Is the smoking ban fair or unfair?

Answer 1

It’s absolutely ridiculous that anyone could say this is a fair law, that’s right LAW. How can anyone think that the government should tell a bar owner they cannot allow smoking in their own establishment? how can the restriction of a legal substance be fair? In one of the answers above they state that the government doesn’t know when to stop. this is the truth what’s next your not allowed to eat McDonalds because its bad for you?

When it comes to Non-smokers not wanting to be around harmful second hand smoke, Thats your choice you were allowed keep your right to choose, they took my right to choose to smoke or not smoke away... is that fair? Here’s an idea, don’t go to the Bar/Restaurant that allows smoking.

How is it fair that the smoking crowd has to go outside to smoke because you don’t want to smell it? how is it fair that a Non-smoker gets what they want but a smoker doesn’t?

The bottom line is that the government should not have that much control over us. it should be a business owners choice.

Not to mention the waste of tax payers dollars to police the ban...

Answer 2

I am a smoker, and this is the way I see it:

- In Santa Monica, they have banned smoking even outdoors. I can kind of see where they're coming from, because although smoking a cigarette on the sidewalk is no more harmful than the terrible smog we breath in every day, it does cause litter. A lot of smokers throw their butts where ever.

- In apartments and hotels: This should not be the business of the government. This should be the decision of the building owners. If my apartment owner should decide to put a ban on smoking for whatever reason, then fine. I can go rent somewhere else. Same thing with pets. Pets cause damage. If you want to have a pet, do your business with a property owner that allows pets. If you want to smoke, do your business with a property owner that allows smoking.

- In restaurants and bars: Really, I do think this is fair. It's nice though when a bar or restaurant has a nice smoking area. Disneyland also has designated smoking areas. In places that are so congested, I don't mind the occasional inconvenience, if it means sparing non-smokers from the second-hand smoke. Not to mention, smoke can cling to other people's hair and clothing. If I was a non-smoker, I wouldn't want that.

As a smoker, I do understand the concerns of non-smokers. Most of the smoking bans are fair deals (with the exception of government intervention on property owners). I just get upset though when non-smokers fail to understand the smokers' side of the story and treat them like second class citizens.

Answer 3

You work it out... the smoking ban has caused hundreds of pubs to close, thousands of jobs losses, and one pub group reported a 17% loss in revenue. People are not socialising anymore (the ban is anti-social) and more kids are drinking in pubs, cocaine use in on the mega increase in pubs, and double the number of people are hanging around on the streets. The reminder are all drinking and smoking at home around their children! Do you really need to ask?

Answer 4

The only trouble is that the government doesn't know when to stop. Give them the power to ban smoking, they'll be banning what you like, next.

Answer 5

Smoking ban is fair when imposed in public places.

Answer 6

Completely fair for public places and for places like hotels or apartments. I believe banning it in hotels and apartments is fair since smoking can cause damage, such as staining of walls and draperies, damage to carpeting, etc. Since hotels and apartments are usually private owned, to me it's no different than my husband and I banning smoking in our home.

Answer 7

Well, even though I'm a non-smoker, in public places, I guess it's "fair". However, I'm not so sure about private places that are not allowed to have smoking anymore.

I believe in the freedom for business owners to designate their places to be for smoking. Yes I'm aware of 2nd hand smoke. I'm sure smokers know in some way about the risks. If they want to cater to smokers, why not. There are millions of smokers, they are not 2nd class citizens - if they want to do it, let them do it to themselves. It's the same principle as drinking or eating fast food)

And no "child" argument, kids shouldn't be hanging in tobacco lounges, men's clubs, etc

Answer 8

it's fair if it's in places where there are other people who can inhale second hand smoke

Answer 9

Completely fair. If smokers want to kill themselves, do it away from those who prefer to keep the toxins out of their bodies.