Why are smoking bans being implemented in the Western World?

Vaughn

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.

jrhodtex

its not only about health i shouldnt have to smell that crap when i go out

one4god

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.

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.

Skippy

HAve you done pub work? It's terrible having to clean up other people's ash and butts. Bring it on!

chav69

smoking kills

saorsie

no thats why they sell booze

TONY B

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.

PAWS

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

Spottie

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.

troothskr

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.

boon431@btinternet.com

i know..... it stinks .....

Andrew D

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.

Malikail

simple answer:

It has become fashionable to do this.

It's that simple, tyranny of the majority, nothing more.

kate

Because of the health costs . . .
The states are spending millions of $$$$$ to treat the smokers as the shiiit hits the fan. They want to reduce the $$$$ wasted on a disease that is totally preventable.
$$$$$$$$$ wasted because people are just stupid . . .
AND contaminating innocent bystanders with their puke because their brains are too trashed to have any respect for others.
Hellll, women smokers will do it around their babies . . .
That alone is total proof of nicotine retardation !

randal z

It's a plot by the Nicotine Nazis.

cashcobra_99

Because we are more and more controlled by Big Government.

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