid of the cig. butts. I don't like to see any litter on the ground.

People that throw their cig butts out the windows of their cars should be fined for littering at the very least bc I've had ashes blow into my car window when I've been behind them, it is not safe esp. if a lit cig flies into a window of the car behind you. The world is not their personal litter-bag.
Also, smoking around your children is really bad for their health. It would be beneficial for parents to set the example for their children by not smoking period.

Note: drinking is legal if you are of age, but we cannot drink whenever we want while in the parks/sidewalks. Another issue that needs attention is people that walk dogs and don't pick up after them.

These topics are really about discussing the individual rights of a person vs. the rights of the public at large.

Answer 5

I think it's a good thing, especially at restaurants. I've smoked off and on for years, but even as a die hard smoker, I did not like smoke wafting past my face as I was eating. I feel that if you can't get through a meal without a cigarette, you have a very serious problem. Just go outside and rejoin your party and stop complaining already.

Smokers sometimes forget that the smoke can be pretty offensive to non-smokers. I don't think it's necessary for people to smoke around kids or in a non-smoker's home or car. I don't have anything against people who smoke; I enjoy it myself. I just don't like inconsiderate smokers.

I don't agree w/it being banned at the beach or in bars--for whatever reason, this seems silly.

Answer 6

If smoking is banned in public, so should automobiles. Think about it--the exhaust system of gasoline burning autos puts out the same dangerous gas as a cigarette does--carbon monoxide. Only in the case of cars, the amount one car puts out in a day is more than one smoker inhales in probably his entire lifetime. So, I stay we ban automobiles too. Oh, and garbage trucks, since most of them run on diesel. And oil refineries. And while we're at it, factories that spew out thick, black, noxious fumes.

No, I'm sorry--when I smoke outside at work, I stand over in my little corner, away from everyone else. Nobody has to walk in the "direct line of cigarette smoke fire" when walking past me. I don't bother ANYONE and neither does my cigarette smoke. If they ever ban outdoor smoking where I live, I might as well move to China or Cuba. At least they're smoke friendly there.

Answer 7

Second hand smoke is deadly.

I am all for a smoking ban in public. This ban is very helpful for workers who must work all day in a smoke-filled environment.
I am referring to restaurants and public places like the insides of buildings and such.

In Ohio, where I live, a new law was passed last year regarding smoking in public places. Smokers must stay away from doors (entrances and exits) because the smoke from their cigarettes, etc. can enter buildings and thereby hurt or harm other workers.

When we think of the benefits these laws present- it's amazing. People with sensitive immune systems will also benefit. Those who suffer from asthma and allergies will benefit as will children.

Answer 8

For me, it's a good thing. Since I stopped smoking over six years ago, not a day has gone by that I haven't craved a smoke and smelling other people's second hand smoke makes it worse.
I have also developed some bad allergies. Sometimes medicine works, and sometimes it doesn't. Cigarette smoke has bad effects on my ability to breathe.
Since the ban started here in WA state, I have been able to go into bars without the assault on my lungs or my continuous fight against my addiction.

Answer 9

you would be unable to easily ban issues devoid of making an allowance for the full extra advantageous regulation enforcement strategies and expenditure a ban could desire, it would desire to bring about extremely some time-dropping, pettiness and unpleasantness. additionally, in maximum streets there is a lot site visitors toxins besides that i don't think of a few human beings who smoke make a number of distinction. in case you tried to restrict smoking and alcohol thoroughly it may purely bring about a black industry and extra criminal interest.

Answer 10

I am a smoker but am still for the banning especially for indoor spaces. We are free to do what we want but just as you are not suppose to physically and mentally abuse or hurt people, you shouldnt be able to cause damage to their health. When i do smoke in public places, i make it a point to stay out of others ways. It is my choice to do this to myself, but it is rather disgusting and non-smokers shouldnt have to deal with it.