Should smoking be banned in public?

I am rather stumped that I haven't seen this topic come up at all. I'd like to see some opinions before I weigh in.

So what's your stance? The rights of smokers, the rights of business owners, the rights of the public... where can we balance them?

+=o RoboNerd o=+

 

Yes. Smoke stinks and it's harmful.

 

The rights of smokers: smoking is legal, why shouldn't smokers be able to enjoy smoking in a public environment?

the rights of business owners: shouldn't business owners be able to determine for themselves whether or whether not to allow smoking in their establishments? It's their money, customers, and marketing after all.

the rights of the public: doesn't the public have the right to be able to enjoy an environment without being exposed to (harmful) second-hand smoke?

If smoking is not allowed, smokers will have to take their cravings elsewhere. If smoking is allowed, the public will have to suffer the potentially damaging affects of second-hand smoke as well as the allergies some people have and the smell.

Personally, I like the current legalities where smoking is not allowed in public buildings and only in specific areas in restaurants. It makes sense to me. Smokers can still smoke in other places and outside, and non-smokers can get away from the smoke. Smoking is also hazardous for your health and perhaps this helps bring the point across to some extent.

 

In my city we just instituted an ordinance that forbids smoking anywhere except establishments in which 50% or more of the total sales come from alcohol. As a non-smoker I enjoy it. It is rare that I have to wait for a table when we go out to eat due to not having a smoking section with 3 people in it.


One of the main complaints from smokers prior to the ordinance being passed was that they would take their business elsewhere. Well, they haven't. Restaurants in town are still turning profits and more are being built to meet the new demand.

 

Seeing as how smoking is still legal, the idea of it being banned publically strikes me as wrong. At the same time, I certainly appreciate smoke-free environments.

Then again, as long as tobacco and alcohol remain legal while marijuana remains illegal, I'll think it's all a joke anyway.

 

Yes it should be. Wait let me say that again. Hell YES it should be.

Sorry but shouldn't I have the right to go into a resturant and not have to smell smoke? It's a joke when you go to most resturants and they think some little wooden wall which is only 4 feet high will keep the smoking and non smoking section separate. Get rid of it, and while were at it. Also make it a law that if someone is smoking outside a business or and such they can't stand by the darn door and blow smoke at you when your trying to go in.

 

Yes it should, children are inhaling this crap...

 

Indoors, preferably yes. Outdoors, no. (in that case we'd have to ban cars too)

 

Smoking should be legal in open areas with enough ventilation. Just about all outdoor public places should fall under this list.

As far as private establishments, it should be up to the business owner. I disagree with the new Delaware law that states that all restuarants and bars must be non-smoking. Either they should be non-smoking, or all smoking. Let the economics of the private establishment drive the matter. Let individuals choose.

 

Should we ban cars? Should we ban perfume? What about hairspray and nail polish? And dont' forget to ban permanent markers!

My answer if of course not. I, btw, find smoking absolutely revolting, but I believe people have a right to do whatever they want, even if I think it is sick and icky.

 

Even if it polutes your own lungs? My lungs must suffer for the aleviation of the addiction of others? Definetely no, we have enough with car polution. Inside public establishments, forbidden. Outside, it's OK, in comercial places it's to the owner.

 

For the most part, I think it already is...I know of tons of restaurants that no longer have a smoking section. Other than recreational buildings like restaurants, casinos, and bars...how many public buildings can you smoke in? None.

 

Yes it should. Until that day I'll just harass ppl that smoke near me.

 

My $0.02:

Does anyone else find it odd that most public buildings have banned it, except restaurants... where it matters the most?

I mean, really, if I'm about to pay $30 to sit down to a steak dinner I expect to taste steak, not someone's exhaled carcinogens.

Furthermore, there are many of us out there who suffer from asthma and other lung problems. We really don't appreciate having some butt-burglar lighting up in enclosed places.

As far as I'm concerned smokers have no "rights", except to smoke elsewhere, away from me.

+=o RoboNerd o=+

 

When i walk around campus and there is some jerk in front of me smoking, i have to breathe in the smoke he exhales. This happens a lot. It should not be banned, but something should be done. i don't want to hurt my lungs b/c of someone else's desire to kill themselves.

 

It's a proven health hazard and should be treated as such.

I'd also like to see some enforcement of littering laws. I'm tired of seeing cigarette butts all over our grass and sidewalks.

"Come on, cigarettes are killers! Do you know about second-hand smoke? You can give people lung cancer who are trying to lead innocent lives!" - The Duke in "Midnight Run"

 

YES smoking should be banned anywhere that is considered a public place in a building or closed area.

i used to smoke 2 to 3 packs a week about a year ago. iam 25 now i been smoking since 17. hopefully i can last the rest of my life without picking a deathstick. 1 year down 70 years to go.

 

I don't think smoking should be banned in public. I agree with previous statements that it should be left up to the business owner whether or not they want to allow smoking in their building.

As for people complaining about going into a restaurant and smokers killing them with second hand smoke...I have an idea...why not go some place where you know they don't allow smoking?

 

I think smoking should be banned permanently because it is harmful for the body and not good for the people that have to inhale it.

 

And what of the millions of people who currently smoke?

 

Should we ban cars?

Just to let you know that cars like the one say Uncle Buck drove in the movie Uncle Buck are illegal to be on the road, because of the smoke and other polutants it gives off. So you can be pulled over and sighted for having steam or smoke coming out of your car.

Look cars are on the open road unless your in a parking garage or something. When your in a closed in area say like a resurant and there is smoke from cigarettes and Cigars filling the room your hurting yourself and others around you because of the space. That is why it needs to be illegal. By the way a lot of resurants are getting rid of smoking because many people don't want to deal with the terrible smell. It can make people lose their appetite. So instead of me spending 50 bucks for dinner I might spend 20.

 

When your in a closed in area say like a resurant and there is smoke from cigarettes and Cigars filling the room your hurting yourself and others around you because of the space. That is why it needs to be illegal. By the way a lot of resurants are getting rid of smoking because many people don't want to deal with the terrible smell. It can make people lose their appetite. So instead of me spending 50 bucks for dinner I might spend 20.

Then why go to a restaurant where you know people will be smoking if you don't like it?

 

No i dont think it should (but hey i am a passive smoker), but i do think that smokers should be more considerate of non-smokers. I also find it amazing how some people can smoke infront of their own kids! When i have the occasional smoke, i always avoid letting other people inhale, its rude and inconsiderate of their health

 

I have an idea...why not go some place where you know they don't allow smoking?

I don't know any restaurants that don't allow smoking.

 

Ya know, I had this student once who thought it was the duty of the government to help people quit smoking.