Should smoking be banned in public places?
Yes it should.
My aunt smoked for years and now it is making it hard for me to breathe. Smoking should be demolished period! It is a useless hobby that people use because they have no life and are too lazy to get one. No offense to those that do smoke but I just think it should be that way. I got lung cancer because of my aunt's stupid hobby! All of you smokers should get a job, get a life, or get some friends. It would be better for the rest of us that don't smoke. Smoking threatens the air that we non-smokers breathe, making us get sick. Yes, smoking should be banned in public places ASAP.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, it's bad for everyone.
If smoking was banned, then heart-related sicknesses could possibly lower just like it did in the places where it was banned. I don't like having to walk around smoking areas in public because it's a waste of my time and, if I don't, I'm risking my health. Second-hand smoke is just as bad as directly smoking something.
Posted by: AnonymousIt Harms Everybody and Children.
People shouldn't have the right to smoke wherever they want. What sort of example are they giving to young children and infants? Passive smoking kills so many people it's not fair on others.
Why would you want to smoke around other people? Your harming them as well. It smells bad and is bad for the pollution, also it litters our environment making it look disgusting. People should not smoke in public, but in their homes where they are only harming themselves.Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is bad for the ones around you
I think that smoking should be banned because I am a kid, and when I walk by a smoker I always have to cover my mouth which is quiet irritating sometimes. Another reason is that it pollutes the air. Last but not least, people who have asthma can be harmed or even killed if they want to take a walk in the park!
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking increases the risk of pollution, global warming, and diseases in people.
People who smoke are more likely to develop diseases such as lung cancer and liver cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is mostly caused by smoking and reduces and even poisons the liver, unable for the organ to perform its function. For example, a healthy lung is pinkish in color and helps the person breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. But a smoker's lung is very dark and is covered with tartar. A smoker's lung is unable to functionally help the person breathe and increases severe asthma, with causes stroke and heart attack
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking should be banned to reduce pollution and disease.
First of all it will significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and other diseases, particularly among individuals such as children and non-smokers. Secondly, it will help public places be less toxic and we won't have to deal with pollution. Finally, It could also help some people quit smoking. If people were allowed to smoke in public places they may not be as motivated to stop smoking as they are with not being allowed to smoke in public areas.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, it has great results.
I live in NYC. I love that I can go outside to a park or a street and not worry about that scary smoke. No one is proud to be a smoker, and this helps them get into the habit of not smoking, without humiliating or offending them. Let's face it, second-hand smoke is dangerous. While it's impact is a bit over-stated, it works and even a good number of smokers say it helps them and the public.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, it should.
Yes, because around the smoker the other people can get second hand smoke and it's bad for the environment. The people have their own rights, but you get second hand smoke just because of one smoker, then their rights will be nothing and it could be dangerous or cause death.
Posted by: AnonymousSome people are allergic to smoke!
When I lived in Los Angeles, I suffered greatly from second hand cigarette smoke! I later found out that I had a smoke sensitivity and just walking by a smoker made me feel ill. My throat and nasal passage ways were closing up and I had to take many trips to the doctor to get a shot to calm them down. IS CLEAN AIR JUST TOO MUCH TO ASK?
You can smell cigarette smoke from MANY feet away and people suffer from it. Why should an innocent person suffer? I didn't make the choice to smoke and yet, I am suffering. Also, I have to think about ways I can avoid smokers. For instance, when I pass a smoker when I am walking on the side walk, I have to run and hold my breath or walk the opposite way and eventually turn around when they disappear. It is ridiculous.Posted by: AnonymousSmoking should be banned, it is unhealthy.
First off, it's really unhealthy. It's bad for a person, and bad for the environment. Its bad for the environment because the smoke goes in the air and causes pollution. It's a major cause for second hand smoke, lung cancer, and death. The poor decisions of some people should not effect the lives of others.
Posted by: AnonymousYes it should
It kills 3,000 non smoking adults every year and 3,000 kids are still picking up smoking in the U.S.
10 million young people aged 12-18 live in a household with at least one smoker and 90 percent of adult smokers started when they were teens. 80,000- 100,000 kids in the world kids are still picking up smokingPosted by: AnonymousIn the pursuit of discouraging smoking
It is the choice of people to do as they please with their own health. They should have the right to smoke as they want, eat as they want, and live as they want. However, there are some things that can be avoided, some pains, some deaths, some uneccessary outcomes can be erased if the government added some new rules. The cons of this is that some people might feel a bit oppressed, having been smokers all their lives and not having the privilege of enjoying the psychoactive chemical in cigarettes. But no one said it would be easy, maybe this is why a lot of people might be opposed to such regulations.
On the other side of the debate is the realistic difficulty, yes the same difficulty that present smokers are facing with such bans. The difficulty that future smokers might also face if they so much as thought about smoking. Its like having an addiction to sugar and developing diabetes. It is better to not get to the point of the addiction in the first and have to argue about the rights of obese people to an overdose of sugars. Am not saying that we should regulate sugar intake with laws either, but the truth of the matter is that we are sadly easily brought to a paradoxical per sue of happiness in a perpetual cycle of long term health pains, and short term pleasures, it just is very pleasing to us, but more pain is brought throughout the process than pleasure.
This is for our own good!Posted by: Abraham28Smoking should be banned
Smoking should be banned because when people throw cigarettes on the ground still lit, it might cause a fire. Some people don't smoke, and they get smoke clogged in their lungs. You should not smoke because cigarettes have bad chemicals and they're really bad for you. You might not be able to taste the chemicals because they put flavoring in them.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, smoking should be banned.
Yes, it should be banned because people who smoke say that they have paid enough so why should they be forbidden to smoke, but it is not the non-smoker fault that they had spend so much money on cigarettes, it was their own choice. Also, there are many diseases, such as cancer and cirrhosis that can be easily developed in a living body not just in a smoker one but in the liver that is needed by the one that is smoking.
Many people today suffer from asthma and they can not have just a little stroke but die.
Smoking also causes pollution and people who smoke leave their cigarettes everywhere they can (on the ground, in the grass, on the plants). But the biggest concern is that millions of forests have burned in the past decade just because smokers leave them lit up. It is dangerous and I think it is more important to save something then to be sorry later for it, and that it is very selfish from the others who smoke to say that they should be allowed to enjoy the smell of the cigarettes, while others suffer.Posted by: AnonymousFollow Me On Twitter @iLLabAnks
People who smoke clearly have no concern for other people and need to be slapped. Why not smoke at home or in private areas by smoking in public, you are putting others lives in jeopardy as well as ruining your own life. All i have to say is keep the smoking behind doors.
Posted by: Jayvionno they shouldn't!!!
people shouldn't smoke in public places because kids have lung problems and the smoke doesn't help the problem!!!! and for the people who say no is wrong!!!!! i personally have lung problems and when i'm driving by no i don't want the smell of the smoke in my face and no it doesn't help my lung problems and when i am trying to enjoy my food i would not like to smell the smoke while i'm eating. i don't like to smell smoke while i'm going through the park ttrying to enjoy my day and i smell smoke! for the people who smoke go right ahead one day you might get lung cancer and think back...why? why did i smoke? was that a bad choice in my life? no it wasn't and i regret that! if you can get through that cancer you need to thank the lord for your life!!! ask him for your forgiveness!!! thank the lord for your life!!! go to church get to know god more and thank him for everything he has done for you!!!!!
Posted by: AnonymousIn response to "no, smoking should not be banned.!"
If you don't want to risk your health, leave, it's as simple as that! Well, no, it's not as simple as that, because some people have to go to certain places, you know, to work? Their jobs? People need to work, and earn money, and some jobs aren't jobs you can do from home. For example, a waiter or waitress, they can't take your order and deliver your food by sitting on a computer at home, now can they? Not really. Another example of not being able to "leave." Is if you're waiting for the rest of your group, and that just happens to be next to the smoking area, you can't exactly just leave, now can you? Nope. Not really. Because then, guess what happens? Your group, which likely includes a chaperone or a parent, will be looking for you, and you're likely to get in trouble (if you're a kid), and it'll most likely dampen the fun on that trip, wherever you may be. So, no, leaving isn't always an option. now, instead of banning smoking all-out, you could always mkae sure, especially in amusement parks, that the smoking area is a good this?ance from ride exits and main walkways. That would reduce the amount of complaints from customers/park-goers. It would also allow smokers to smoke, without bothering people as much.
Posted by: Anonymousyes it should
According to Encyclopedia Brittanica: "in 2009 smoking was the cause of 1 in 5 deaths in the United States- more deaths than caused by HIV, illicit drug use, alcohol abuse, vehicle crashes, suicides, and murders combined." whoa. Also, according to lifesript.Com, smoking kills 600,000 NONSMOKERS each year worldwide, including 165,000 children." People die. Should banning smoking from public places even be a question if it will save thousands of lives? This is just my opinion.
Posted by: AnonymousIt kills.
Smoking in public places definitely needs to go. When I was seven my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It runs in our family but the tests prove she didn’t get the gene, so it is suspected she got it from the poisonous chemicals in secondhand smoke. My mother’s parents and all of their friends were smokers. My mom is fine now but others are not so lucky. Also whenever I’m at a restaurant and I want to eat outside because it’s nice out I can’t because it smells so bad around all of the smokers. I also think smoking should be ban because of all the disgusting cigarette buds lying around everywhere!
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Smoking should be banned in public places. Although it is a personal choice to smoke, smoking effects not only yourself, but the people around you. Secondhand smoke is one of the most dangerous ways to hurt the people around you.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking in public should be banned.
Smoking in public should be banned because you are not only inflicting damage on yourself but also the people around you. Innocent people on the street will breathe in second hand smoke and that will also put their lives in danger. A report in the webpage (http://www.no-smoke.org/getthefacts.php?id=13 ) shows that 53,800 people die every year just from second hand smoke in the united states. Smoking is fatal to your death and also to others. If one dies from second hand smoke lung cancer, it is most probably from public people smoking in public places.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking in public places should definitely be banned.
Smoking affects all people around the smoker, not just the smoker. Though it is indeed the choice of the smoker to pick up a cigarette and smoke, it isn't the choice of the bystanders to inhale the smoke. Second-hand smoke is a serious problem. Yes, bystanders can just move away from the smoker, but we shouldn't have to just because one person chooses to indulge in a health hazard. I feel that I shouldn't have to adjust how I live my life, where I walk or stand, or who I'm around because someone wants to smoke. Now that's unconstitutional and unfair.
Posted by: lexiechristinaWhere can I go?
If I don't want to breathe smoke, where can I go? Is leaving my only choice? I can't then go downtown to work - people are smoking outside the doorways. Can't go to the hospital with my pregnant wife without walking through a wall of smoke. Can't wait for a bus. Can't go to a parade. Can't go to the airport - people are smoking outside the entrances and exits. Can't walk down the street. Can't go to fairs or festivals. Can't go to the park. Can't go to the store - people outside smoking. Can't enjoy a meal outside. Can't sit on a bench outside. Can't go to a sports game - again people smoke by the doors. Is my only option to stay home? It only takes 1 person in a crowd to cause everyone to breath in smoke. Smoke just doesn't magically disappear. Anyone within 100 feet of someone smoking can smell the smoke. Do I have a right to go to any public place and not breathe second hand smoke? Someone saying they have a right to smoke in a public place is automatically saying that non-smokers do not have a right to breathe clean air in a public place. This isn't about people not wanting people to be able to smoke; it is about people just wanting to breathe clean air everywhere that they have a right to be. How does the first amendment apply to smoking?
Posted by: AnonymousUnwanted Second-Hand Smoke
Allowing others to inhale your second-hand smoke is removing their free will to choose whether or not they wish to inhale smoke, whether it be actively or passively. I view it as forcing your choices on others, which is devastating for people like me who have no wish to have cancer at all. How can we be healthy if we're constantly surrounded by harmful chemicals in our air? Besides the fact that some people may have asthma or other lung problems in the first place which can be irritated by unavoidably inhaling second-hand smoke in certain places.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, because its bad.
If a little kid walks past and breaths in the smoke from your cigarette it could cause them to suffer asthma and could cause them to have a lot of problems in the future, which is very rare, but could happen, and that all happens because of you smoking in public places.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, it should be banned in public places
Secondhand smoke can be a dangerous, and sometimes deadly, toxin that our lungs are exposed to on a regular basis. One of the most commonly referenced arguments made against public smoking is the health impact such smoking has on the bystanders exposed to secondhand smoke. Smoke in the air--even outdoors--can trigger asthma attacks and bronchial infections, among other reactions. On its website, ASH.Org, the Action on Smoking and Health group reports that just 30 minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke can increase a nonsmoker's risk of heart attack to the same level of a smoker. According to a BBC News report published in 2002, in one year more than 1,000 people in London died from heart disease spurred on by exposure to secondhand smoke.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking shouldn't be allowed in public places
Many people have asthma and can develop cardiovascular diseases from being around smoke. Smokers should be able to go out to eat without smoking. By not allowing smoking, you enable others to enjoy a meal without coughing and having a nasty and revolting odor with them while they eat. Not to mention that the workers have to be around that on a day to day basis. They surely can develop lung cancer, asthma, etc. If you want to smoke, go for it. Its your body. (although its a very irrelevant choice). Just don't do it in public. You have a house, I'm sure, and you can smoke there.
Posted by: AnonymousIt should be banned
when I was little about 9 months my dad was smoking around me. I must have inhaled too much smoke and had to be taken to the emergency room. I had to be put in an oxygen tent for 3 days. Even after that day I’m not able to take smoke being around me.
Posted by: AnonymousIT IS AWFUL
People who smoke are idiots and not only are they affecting their health but others around them. It is a pointless addiction that in the long run is not going to get you anywhere but in the ground. Smoking is a gross turn off. The addiction steals your money and your life.
Posted by: AnonymousPublic smoking should be banned
No one should smoke in public because you are causing other people to have health issues. I don't want to smell like your cigarette or cigar when I am going somewhere, whether work, school, doctor's office or on a bus or car. Smoking can cause cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. So please think the next time you decide to smoke in a public place.
Posted by: AnonymousNot to ban but regulate.
As a non-smoker, I have had the opportunity to enjoy non-smoking establishments on the west coast. But since returning to Missouri, where smoking is allowed everywhere except on hospital grounds, it has been quite a shock.
Missouri is a tobacco producing state and enjoys the lowest tax on tobacco in the country, so banning smoking here will be an uphill battle.
I recommend that smoking be permitted but only in certain, atmospherically separated locations, i.e. rooftop or deck/patios at restaurants and bars.
Penalizing people and businesses is not a progressive way to stimulate organic change. This, as in quitting smoking must be done in stages. Eventually, the economics will demand the exclusion of designated and separate smoking sections. They will eventually eliminate themselves without immediately inconveniencing smokers, who happen to be paying customers as well. Plus it gives a marketing boost to bars and restaurants that wish to appeal to a smoking clientele.
I lived in northern California where there is an active movement to make tobacco illegal, anywhere within the state. Including private property as in your home. This is problematic, as we have learned with alcohol and drug prohibitions, that it does nothing to eliminate the problem, but only to encourage criminal activities and behavior. Freethinking Americans do not like to be told that they cannot do something that affects them personally it ever ends well.Posted by: bbcarmiThe smoke are really annoying
First off, it's really unhealthy. It's bad for a person, and bad for the environment. It's bad for the environment because the smoke goes into the air and causes pollution. It's a major cause for second hand smoke, lung cancer, and death. The poor decisions of some people should not affect the lives of others.
Posted by: Anonymous100%, yes.
Many of us non-smokers are taking this issue seriously. Now,speaking on behalf of many non-smokers , our decision was simply made to stay smoke -free, possibly for many different reasons. Our reasons are true and important to us. Why should we get exposed to second hand smoke just so a smoker could satisfy his/her bad habits. Therefore, smoking in public should be banned and smokers should be more understanding on this matter and less argumentative!
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking should be banned in public places
I think smoking should be banned in public places. When people smoke, it is not even good for your health, so why do you still want to smoke? Smoking can cause you a lot of diseases like cancer. Sometimes when you are treated badly, it will cause you death. In public places, smoking can cause all the people around to breath second hand smoking, which is much worse than first hand smoking. When you smoke in public places, it won't just affect you, it will also affect every one around you who is very innocent. According to the website:"http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/26/secondhand-smoke-kills-600000-worldwide-annually/", 1 in 100 people around the world die from secondhand smoking each year, a new study reveals, and nearly two-thirds of the deaths occur in children. For the sake of the health of human beings, I firmly believe smoking in public should be banned.
Posted by: AnonymousYes. Its bad for your health.
I think that people should stop smoking period but I know that our society wont do enough to make that happen. My 19 year old friend has been smoking for years and he has tried quitting but always gives up. Also my dad has been smoking since I was little and I want him to stop but I know he wont. Yes I think it should be banned.
Posted by: AnonymousWE HAVE GOT TO STOP SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES!
Smoking is public places should definitely be BANNED? Why, you ask? First off, smoking in public places puts a negative impact on kids and adult non-smokers. Do you want your kids to be following the wrong pathway? NO, RIGHT? WELL THEN MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE BY BANNING SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES !!!!!
Posted by: AnonymousWhy should I breathe your smoke?
The rights which a person has ends where they violate the rights of the other person. I have the natural right to breathe, why should I breathe your smoke if I don't want to? Smoking is not a vital process, so you won't die if you don't smoke a little. On the other hand, it harms me.
Posted by: MaximIt would help the active smokers stop their smoking habit
The research found that 70% of active smokers want to quit and stop their habit but difficulties. Because they live in permissible environment that offers convenience for smoker. Restricting smoking will help smokers hold back the temptation to smoke. And this shows that banning smoke in public places will take away the temptation of smoking for active smoker-thus creating a healthier environment for them.
Posted by: AnonymousYes It should be banned.
Smoking should be banned it is hazard to the body . It is dangerous and whoever is near the smoker can also get lung disease . Smoking is the worst out of all the other drugs . Millions of people die because of smoking so yes it should be banned . My mother smokes and I don't like it.
Posted by: Anonymousno more smoking
Scientist say smoking might be the cause of cancer. Some say it makes you're lungs useless. We might be able to cut cancer in half if smoking was illegal. At least start by banning it in public places. Imagine the world with barely any cancer. Then it would die out.
Posted by: AnonymousYES
OF course it should be illegal in all public places. Nobody likes smokers, plus second hand smoke is very bad for kids and all adults. So yeah thats not good and I better be able to post his even though I haven't signed in! Plus I really dont want to make an account!
Posted by: AnonymousDoes not just effect the person smoking.
It does not just effect the person smoking, it effects the people walking past who have no choice but to just breath in the exhaled smoke, and later in life they might start smoking because of their encounter with it in their early life, so it would give young people a taste of some thing not good.
Posted by: Anonymousno smoking
Nowadays, the act of take a cigarette and start smoking in front of people specially in public places, has been taking as a normal behave, even known that not all the people agree with that behave.
However it has been scientifically proved that smokers are highly exposed to numerous diseases and cancers. And also it has very dangerous, hazardous impact on his health and also the people around him.Posted by: AnonymousYes, smoking should be banned in public spaces.
Cigarettes contain, I believe, 7000 chemicals. Out of those 7000, 70 of those can cause cancer. No open space is necessarily efficient to prevent effects of second-hand smoke. Secondhand smoke causes an estimated 46,000 premature deaths from heart disease each year in the United States among nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25-30%. Even brief secondhand smoke exposure can damage the lining of blood vessels and cause your blood platelets to become stickier (health effects of secondhand smoke, 2011). I have things to do so I won't keep this going but as far as the person who wrote something about car exhaust smoke being just as bad, I agree but it still doesn't make it (smoking in public places) right! I'm sorry but you have no valid argument. However, there is a part of me that empathizes with the smokers only because of human rights. Maybe an alternative to smoking can be introduced; one that isn't harmful to the smoker and others around. I don't know. But that's my stance.
Posted by: AnonymousCould smoking cause financial problems?
Could smoking cause financial problems? Yes it could, because people spend hundreds of dollars on cigarette packets just for some enjoyment and for a good time. When people want to smoke it should be at home or somewhere that you are by yourself and have time to smoke. Smoking has problems that could cause health problems and asthma attacks to asthmatic people.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is bad
One con of smoking is that it has 4,000 toxins in it that are harmful to your body. That can cause lung cancer, heart attacks, asthma, and Kidney problems. Also cigarettes can cost millions per year to a smoker. It seems like a waste of money to buy all those cigarettes.
Posted by: AnonymousIt should be banned because...
I am doing a project on it. It's very unhealthy and I think this when I'm 12. My mom does it and you could get cancer from it and even cause death with it. It is bad. It is also a des traction to drivers all around and causes your nails to yellow. Nobody wants yellow nails!
Posted by: Anonymousyes
its a bad hobby and it can damage little kids lungs if the inhale it or second-hand smoke it. Why non-smokers should suffer from cancer, asthma, or other related health problem; even if it was not intentional; just for passing by someone smoking. If you want to smoke, smoke inside you house. There is a red line to your FREEDOM and Debating with addiction is not going to take us anywhere.
Posted by: AnonymousYes it should
Smoking in public should be banned. That's forcing others to passively smoke (second-hand smoke) even if they don't want to, including kids like myself. If you want to smoke, do it at home, not in everyone elses' face. That's like me going to smoke joint in front of a building. Only difference is: That can't kill you and it's illegal. Why should you ban one non-toxic smoking (like weed which would at least get you high) and not the one that's the leading killer? That just makes since to me to ban them all if you're going to ban one.
Posted by: AnonymousEffects others
Smoking can be dangerous not only for the smoker, but also for those around the smoker. Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death (after active smoking and alcohol), according to the Manitoba Medical Association. They also say that the smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, 50 of which are known to be cancer-related. Secondhand smoke has been linked to heart and respiratory disease; lung, breast, cervical, and nasal sinus cancers; strokes and miscarriages. In children, dangers include sudden infant death syndrome, fetal growth impairment, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and middle-ear disease. People who smoke subject themselves to deadly diseases, as well as long- and short-term health problems. Non-smokers should not have to live with the consequences of smokers' actions.
Posted by: AnonymousBan Public Smoking
Did you know that anyone exposed to secondhand smoke is affected by its harmful elements more than the smoker? Studies show that “Second-hand smoke has twice as much nicotine and tar compared to the smoke that the smoker inhales” (“Some Facts…”). Smoking should be banned in all public places, especially where children may be exposed to it, because the secondhand smoke is dangerous and harmful for those around the smoker.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, it Should most Definitely not be Legal!
Secondhand smoke is dangerous to other people's health, and disturbs passerby. The smoke from a cigarette causes more damage than meets the eye. Smokers should smoke indoors and in private places. They should not punish the public for their addiction to tobacco.This is my stance in whether smoking should be banned in public places or not.
Posted by: Anonymousyou arent asking them to quit smoking just to stop smoking around you.
Of course smoking is that persons right, but it is also my right to be able to walk into a bar and have particles of tar and arsenic streaming into my lungs. Why not ask those people to step outside to smoke? People have all the time in the world to smoke in their homes, their car and outside so why do it inside where non-smokers dont want to smell it or even be a part of it.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is deadly
Smoking in public does not only harm the user, but also everyone else around them. It is not fair to the innocent bystanders that have no option but to be next to the smokers to have smoking in public to remain legal. As shown in countless studies, prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke can and will increase the victim's chance of developing lung cancer. As a society, how can Americans live with themselves as long as they knowingly allow this practice to continue legally?
Posted by: dvschilppSmoking causes lung cancer
90% of lung cancer patients developed their disease because of smoking. Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths in the world. Smoking causes an accumulation of fatty substances in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, the main contributor to smoking-related deaths. Smoking is also a significant contributory factor in coronary heart disease risk. People with coronary heart disease are much more likely to have a heart attack.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is unhealthy.
Smoking should definitely be banned in all public places. Somehow, I am allergic to it and the reaction that I have is bad. Not everybody is a smoker, so it's not fair for people to be put at risk just because of someone else's choice. A CIGARETTE IS A CANCER STICK.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking should be banned in public places.
I do believe that smoking should be banned in public places. I think smoking and second hand smoke consumption should be someone's choice. I think that smoking in public is rude and inconsiderate. Also it is not far to smoke around children. If people want to smoke around their children a home that is fine but it should not be forced.
Posted by: barbiegirllSmoking is really bad for you! I don't even think cigarettes should be legal
Smoking can damage your lungs, heart, and even your brain. I can't see how these things are even legal! Also second hand smoke can hurt many people. Pregnant woman who inhale smoke from a cigarette could have birth defects with their child. Also some people are allergic to ingredients in cigarettes so they can't even go places just because there is people there that smoke.
Posted by: AnonymousI have the right to breathe.
I do not smoke. I have THE RIGHT to breathe in clean air. I absoulutely hate it when I walk out of a restaurant, theater, or store ,and I have to breathe in someone else's smoke! I don't go places just to breathe in smoke. When I walk by a smoker, I have to walk really fast past them and hold my breath. However, I get nauseous and have a headache afterward anyway. It's digusting. I have my rights and it's time for them to mean something. I just want fresh air.
Posted by: AnonymousPublic Smoking should banned like drinking alcohol in public
Children are protected from witnessing adults drinking alcohol in public, yet they are allowed to see smokers in front of every store, on every street corner and in front of every restaurant. It's teaching our children that smoking is okay and it is NOT. Being a smoker is a personal choice and I don't care if you smoke or not but when it affects other people then it's not okay.
Posted by: AnonymousYes and no, confusing opinion on the matter
In enclosed areas such as bars, restaurants, shopping centers etc. yes. It disturbs non-smokers and as a smoker myself, I find it a burden to people around me who don't like the smell or taste of smoke. If they wanted it, they'd begin smoking themselves. Non-smokers should be able to enjoy enclosed areas without being smothered by other peoples' smoke. However, if someone standing outside a bar is having a cigarette and a non-smoker is bothered by it, they should move. It's their problem. Once you're out in the open air, people should be entitled to smoke however they like. Non-smokers also need to develop a more valid, reliable argument other than "I don't want to inhale someone's dirty, dangerous, toxic smoke" - reality check, perhaps you shouldn't buy into anti-smoking propaganda, think for yourself and realize you're not going to die or develop lung cancer just because you're in an environment (outdoors) where people are entitled to a cigarette. But the government shouldn't take advantage of these bans, in applying them to every public place such as parks or beaches or outdoor arena's. Once someone is outside, they should be entitled to spark up if they want to. Once indoors, they should respect those who don't want to be in a smoke-smothering environment
Posted by: AnonymousYes!
People should NOT be bale to smoke anytime and anywhere they want to. Secondhand smoke is also very dangerous. It irritates people's eyes and throat. Some are even allergic to it. You have to think about the people around you no matter how badly you need to smoke a cigarette. It's also bad for your enviroment and health. Not only are you putting yourself in danger,but others too...think about it.
Posted by: Anonymousyes, smoking should be banned in public places
I like to go to a restaurant and not breathe in secondhand smoke and risk my health or life because a stranger is smoking in the same place that i am at. i also dont want me smelling like cigarette smoke after being in a public place. if you cant wait 45 mins to smoke when you eat then go home and smoke while you eat. some people dont want to eat after 5 mins of being in a place where there is smoking
Posted by: Anonymoussmoking should not be allowed in certain areas.
For one, smoking can cause pollution, and also, when children witness others smoking, they think it is ok to smoke, when it is DEFINTIELY not. Public places, such as restaurants and restrooms have no smoking signs of others people's sake. I think it is absolutely nessacary to ban smoking in public places. Thank you.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, I have rights too!
It should be my right to not be exposed to second hand smoke. If the government feels I need to wear a seat belt to protect my life then it would make sense to ban public smoking for the same reason. The "no's" say it's their right. Well what about our right to feel safe from the negative effects of second hand smoke. At least I am not insisting on something that will cause you harm as you are me when you protest the bans.
Posted by: michelle.barnum1yes
Others say that "smoking in public places does not harm anyone." Does their brain work? Second-hand smoke is more dangerous. And, they should respect the others who do not smoke. They should not smoke in public places where nonsmokers especially children are exposed. If they really want to smoke, then smoke in your area. But definitely not in public places. You are not to tell the nonsmokers to leave because you'll smoke, it's not your own place. I read this in the NO part. "Smoking is a personal choice.Have anybody heard of the First Amendment.If they want to kill their selves with cigarettes, let them and If you dont want to risk your health.LEAVE..Its as simple as that!!" Don't you have common sense? Smokers lit their cigarettes in public places AND THEY'RE THE ONES WHO SHOULD LEAVE because they should respect the others who do not smoke. And if you're to tell me that every people have the right to do what they want to do in public places, well you're just SELFISH. You're self-centered and you don't care for the health of others. And if you don't know yet, let me tell you that SECOND-HAND SMOKE IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN FIRST HAND. It is fatal and can kill you
Posted by: AnonymousYes it should be banned
it should because it can cause alot of health problems for the surrounding people because of second hand smoking. i dont think that others should have to be sujected to all the harmful affects of someone elses choices. also what about the people who already have existing health problems such as asthma
Posted by: AnonymousPeople do not need to be exposed to dangerous cigarette smoke that can cause harm.
Second hand smoke is a serious and dangerous problem. People should be able to enjoy public places without being subjected to smoke. The right to smoke does not mean smokers can subject others to their harmful smoke.
Posted by: MycaMyNo amount of second-hand smoke is safe
Brain damage, lung damage, blood circulation damage, bone damage, accelerated aging, higher risk of cancer/heart diseases/obesity, higher stress levels, addiction, bad breath, bad teeth... some pay and even waste time to smoke, and take all kinds of damage in return. The only possible reasons for this are addiction, social weakness and/or simple stupidity.
This wouldn't be a problem if the damage was restricted to the active smoker. Non-electric cigarettes emit smoke, however, which contains most of the hundreds of toxins in cigarettes--in other words, inhaling it is a nice way to enjoy the damage yourself, for free.
Upholding one's health in top condition requires huge mental strength, a big time-investment, money and knowledge. It's fun to have all that thrown to waste thanks to smokers who can't help giving in to their weakness, persisting in their ignorance and stupidity.Posted by: VVayfarerIt harms others
What would you feel like if you were allergic to any kind of smoke and had to put up with other people you don't even know doing it around you? Have you any courtesy? You can harm any person! This also can lower the respect people have for you. Some people do not want to return home smelling like cigarettes from just being around you. Get respect.
Posted by: brianna_detwilerCauses problems for people
Second-hand smoke, Cancer, bad air, and many many more problems. If you want to smoke why do you have to smoke around others? Just have respect. All you have to do is respect people and if you are going to smoke what is the pont in making other people breathe in your smoke?
Posted by: AnonymousAnonymous
Yes, in my point of view, i think smoke in public is very disgusting and very impolite, smokers need to have a common sense, because there are people who don't like being around people while they smoke. So, i just can say that, i really don't like it, and another problem is that smokers usually, throw their butts on the ground. It's really redicullous!
Posted by: lucas_scarlateno smoking allowed
People should stop smoking so it doesn't affect children. It can cause severe heart attacks and even strokes. It can even let kids know that it is ok to smoke and that could lead to a bad future. People are dying by the thousands because of smoking in world today.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is a harm to everyone.
Non-smokers can be exposed to secondhand smoke. This can lead to a greater risk of respiratory problems, heart attack, or cancer for both smoker and non-smoker that is inhaling in the smoke. It can also influence the mind of children and teens. Because of this, they may think smoking as a benefit to them and start smoking at a young age.
Posted by: gamin12270Smoking is suicide
Why would anyone want to ruin their own lives? Smoking is terrible. Forty six thousand non-smokers die from secondhand exposure each year. Today, 8 MILLION people are suffering from illnesses caused by smoking. If i ruled the world, tobacco would be wiped from the surface of THIS UNIVERSE. Guys Esophageal and LUNG CANCER is not cool. No one wants to smell your tobacco. Mouth cancer is not cool. I am not a doctor, but I am a student. Be the change you want to be in this world. QUIT SMOKING. Smoke is not money. GET A LIFE PEOPLE! Its so sad....Tobacco is suicide. Please people! Think! USE THE LEFTOVER BRAIN CELLS THAT YOU HAVE....PEOPLE please stop Drugs and tobacco....Be happy :) save the EARTH :) STOP SMOKING
Posted by: hermioneotterOf course it should
Smoking is a disgusting habit and should not be advertised in front of young people.Many children would like to try smoking because they think its cool when the people on the streets hang about with a cigarette hanging out of their mouths. Smoking should be banned all together.
Posted by: AnonymousWhere can I go?
If I don't want to breathe smoke, where can I go? Is leaving my only choice? I can't then go downtown to work - people are smoking outside the doorways. Can't go to the hospital with my pregnant wife without walking through a wall of smoke. Can't wait for a bus. Can't go to a parade. Can't go to the airport - people are smoking outside the entrances and exits. Can't walk down the street. Can't go to fairs or festivals. Can't go to the park. Can't go to the store - people outside smoking. Can't enjoy a meal outside. Can't sit on a bench outside. Can't go to a sports game - again people smoke by the doors. Is my only option to stay home? It only takes 1 person in a crowd to cause everyone to breath in smoke. Smoke just doesn't magically disappear. Anyone within 100 feet of someone smoking can smell the smoke. Do I have a right to go to any public place and not breathe second hand smoke? Someone saying they have a right to smoke in a public place is automatically saying that non-smokers do not have a right to breathe clean air in a public place. This isn't about people not wanting people to be able to smoke; it is about people just wanting to breathe clean air everywhere that they have a right to be. How does the first amendment apply to smoking?
Posted by: AnonymousYes ban it
With the help and awareness these days of smoking there is no excuses anymore. There are many other things to relieve stress and pretty sure bringing on risks like heart disease , lung cancer etc etc would create more stress in the future for not just yourself but loved ones. If people want to ignore the health risks they are causing to their body and shorten their life not to mention probably haven't lived a fulfilled one either fine but other people like myself (17 year old ) should not have to walk out of a local shopping centre to pretty much breathe in air of smoke or get off a bus and again breathe air of someone's smoke or to be eating and again breathing in air of someone's foolishness. I value the life i've been given and the wonderful health state i am in, There are people who are less fortunate and have health issues from birth or growing up and can't afford help. Smoking should be banned in public areas. Not only is it pollution and inconsiderate for other people but smokers already have their right to buy as much smokes as they want and smoke as much as they want so if they want to ruin their body and health do it in your own home which you slave away your life for and will barely even get to live in it. Enjoy living in a hospital or even the ground but i sure as hell don't deserve to have someone else put me in that state.
Posted by: rbilliasIt is terrible and unfair to have to put up with people smoking.
It makes it hard to breathe when it's around, and smells terrible. It's very distracting. I hate to see people smoking anywhere, even in their own homes where other people are, and who wants to buy a house that someone has smoked in. I hate the look of it too.
Posted by: someone0Second hand smoke kills.
Watch a loved one die from lung cancer caused by second hand smoke and you'll know. Standing by helplessly as my non-smoking mother, who worked with smokers for decades, suffer and die made me wish for cigarettes to disappear from the earth entirely. I do not want to breathe smoke, nor does my family. If I choose to use substances that destroy my body, it's my choice, however stupid. Other people should not be able to make that choice for me by blowing their toxic smoke in my face.
Posted by: BLeonardyou can die on your own
It was discovered that an estimate of up to 40,000 deaths in the United States each year were a result of passive smoking. Further studies by other world organizations have put this risk even higher, citing the probability statistics of developing cancer or other health issues as being 60% greater for non-smokers that had contact with passive smoking. Another fact found by these studies is that the secondary smoke is indeed much more dangerous than the smoke that is directly inhaled. As the tobacco companies had figured out years early, this secondary smoke contains approximately four times the level of toxins than inhaled smoke. Http://www.Unfilteredtv.Com/second-hand-smoke.Html
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking should be banned.
I've had my own personal experiences with smokers, my mother is a smoker and I can visually see the effects of the cigs taking a toll on her. Her teeth are rotting and her health is diminishing, yet she continues to smoke. But while she continues to smoke she is not just harming herself, I'm also being harmed. Ever time she lights one up and I'm nearby, or if anyone is nearby, second hand smoke is seeping into our lungs. I'm forced to hold my breath until I can be totally sure I can take a deep breath of fresh air. Usually I can escape to my room or go outside but there are situations that I am positioned in where I cannot escape the cigarette smoke. When I'm inside a vehicle with my mother and she controls the window locks I am forced to inhale the smoke and if I complain she nags about the fact that second hand smoke doesn't really harm other people but it actually does. If you don't believe me fine, but the truth is thousands of non-smokers lose their life's every year due to second and third hand smoke (third hand smoke does exist look it up). I understand that by banning smoking in public areas that the rights of smokers are being denied, but what about the non-smokers out their who are losing their life's due to second hand smoke and they chose to try and stay healthy by not smoking? Smokers are taking the life's of others whether you want to recognize it or not. Of course there are other areas in which people lose their life's but by doing this we could at least save some life's. I believe smoking should be banned in public spaces because I fully support the notion that if one does not chose to destroy their life's by smoking, smokers should not kill them anyway. Just because a smoker decides to test their luck through smoking does not mean they should gamble with the life's of others.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, the secondhand smoke is too dangerous.
It should be banned because it can harm already ill people if you smoke around them. It can harm children and babies, whose respiratory system is fragile. It should be banned also because if people with asthma breathe the smoke they can start to have trouble breathing and their lungs can collapse on them and it could kill them or at least harm them badly.
Posted by: AnonymousSAY YES
Here in Brazil, a country where the number of cigarette smokers (including age-minors) grow up constantly, the smoking rights are restricted to be allowed only in open-air places. The majority of smokers respect these rights, but I saw some of them disrespecting it by smoking on public toilets, underground walkways and some other closed-air places. I know the smokers and the opposites say that smoking ban infriges the rights of enjoyment and personal choice, but the health and welfare of the community rights are very more important. Smokers should know that there are people who enjoys cigarettes and other products, but also there are the people that hate it, and, sometimes, hate it too much. Smoking ban (with a more rigid supervision, a policy frequented by Japan and California, for example) on public places like public walkways, bus stops, train/underground stations and beaches is the better way to increase the air quality and decrease the number of deaths by passive smoking per year.
Posted by: gabrielmotta94Smoke contains carcinogens and pollution.
There are 7000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, 250 of which are harmful and 69 that have been proven to cause cancer. Also, the smoke from cigarettes sits in the air even 90 minutes after the cigarette has been put out. Also when people flick the butt on the ground, that's littering!
Posted by: AnonymousIt's the right thing to do.
Why non-smokers should suffer from cancer, asthma, or other related health problem; even if it was not intentional; just for passing by someone smoking. If you want to smoke, smoke inside you house. There is a red line to your FREEDOM and Debating with addiction is not going to take us anywhere.
Posted by: AnonymousQuit it all together
I just don't understand why people smoke. It is just some thing that somebody invented because they had too much free time. Obama should just ban smoking all together. This stupid hobby is just so worthless. Get a life if you of smoke. I mean really, you have nothing better to do?
Posted by: AnonymousYes
As people said", second hand smoke is more dangerous." A few years ago I was diagnosed with asthma because of second hand smoke. I am healthy still, but it has affected me while I play sports. We as people should force smoking to be band. It just causes more problems and lets the citizens of America kill themselves of an easy fix. Tobacco kills over 150000 Americans a year. Top leading killers include. Accidents, Murder, and cancer, and guess what cancer can be caused by smoke. I don't want anyone else to end up with a hole in their neck because all they do is smoke.... This could change your life forever.
Posted by: ChampionSmoking smells bad.
Apart from all of the obvious health issues, smoking stinks. For many non-smokers the smell of tobacco smoke is disgusting and quite offensive. If you knew someone that stank of body odor you would tell them about it. What's the difference? Also why do so many smokers just throw their cigarettes but on the ground? Just look around your neighborhood and they are everywhere!
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Is smoking healthy? No. Does it give you lung cancer? Yes. Whether the people around a smoker smokes or not you are damaging the lungs of everyone around you. Sometimes a person can walk away and other times it is necessary to stay in line, or wait by the restroom and have to put up with it! Smoking relaxes you? They have spas for that. Can't afford it? Use Icy Hot to relieve the stress. People do not need to smoke one pack of day just to danger there life and someone else's. can't deal with tags on your own? Get a friend! It's not hard to live life if you just think others other than yourself.
Posted by: tocooltobetrueyez
no smokingNowadays, the act of take a cigarette and start smoking in front of people specially in public places, has been taking as a normal behave, even known that not all the people agree with that behave. However it has been scientifically proved that smokers are highly exposed to numerous diseases and cancers. And also it has very dangerous, hazardous impact on his health and also the people around
Posted by: AnonymousIt should be banned in public places
Because it is the leading cause of cancer in the us. If we stopped smoking our cancer rates would decrease and we would also help to decrease 2nd hand smoking.
Posted by: AnonymousShould be banned!!
Smoking needs to be banned because of people with asthma can't or barley breath when smoke is around. Also in places like Disneyland, there is a few "smoke-zones" but even so, if you walk pass them you can still inhale the smoke that they are smoking. So the smocking in public places should be banned!!!
Posted by: AnonymousWhen one person's freedom leads to the misery of others.
"If you don't like the smell of tobacco, then why don't you just walk away?"
This is the kind of apathy that makes me sick. If someone wants to smoke, that's fine for them, but maybe they should consider how it affects the people around them as well.
I don't want to repeat all the points that have already been used. In the end, I guess the only reason why I said "yes" is because I have a biased opinion against smoking. Smokers want to enjoy their cigars and non-smokers want to breathe in smoke-free air. We all want the best for ourselves. Fine.
If someone smokes near me, I'll try my best to get out of the way. I won't, however, hesitate to shove a smoker out of my way if I'm forced to.Posted by: AnonymousYes. It's bad for your health.
I think that people should stop smoking period but I know that our society won't do enough to make that happen. My 19 year old friend has been smoking for years and he has tried quitting but always gives up. Also my dad has been smoking since I was little and I want him to stop but I know he wont. Yes I think it should be banned.
Posted by: AnonymousIt should get banned.
I get that people want to ruin their life but that does not mean they can ruin other people's. It's just not fair. They should only smoke where there aren't any people around. The smell makes people faint. They'll have to go to the hospital. Especially babies. It's really bad for them, don't you think?
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is bad
My grandpa smokes and he is dying of cancer. He started smoking when he was young. So smoking should be banned so people can live longer. It is not right for people to die because of smoking. The government should put a ban on smoking. People should not die because of other people smoke.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is BAD
Smoking should be banned because many people have asthma and can be affected greatly by the pollution of smoking. Smoking is not only bad for the people that have asthma but for the smokers themselves. They could have lung cancer. Smoking is also a bad thing for animals and plants.
Posted by: AnonymousYes it should!
Yes it should because second hand smoking can be just as bad if not worse than actually smoking the cigarette. It is really bad, and 10 million+ kids aged 12 - 18 live in a household with a smoker. It can also lead to many different types of cancer, and it can lead to problems for kids and adults.
Posted by: AnonymousBad for your Health.
You know that public smoking should be banned when a majority of the smokers themselves believe that smoking is extremely bad for your health. I don't want to have to breathe in other peoples smoke when I'm in a park, restaurant or bar or even when I'm walking into a grocery store or into a government building.
Posted by: AnonymousEducation is not enough - who doesn't know that second-hand smoke and littering are bad? Exactly.
Everyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors whether that be at a park, playground, patio, sporting event or otherwise should be able to do so without having to breathe in second-hand smoke. We need more than education to make this a reality. At this point everyone knows that littering is bad for the environment and second-hand smoke is bad for you. There have to be consequences.
There is no "right to smoke" despite what opponents to smoke-free outdoor spaces argue. Smoking is a behaviour that has to be balanced with other rights just like drinking alcohol (not in public unlicensed places).
Additionally opponents facetiously argue that other foul smells should be banned in public, however the difference is that second-hand smoke actually causes negative health effects.
Additionally smoking in public is bad role modelling to children, pollutes the environment, has been responsible for starting fires and makes it difficult for smokers who want to quit.
There was a major outcry when smoking was banned in indoor places such as restaurants, workplaces and shopping centres but I can't imagine too many people would choose to go back to allowing indoor smoking. Soon in the future when smoking is not allowed in public outdoor places, people will again realize how awful it was to be exposed at parks, sports games, festivals, patios ect. And we won't be able to believe that this was once the norm.
Smoking is still the LEADING cause of preventable death in Ontario and our social health care system which we value so dearly will not be able to be sustained unless we take steps to prevent unnecessary illness.
I can't think of one single good reason that anyone should be forced to be exposed to second-hand smoke. Don't let the loud MINORITY of opponents give you the impression that smoking in outdoor public spaces is what the majority of the population wants.Posted by: AnonymousAre you people serious?
The second person actually said that "I believe that smoking in public places does not harm anyone." Is he/she serious! Wow. I am stunned at how uneducated that person is. Not at all saying he is not smart, just saying not educated on the real effects of secondhand smoke. I am a teacher, taking a course called big tobacco. There are many sections that you have to read/watch videos, write positions, and they really need to see this information. Secondhand smoke kills! Plain and simple. Research it and look how your smoke is killing innocent nonsmoking people! If you want to smoke do it outside of public places, we all have a right to go anywhere without having to be concerned with smelling their smoke!
Posted by: AnonymousSecondhand smoke is fatal to non smokers and very annoying.
People say that they have the freedom to smoke if they want to but they are forgetting people have the freedom of life which smokers take away from them. Smoking is a nasty thing turning people who smoke into ugly people with bad breath. It also kills them slowly as well as those around. Basically I think that its not right to let smokers decide on my life and my health just for their nasty habit.
Posted by: AnonymousWhile people may have a right to damage their own health they don't have a right to damage the health of others
It is now well known the dangers of passive smoking can be even more detrimental on a persons health than actual smoking. To allow smoking in public is a blatant disregard for those who have chosen to care for their own bodies.
Posted by: AnonymousBecause passive smoking is bad
I personally hate hate hate it to have to smell someone else's second hand smoke. Passive smoking is just as bad as smoking, and there is no reason why non-smokers should have to breathe in second hand smoke, it is not fair on us. People may smoke in their own households - the government cannot limit people's freedom in private places, but smoking should be banned in public so non-smokers do not have to suffer the consequences of smoking.
Posted by: AnonymousOf course!
Smoking can be lethal to you and it can really harm your body in many serious ways. Also, as it is harmful to your body, it can really harm others that are near you too. Breathing in the smoke is actually same as smoking with your own mouth. It is rude to be smoking in public places and also it is not mannerly to smoke in front of children, as it also sets a bad influence on them!
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking should be banned in public places.
Sure, smoking is a personal choice but unfortunately for smokers that choice doesn't concern others (non-smokers) health. Are you aware that second hand smoking is more harmful than directly smoking. So, your "choice?" To smoke is hurting others. I put choice in quotations because at first its a choice, then a thing, then a habit, then something unstoppable. Unless your purposely sadistic, smoking in public places should be banned. By public places I mean restaurants, malls, and any indoor space that is not owned by you or another person that doesn't mind the smoke killing his/her lungs slowly. Your so called choice should not affect the people who smartly chose to spare their lives.
Posted by: Anonymousyes
Second hand smoking is very irresponsible and unconsiderate. You have to think about the people around you not just yourself. Of coursse the smoker knows the risk that comes with the habit, non smokers know too. Non smokers choose not to smoke because of these reasons. Second hand smoke is just as harmful as being the smoker. I choose not to smoke and damage my lungs so I would hope you respect that and stop trying to kill me too.
Posted by: Anonymoussmoking should be banned in public places
when you smoke around your kid, it could lead your kid to smoke in the future,also it could give you lung cancer.It's bad for your environment and health.It's not right to smoke anywhere just because it's a free country.Can't always smoke whenever you want
Posted by: AnonymousIt should be banned because...
I am doing a project on it. It's very unhealthy and I think this when I'm 12. My mom does and you could get cancer from it and even cause death, which is bad. It is also a distraction to drivers all around and causes your nails to yellow. Nobody wants yellow nails!
Posted by: AnonymousIts bad for your health! Not only health it is not a good smell.
• Not only is smoking bad for you it leaves a bad smell on your clothes. If you were to be on break while you are at work and decide to smoke a cigarette as soon as you return back to work you would smell the smoke that is attached to your clothes and it is not a good smell. Not only stick to your clothes it may stick to your breath.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is bad for everyone.
I have four younger siblings. the last thing I want is my siblings or family breathing that. It turns your lungs black and hurts your heart. It also is known to cause cancer. I am not even an adult yet but I do have the right to have my own opinion. Smoking is bad for everyone and should be banned.
Posted by: AnonymousIt negatively affects other people.
Smokers may risk their lives smoking but we the non smokers can die and suffer the consequences because of their actions. There are things like second hand smoke. Smoking should be banned. Being around someone who smokes is harmful because of the odor they have from smoking that still contains harmful chemicals. Even though you smoke an hour ago and go to public places, the odor still remains and it is still dangerous. In some places it's hard to avoid smokers and inevitably you would be breathing in the harmful chemicals.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, do it at home.
When people smoke in public, the people around them are exposed to second-hand smoke. Second hand smoking is worse than regular smoking due to the fact that the passing person is exposed to the smoke being exhaled AND coming from the burning end of the cigarette. People should do it in the privacy of their home.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is just wrong .
It kills lots of people, it also kills a lot of second hand smokers and its not even their faults! It is just unfair for all those kids poor babies out there. I hope it all stops. I strongly think smoking should be banned in public places. I rest my case.
Posted by: AnonymousThey have NO right to KILL or make others sick!
Writing this as I fight Bronchitis .. Most likely caused by a recent trip to a Louisiana Casino secondhand smoke. If smoking were harmless, I would argue he NO side of this debate however smoking actually harms non-smokers .. It's unfair my civil liberties aren't acknowledged simply because YOU want to LIGHT UP ... I honestly don't understand anyone that would argue the contrary.
Posted by: Librascales10It's the secondhand that I have the biggest problem with.
Honestly I don't care if someone chooses to smoke in their own home or really any place that I won't be near. If they want to risk house fires or cancer, that's their own choice. But when I'm walking down the street, I don't want to see someone standing near a doorway in the middle of the sidewalk smoking (this happens often on my way to work and home, I tend to walk by making it blatant that I'm holding my breath). I'm sure many non-smokers would agree that the scent is usually nauseating and even causes headaches not to mention the health effects (sure once or twice won't do much, but every day over the years...it's going to add up). Bars and restaurants that allow smokers are generally avoidable so they aren't too big of a problem, but anyplace where people can't avoid should ban smoking completely.
Posted by: AnonymousI SAY YES
Our personal freedom struggle against war, poverty, disease, corruption, human rights abuse and violence have obtained good results, but it is far away from over. You know, I'm not a smoker but my friends are. Yes! They are from my team, too! The enemies in this struggle are the consequences of passive smoking like the horrible "cigarrette stink", cancer and respiratory diseases. Damn, these are also the consequences of active smoking. So, do you think I'm fighting against smokers and hoping for them to face the consequences? Never! Banning smoking from public places isn't a way to disrespect smokers or respect nonsmokers, but to improve life quality for both sides. For a certain smokers, feeling "well" is smoking actively. For certain non-smokers, feeling "well" is staying away from tobacco and its consequences. However, banning smoking is a way of giving smokers the right to smoke freely, but in a way that will not endanger the lives of non-smokers. Peace and wellness!
Posted by: AnonymousNot a good hobby.
Smoking is a worthless hobby that people do because they have no life. My best friend died of lung cancer because she was a smoker, and she never deserved it! Some idiot convinced her to start and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't quit! Smoking should be demolished all together. All of the smokers should get a life, get a hobby, or get some friends. The smoke from a cigarette gets all of us non-smokers infected with all sorts of diseases. In other words, yes, smoking should be banned in public places.
Posted by: AnonymousIt definatly should be banned!
I'm a pretty tolerant person. I don't mind if other people choose to destroy there bodies with chemicals like carbon monoxide, nicotine, and tar. But the fact that people smoke in public and around others that don't want it is disgusting. Smokers complain that non smokers complain to much, and its not that bad. Buts that's where they are wrong. Second hand smoke can cause ear infections, slower lung growth, and can trigger asthma attacks. So instead of thinking about how you somehow don't mind the affects of smoking to your body, think about what you are doing to others. Stop being so selfish and think about what you are doing.
Posted by: lukassuthersit should be banned
i think that smoking is one of the worst things you can do in public. it is really bad and you people saying it will be ok you are all murderers cause you smoking in public is putting out second hand smoke wich is really bad it highers the risk of cancer for non smokers
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking should be banned.
Smoking is harmful to the smoker and to others in the vicinity of the smoke. The chemicals and carcinogens in cigarette smoke cause and lead to all sorts of deadly, PREVENTABLE diseases. If you want to continue to do something harmful like smoke, do it in your own space, not it the public where it can affect others as well.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking Should be Banned!
There's always that person that sets a forest ablaze with their cigarette, and then spreads to nearby homes, and ends up wrecking houses and hurting people. If you gotta smoke, smoke somewhere where people won't have to inhale the fumes and you won't set ANYTHING on fire. And put out your cigarette in an ashtray! Tons of people don't like seeing cigarettes on the ground. It's simple, too!
If you people want to smoke, go ahead and commit suicide. Just be considerate and don't kill others!Posted by: AnonymousOnly Smoking upwind of or in same room as nonsmoker should be banned
Smoking should not be banned globally, but it should be as unacceptable to pollute an innocent bystander's air with smoke as it is to urinate or defecate on someone without their consent. Cigarette smoke smells just as bad and is just as unhealthy as that.
While we're at it, the same rules should apply to marijuana smoking. Why keep funneling $ billions a year to violent biker gangs in the clearly failed "war on drugs"?Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is harmful.
Smoking is extremely harmful to both the smoker and the second hand inhaler. If smoking was banned in public spaces, smokers could still continue their addictive behavior in a private place, while not affecting others. Although there is the argument of the freedom of choice, people have been brought up in a society where people have not had to make good choices.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking should be banned in public places
Sure its someones personal choice but smokers should be more considerate to people who don't want to breath in the smoke. Plus it's also my choice if i don't want to be smoked around. You don't know if the people around you have lung problems or you may not know if there is a baby around when your smoking. There should be separate places for smokers. Seriously how do you feel when someone steals money from you that you desperately needed. They would care because its your problem. People who say no should think of the argument the other way around.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
In some public places like restaurants it can often be crowded. If there are any smokers there, some kids hanging around could inhale the smoke and be harmed, even if it's just a little. It's not the right choice to do. If you need to obstruct anyone's space, do it to your own at home. No one needs someone getting in their personal space, unintentionally making them try toxic fumes that could shorten their lifespan. It's troublesome to them, and to the smokers themselves.
Posted by: Anonymousshoud be banned
yeah i think so children dnt wanna die slowly from someones choice they didnt lmake the choise so they shouldnt have to walk and be grossed out and shtuff
Posted by: AnonymousYes, ban smoking in public
Anywhere that there are others who do not want to breath the smoke, it should be banned. It appears that most smokers have no consideration for others. They smoke a cigarette at the bus stop before getting on the bus. They do not put the cigarette butt in the trash, they throw it on the ground. Is that right? What if someone else ate an apple at the bus stop and then threw the apple core on the ground. That person would be considered a litter bug. But the cigarette smoker gets away with throwing their litter on the ground. They don't think it is wrong to smoke at places that do have smoking bans. They smoke right under signs that say do not smoke here. They think you are taking their rights away to have the sign. Where are other people's right to breath clean air.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking should be banned.
I think smoking should be banned in public places because of people walking by and breathing second hand smoke. Second hand smoke is almost as bad as smoking and its worse for kids. There's almost 50,000 deaths per year because of second hand smoke. It also pollutes the air, starts fires, and causes cancer.
Posted by: AnonymousIt can cause death!
Not just the direct smoke intake, but the secondhand smoke as well, can cause health risks. Most people can develop lung or other kinds of cancer JUST from secondhand smoke. I believe that people should smoke in their own home where there is no danger for others to be harmed by their harmful habits.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is unhealthy to everyone
Smoking is unhealthy for you, the ones you love that are around you, and the environment that you and your loved ones live in. There are pretty much no positives in my view. Plus, you stink! It makes your breath stink, your vehicle stink, your home stink, pretty much everywhere you smoke, you stink. You are slowly killing yourself and the ones around you. What a way to be selfish.
Posted by: AnonymousI WANT TO LIVE!!!!
To those people that think that smoking only affects the smoker: ever heard of secondhand smoke??? Smoking is also bad for the smoker, and is often fatal!!!! So why would anyone want to kill themselves as well as other innocent people? Innocent people are being killed for doing NOTHING :(
Posted by: AnonymousBan it please
I agree that is should be banned. The smokers out there got caught up in a habit that is bad for everyone's health. In some cases more harmful to the ones that inhale second hand smoke. I am a non smoker and the stench insults my nose and and sinuses, also I am prone to getting lung cancer from my family genetics. So I want to do everything I can to stay away. I disagree that I would have to be the one to walk away tho, especially when I'm trying to enjoy my day. To the smokers out there it is your fault that you have to feed your bad habit and the rest of us shouldn't have to pay to price for being around it. Don't kill us in the process of killing yourself.
Posted by: DiNicocaColaStop making excuses.
"It's relaxing", "It helps me think" and "It's my choice" are all unacceptable excuses for smoking. There are in-fact plenty of other forms of relaxation and thought provoking tasks. So until the law is made that smoking should be banned, people should quit for their own sake, no matter how hard it may be, because it is a murderous act towards themselves as well as others.
Posted by: zeinasafadiI think smoking should be banned in public places.
First, smoking is very harmful for your health. And, smoking often harms not only smokers but also nonsmokers around smokers.
Second, fire of cigarette is dangerous. If you smoke while walking, the fire of your cigarette may hit ohter people around you.
Third, the ash of cigarette gets public places dirty. You may flick the ash from your cigarette.Posted by: oct-fmSick of breathing smoke when wanting fresh air...
We are all entitled to breath smoke free air!! If you want to smoke do it in your house and car. Keep your windows closed, perhaps forcing yourself to breath the smoke you let burn for everyone else to inhale would be best served killing you off quicker! This may sound harsh but for those that choose not to smoke, it's insulting that smokers feel entitled to sit in clean air and pollute.
Posted by: AnonymousThings should only be banned when they infringe on others rights
And it is without question that second hand smoke infringes on my right to healthy lungs when you breath it around me. There's lots of outside places to enjoy your outdoor hobby and if you cant have the decency to wait in a public indoor place to get outside to have your smoke than you don't have enough decency to be hanging out there, its too civilized for you. Its time for you to quit the bad habit anyway
Posted by: AnonymousIt destroys everyone
The smoker isn't the only one to destoy his/her health when smoking. In fact, the smoke that a cigarette produces can be breathed by non smokers and can also, if they are exposed too frequently to cigarette smoke, destroy their own health.
I don't really understand why the number of smokers keeps increasing when we know that almost everyone knows that there are VERY DANGEROUS products in cigarettes (over 4, 000 chemical products in only one cigarette). One is even a product that was used in World War II in the gas chambers, another one is used as rocket fuel, and one, polonium 210, is radioactive.
Seriously, are smokers suicidal people? I mean that it kills almost 1 person out of 10, isn't this possibility of dying of tabagism, as well as the fact that (this is an average) a cigarette takes away from one about 5 minutes of his life, meaning about the time needed to smoke it!
Think to it smokers. This is just an advice. Smoking is bad. For you AND for those around...Posted by: HesterhatecigaretYes smoking should be banned.
Smokers are not the only people who suffer. Did you know that smokers only breathe in 1/3 of the smoke they puff? That means that the people around them are actually breathing in more smoke than them! Also, smoking has zero health benefits. Smokers have a higher risk of catching more illnesses and diseases, such as clogged arteries, hypertension, lung cancer, etc. Would you want to risk your health, as well as the health of others, just because smoking is deemed 'cool'? Smoking also burns a big hole in your wallet. A pack costs at least $10, and if you smoke a pack a day, that's nearly $4000 a year! Imagine all the other things you could buy with that extra $4000. So, please, ban smoking.
Smokers have rights, but we have rights not to inhale your second-hand smoke. So, take your rights elsewhere.Posted by: Anonymousfghh
We would see smokers in front of every store, on every street corner and in front of every restaurant. It's teaching our children that smoking is okay and it is around them. It is not fair to the innocent bystanders that have no option but to be next to the smokers to have smoking in public to remain legal. As shown in countless studies, prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke can and will increase the victim's chance of developing lung cancer. As a society, how can Americans live with themselves as long as they knowingly allow this practice to continue legally? Being a smoker is a personal choice and I don't care if you put yourself at risk of being around other people and their habits. I understand a ban for smoking on a college campus or near a hospital for obvious reasons but banning smoking in any other public place seems a little ridiculous.
Posted by: AnonymousNot in public please...
It should be banned in public places, but not altogether banned, because it is your right to be able to smoke, but not when you are spreading it around with everyone else. It is not fair to increase other people's risk of lung cancer. If you want to destroy your body with smoking, then do it at home, but not in public where there are people and innocent children around who are breathing in your intoxicating fumes.
Posted by: AnonymousI am allergic.
I know smoking in public could cause someone like me to have breathing issues. Smoking is a filthy habit that smells horrible. I also know that teens still get cigarettes from their parents. Smoking in public shows the youth of today that smoking is cool and not disgusting. Some people will say that they wished they never started while others don't care.
Posted by: AnonymousOf course, smoking is bad for the smoker and the people inhaling the smoke!
We've all seen the advertisements that show how smoking affects your body/system. It's gross, disgusting and something you don't want to have. Smokers choose to smoke but think about the people around you. They don't choose to smoke but inhale the smoke. Inhaling the smoke and smoking... what's the big difference? If you are forced to smoke, please smoke where there aren't many people around. Thank You.
Posted by: AnonymousYes it should.
Think about it. About 90,000 people try smoking and can you guess how many die from that?
About 12,000 people die from smoking, and smoking can lead to lung cancer and emphysema and gum disease and many, many more horrible things, so stop smoking and stop the ads for smoking now.Posted by: Anonymousyes it should
Smoking causes you and other people to have many different kinds of cancer, your kids will have a better chance to have to stay in the hospital for a longer time. Smoking is bad for the environment and it pollutes the air. I see too many people just dump their cigarettes on the street out of their cars.
Posted by: gjkfsdljgkfsdSmoking should be banned in public places because second hand smoke is bad.
Second hand smoke is proven to give people cancer. Why should people that choose not to smoke have to breathe in the smoke from others? It is unfair to those who don't smoke and they shouldn't have to suffer the price. So people should not smoke in public places for the common good.
Posted by: AnonymousYour right to smoke ends where my right to breathe begins.
People smoking in public places - and yes, I am referring to sidewalks - put everyone's life and health in danger. It's not enough to make them stay 10 or 20 feet from the entrance of a building. People still have to endure the life-sucking cloud of poison while trying to go to work, go shopping, grab a bite, etc. If people truly desire to engage in this deadly habit, they should only be allowed to do so in their own homes. And I believe that if they have children living in the home, they should not be allowed to smoke around the children. If you think parents' smoking doesn't harm their children, go visit a pediatric unit. They are often full of kids with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), which is a serious condition that most drastically affects young children and infants. Many of the kids hospitalized with this condition come from smoking homes, and their breathing issues are sometimes permanent. I support a complete ban on cigarette smoking, period. But if that isn't going to happen, it should at least be banned where there are other humans present who don't consent to dying one pack at a time.
Posted by: AnonymousYes Of Course!!!
Everyone has rights, I know, but smoking can damage your lungs and you can die. Smokers don't have any sense. More people are right, but smokers can switch onto electric cigarettes they can't stop. And smokers can have rights, just build more places that people can smoke. That way, everyone wins.
Posted by: AnonymousSecondhand smoke is harmful.
It is a simple manner of inconsiderately harming other people. Especially around people who chose to not smoke, secondhand smoke has so many chemicals in it that it harms the surrounding people more that the cigarette even harms the person. I definitely think it should only be legal to smoke on your own property or in your own place of living.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking Should be banned in public places
I understand why people say it shouldn't be banned but you made the mistake to start smoking and ruin your life so don't let your choice impact others. Let other people choose their own life. Other people that chose not to smoke and speed up the deterioration of their organs should not be exposed to the possibility of ruining it for them.
Posted by: AnonymousITS COOL BRO
People shouldn't have the right to smoke wherever they want. What sort of example are they giving to young children and infants? Passive smoking kills so many people it's not fair on others.
Why would you want to smoke around other people? Your harming them as well. It smells bad and is bad for the pollution, also it litters our environment making it look disgusting. People should not smoke in public, but in their homes where they are only harming themselves.Posted by: AnonymousYes it should
I say yes because it is polluting the environment and spoiling the ozone layer.It also makes the other people's life at risk because they are breathing the smoke from the cigarette and also from your lungs through the mouth so the other people are at more risk of getting cancer than you
Posted by: AnonymousI think smoking in public cities should be banned.
I think so because If someone smokes in public, person who dislikes tobacco smokes ,too. And, they have much possibility than normal of suffering from illness,too. I think smoking alone is OK . However , bothering someone is not a good thing. Therefore, I think it should be banned .
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
Others say that "smoking in public places does not harm anyone." Does their brain work? Second-hand smoke is more dangerous. And, they should respect the others who do not smoke. They should not smoke in public places where nonsmokers especially children are exposed. If they really want to smoke, then smoke in your area. But definitely not in public places. You are not to tell the nonsmokers to leave because you'll smoke, it's not your own place.
I read this in the NO part. "Smoking is a personal choice.Have anybody heard of the First Amendment.If they want to kill their selves with cigarettes, let them and If you dont want to risk your health.LEAVE..Its as simple as that!!" Don't you have common sense? Smokers lit their cigarettes in public places AND THEY'RE THE ONES WHO SHOULD LEAVE because they should respect the others who do not smoke. And if you're to tell me that every people have the right to do what they want to do in public places, well you're just SELFISH. You're self-centered and you don't care for the health of others.
And if you don't know yet, let me tell you that SECOND-HAND SMOKE IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN FIRST HAND. It is fatal and can kill you.Posted by: AnonymousIt's harmful to others.
I researched whether or not it should be banned in public places. The facts and statistics I found are shocking. I knew smoking was bad, but not this bad. Almost 50,000 people die a year due to second hand smoke. The affects of it on children on the womb isn't good either. It increases behavioral problems and causes asthma. For adults, it increases heart disease chances and chances of heart attacks. My dad smokes. & After this project, Im scared.
Posted by: AnonymousGet your facts straight.
No one said you CAN'T smoke. The topic is "Should smoking be banned in PUBLIC PLACES". Go smoke in the bathroom though. People around do not like the smell of tobacco; therefore, you should consider about others. Also, inhalation of tobacco smoke is bad for other people too. Therefore, if you want to harm your self, just go harm yourself and don't hurt others.
Posted by: japan.eclipseDont confuse the term RIGHT with CHOICE.
Nobody has the RIGHT to interfere with another persons right to clean fresh air in a public place - or anyplace for that matter. Cigarettes are deliberately primed with toxic properties thereby making them poisonous to humans. People who bang on about their RIGHT to smoke are doing so in order to justify the filthy habit. It is not a right at all - it is a CHOICE that they make. Smoking is a mental illness. That is a FACT.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking can kill your children.
Smoking can kill the people around you. Especially those who live with you, like your children. If your children tell you to stop, try by using some nicotine patches. If you're pregnant, then you are going to have to quit cold turkey. That will be even more difficult, so it is best to stop smoking before you become pregnant.
Posted by: AnonymousPeople who smoke should have consideration for those who do not smoke.
People who smoke should have consideration for those who do not smoke. I smoke, it is my choice, others choose not to, and smokers should have the respect not to force them to breath in what we choose to breath in. There are alternatives for smokers to use if they need to smoke in public, like electronic cigarettes, they are harmless to non smokers.
Posted by: AnonymousSecondhand smoke is annoying and deadly; therefore, smoking in public places should be banned.
Smokers make a choice each and every time they light up to put their health at risk. However, when they smoke in a public place, they are taking that choice away from the non-smokers that also use that public place. It would not be permitted to spray deadly pesticides all over a crowd of people in a public place, and it should not be legal to fog the same crowd with deadly tobacco smoke. Smoking in all public places should be banned across the country.
Posted by: R0zJoshit is dumb as hell
it should because it can cause alot of health problems for the surrounding people because of second hand smoking. i dont think that others should have to be sujected to all the harmful affects of someone elses choices. also what about the people who already have existing health problems such as asthma.
Posted by: darion.frioliSmoking is bad all around
Smoking causes multiple things. It causes pollution, cancer, lung disease etc. It's not good in any way, so why not ban it in public areas. Oh, and by the way, the people who are around the smoker and are inhaling the smoke are doing something called second-hand smoking. Let's just say that second-hand smoking is A LOT worse than actually being the one smoking,
Posted by: AnonymousI think smoking should be banned in public places because second hand smoke is dangerous.
Second hand smoke is bad for everyone around the smoker. They are harming everyone around them not just themselves. It's especially bad if there are kids around. Plus it's a bad habit and the smoke is just gross. It's gross when you are standing next to someone and you can smell the smoke.
Posted by: AnonymousOf course it should
Smoking sucks it harms the smoker and the people around him or her. Gives off body odor and bad breath. It causes lung cancer and produces air pollution. That is one way global warming starts. When you smoke say BYE BYE to your white teeth, cause you aren't going to have them anymore.
Posted by: AnonymousIt should be banned because...
I am doing a project on it. It's very unhealthy and I think this when I'm 12. My mom does and you could get cancer from it and even cause death which is bad. It is also a distraction to drivers all around and causes your nails to yellow. Nobody wants yellow nails!
Posted by: Anonymousyou are not only hurting yourslef
smoking will cause you to get sick. other people will accidently breathing it in including your own family memebers. so we already know you dont care about getting cancer or dying, but your family does. your a killing yourself from the first inhale. your will get cancer, have to play hospital bills which will affect your family because they cannot afford it and you will die and leave them with a hospital bill and a funeral bill. how do u feel about that. nd we can say what we want to say about anything because it is a free country. if the majority of people vote to ban smoking, move somewhere were they do allow it. what would you do if you were smoking and little bobby grandson was inhaling in all those fumes, and he was diagnosed with asthma.
Posted by: AnonymousKeep it to yourself
No one can force anyone to stop smoking, I believe. Now, if doing so affects others around who do not wish to smoke, but are being forced to become second-hand smokers, then of course, smoking in public places should be prohibited. There are plenty of non-public places where smokers may enjoy the "delights" of smoking peacefully, like their homes, bars, etc. If freedom is indeed for all, then it must be respected in a way that is does not harm any of the parties involved.
Posted by: AnonymousI agree that smoking should be banned in public places because it harms the people who don't smoke, in a passive way and that too for no fault of theirs.
Although I am a smoker myself, I would hesitate to smoke in front of my parents. The reason being that my smoking should not affect their health. Then why should I smoke amongst others and cause them serious hazards? If someone is addicted to smoking, he/she can do so in an area where it does not harm others.
Posted by: bakakaeYES IT SHOULD!!!
Because people who smoke in public places affect other people. Even little kids hate the smell! People who want to smoke, smoke somewhere where it doesnt affect us humans! Not only does it prevent bad air and pollution but to yourselves. You can get cancer for smoking, SO PLZ STOP SMOKING IN PUBLIC AREAS!!!
Posted by: AnonymousYes
If people wish to smoke, then they should not do it in public places, where kids and elderly people will be. Because smoking is a health risk, but also a choice, so I know a place is public and you should be able to smoke in public places, but there are some who cannot run the risk of inhaling that smoke. It harms people around them, as I know because my own mother smoke in front of me all the time even in public. I could leave, but if my mom wants to smoke so bad it would not hurt her to go some place else, like a place strictly for people who don't mind that risk. Also it's like saying, hey drinking is a personal choice and I should be able to drink anywhere that includes in my car while I'm driving! Or making someone sit next to nuclear waste! It may be choice but you don't have to contaminate all the people around you. People who wish not to be affected, should be respected and not have to breath in second hand smoke which is worst then first hand smoke. I understand you need to smoke, but I ask you as a favor, please do it in a place that wouldn't bother kids, elderly, or people with medical conditions, because their age and conditions is not a choice!
Posted by: AnonymousI feel smoking should be banned at indoor public places.
As a smoker i do understand the non-smoker. I understand the fact that it is an unhealthy habit and no one should have it forced upon them by others. Second hand smoke is a real issue and inside buildings and close quarter events it should be banned. I do have an issue with banning it in all public places though. If the park or a street is the public place you are speaking of then I do not think it should be banned. If it is a large open area then I don't feel the government should have the right to tell me that I cannot smoke.
Posted by: w00tboycomicI believe smoking should be banned in public places across the country. Smoking poses a serious health threat for non-smokers since second hand smoke contributes to many serious health problems.
Second hand smoking is proven to be worse than first hand smoking. If a person makes the choice to live a lifestyle where their own health is at risk, they should not create health hazards for those around them. If smoking was not banned in public areas, kids, the elderly, pregnant women, and babies would all be put at risk. Smoking can lead to all kinds of cancers and health problems. Smokers are given the freedom to smoke in their own privacy and smoke zones and that should be enough.
Posted by: MyHierIn my opinion, smoking in public places should be prohibited. There are many reasons that support this point of view.
Firstly, smoking is harmful for non-smokers. Smokers should have the right to smoke, but it's not reasonable if that right is harmful to others. Obviously, if people smoke in public places, non-smokers have no choice but to become secondhand smokers. Don't non-smokers have the right to choose not to be secondhand smokers?
Secondly, smoking is a cause of pollution. There is a lot of research that shows that many kinds of gases that are released by smoking and are harmful for the environment, such as tar and carbon dioxide. Everyone knows that now the environment is getting worse and worse. Do you want smoking to be another source of the problem?
Lastly, smokers have other ways to receive nicotine. Nowadays, we have many ways to receive nicotine, such as nicotine gum and nicotine patches. Smokers can use these products instead of smoking. Do you really want people to smoke in public places instead of using these new products?
In conclusion, I want to say that there are no reasons left to permit smoking in public places, and I also think that maybe this is the time for people to quit smoking. Banning smoking is not just for us, but for this world and for everyone who has to live in this world after us.Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is wrong
Anybody can smoke just dont smoke near me. I believe that smoking is wrong but its peoples choice so if your gonna smoke atleast be respectful and smoke away from non smokers. We dont need that second hand smoke and kids dont need them either nobody needs it.
Posted by: AnonymousJust Because You Can... Doesnt Mean You Should!!
Yes, Its A Free Country... Yes, You Can Smoke Anywhere You'd Like Because It Is A Free Country
But Think About Other People, Who Actually Care For There Health... More People Die From Second Hand Smoke Then Actual Smokers. Feel Free To Smoke If You Do. But Dont Put Innocent Lives In Danger For Your Selfish Habits.
-TreasureePosted by: AnonymousYes it should
Yes, because it causes air pollution, and which makes global warming. It gives off body odor, and bad breath, and yellow teeth. When you are in the public children will follow your influence and smoke when they get old enough too. People also hate the smell of smoke.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's not your life
Smokers are endangering the lives of more than themselves when they smoke in public places. The smokers should not be allowed to smoke near non-smokers. There are thousands of dangerous chemicals in cigarettes that pose a threat to non-smokers through second hand smoke. It is not okay to allow smokers to be able to pose a health problem towards non-smokers.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking bans are public policies, including criminal laws and occupational safety and health regulations, which prohibit tobacco smoking in workplaces and/or other public spaces.
A smoker's (poor) choice should not affect the health of others.
Secondhand smoke contains hundreds of toxic chemicals including arsenic ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, benzene, and vinyl chloride. It is known to cause cancer, coronary heart disease, and respiratory problems. There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.Posted by: AnonymousStop Smoking.!
I don't think people should smoke in public places because there's always usually kids around. When kids are older they have their own decision to smoke or not and 55 percent decide to smoke. It can cause pollution and get those people in danger. Lots of things have Happend my friends grandparent was smoking and got effected and got diagnosed with cancer and she confessed That he has raped her. It hurts me, it hurts them.
Posted by: Cayla1999Smoking is a problem for all.
Smoking not only effects you, but everybody who breathes. Because you decide to pick up the habit, please don"t subject all of us to it. So many times I walk down the street and have a smoker in front of me puffing away. You state you have a right to smoke, I agree. But the rest of us have a right to breathe. So have some kind of consideration. We didn't choose to smoke, you did.
Posted by: Anonymousyes it should be banned
Why? Because firstly it is harmful to the smokers and non-smokers. And in my opinion it is disturbing. Because i have felt that way and i was like coughing. They(smokers) can smoke but not in public places. The government should give them a room where they can smoke freely. I have found some public places that are facilitated with such a or many smoker room. That's a good resolution i think because some of smokers are selfish and they can't handle not to smoke.
Posted by: AnonymousThink this through.....
You take a WEED, you roll it up, you light it on FIRE, you BREATHE whatever comes out, you share your stupidity with everyone unfortunate enough to be around you. GREAT idea, right? Wrong. Believe it or not, some of us value functional lungs and want you to keep you flaming weeds away from us......
Posted by: JoeDraperYes!
Because not only it kills the smoker it also affect people that are near the smoker! Yes its a choice like some people say but you have no say to harm the people around you. So therefore no no to smokers! Plus it's just a bad example period!
Posted by: Anonymouscauses health problems
Despite these points, the arguments against smoking are strong. Smoking has been shown to be dangerous to health. Heart disease, bronchitis and lung cancer have all been linked. A further issue is that smoking costs governments millions of pounds because of the large number of people who need treatment in hospitals for smoking related problems. There is also concern today about passive smoking. Recent research has shown that non-smokers can suffer health problems if they spend long periods of time among people who do smoke.
Posted by: cheesemanIt harms OTHERS too.
I know that there is a right to harm yourself. However, you do not have the right to harm OTHERS. Smoking harms OTHER PEOPLE, not just yourselves.
Posted by: 1dustpeltI can't understand why you would say no!
Smoking is a horrible habit and others should not be forced to inhale the vile stuff. Smoking tobacco only causes problems as far as I can tell. I live in the UK and the smoking ban in public buildings has been hugely beneficial. So the ban is an infringement on choice, if we didn't ban it, it would be an infringement on other members of the public's choice! Look at the common sense here, smoking is ridiculous. You don't enjoy it, you're just addicted to the nicotine.
Posted by: amieturtl3Secondhand smoke kills.
A lot of people argue that smoking shouldn't be banned because the person who is smoking is killing themselves and they should be allowed to do that but smoking doesn't only effect the person smoking but the people around the smoker as well. Some people also say that if people don't like it they should just leave. Well is I paid money to go out and eat and then someone comes and starts smoking near then I don't see the reason why I have to choose between my health or the money I just spent, the person who wants to smoke should be forced to just post pone the smoke until they come to an area where their smoking would not affect anyone.
Posted by: AnonymousWould you put a child or elderly person in danger?
That is exactly what you are doing. When you smoke in areas where they might be you are putting them in harms way. Smoking may be what you do but making them do it is not fair to them. You may say well I'm the one who's doing it not them, but guess what anyone around you at that point in time is doing because it's this sweet little thing called second hand smoke which is as dangerous as full blown out smoking. Be considerate of what you're doing to other people. It's all on you.
Posted by: AnonymousYes and no, there is a large portion of the population that has asthma
They cannot go to public places if there is smoking. That is not fair. Also, none of us should engage in any habit in public that causes nonsmokers to have to wash their hair and clothing. If people smoke in public they should be accountable and that means liable for contributing to the health problems caused by smoking. Public places should be redefined though as places where all people are assembling such as grocery stores or malls, parks, concerts etc. Privately owned places such as restaurants, bars, etc should be up to the owner weather smoking is banned. This is a capitalistic society. Some stores such as hobby lobby choose to be closed on sunday. It affect their business but that is what free capitalism means. So if a bar owner sees he is losing money by banning or not banning smoking, I am sure he will cater to the crowd that is most lucrative. A bar is like a house. What you do in your house is your business. It is only taxpayer owned places and places where all of us must be (like the fireworks on the 4th of july, or the zoo) that should not allow smoking.
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
Second-hand smoke, 'nuff said. Save smoking for your own home where other non-smokers are not around to be harmed by your habits.
Posted by: InsertNameHereSmoking is unhealty.
While it is a personal choice to smoke, it is not a personal choice to breathe in secondhand smoke and people should not be subjugated to it. I have no problem with anyone smoking, however you should not impose your bad decisions on others. If people would follow the rules and smoke where they are supposed to and when it is appropriate (preferably not around a huge group of people), then this discussion would be pointless.
Posted by: Anonymousyes should be banned
Smoking should be banned because it is affecting everyone else around the smoker and because it puts other people, especially children and pregnant women, at risk of breathing smoke from cigarettes. Some studies have should that 80% of those who ingest secondhand smoke from public smokers have a higher risk of getting respiratory problems than smokers themselves.
Posted by: AnonymousYes it Should
Because the majority of people want to be healthy
Posted by: AnonymousCauses Endless Litter.
No one can deny that cigarette butts account for millions of pieces of ugly litter each year. Smokers could choose to dispose of their waste properly, but, when they are in public places, it would appear that many of them don't. A ban on public smoking would likely reduce litter.
Posted by: AnonymousIt affects more than just the smoker
When people smoke, secondhand smoke gets breathed in by other people. The smokers don't realize that everyone shares the air, which puts other peoples health at risk. I read that 42,000 people die a year in just the US. The smoke also affects the earth by the pollution is makes. By it can cause the smoker to get lung cancer or die early. Other people shouldn't have to suffer from the smoke.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking is disgusting and you can die.
Smoking is disgusting and you can die. If people smoke around people that don't, you can inhale their smoke, and you may want to start smoking, or if you are trying to quit it is hard. I hate it, it is gross. If your kids or anybody else's kids think that it is the right thing to do, it's not, you get cancer and die, so stop smoking if you read this!
Posted by: AnonymousNo smoking around the world!
With smoking around, many peoples can get sick from it. Smoke pollutes the air that we breathe. I think it's sick enough that they do a lot of smoking but they should not allow it in the world.
I know it may make lots and lots of money, I understand that but if you smoke it affects everybody not just yourself but everybody around you. You may cause them heart disease, bronchitis and lung cancer. Anyway all of that is dangerous and frightening. Please I do not smoke and wish that no one else does too.Posted by: AnonymousEffects so many
Smoking effects everyone who is exposed, even if you never smoked a cigarette in your life! It has countless toxins and effects! When you smoke you're putting so many people in danger even yourself. Smoking pollutes the air and just everything. Just think about it. Do you want someone you know and are close to, to have effects because people were so careless of people around them.
Posted by: AnonymousIT KILLS PEOPLE
Public smoking should not be allowed because it causes so many problems. One problem is that it affects innocent people such as children and sick seniors. Its second hand smoke. Second hand smoke is worse than first hand smoke because first hand smoker has a filter in the cigarette but there is no filter for people around the smoker that are inhaling the smoke.
Also people who have asthma would suffer more. The smoke can give them an asthma attack and it may kill them because its hard for them to breath since inhaling the smoke. People who want to go to a store shouldn’t have to inhale the deadly stuff in a cigarette.Posted by: AnonymousYess! Do u want to get a cancer even you are a none-smoker from them?? It is suicide.
Because smoking in public places, not only causing his own death. But also the death of another person, through a disease caused by cigarette smoke.
They should be banned and charged tough sanctions.
Thus, perhaps slowly this earth will be free from cigarette smoke, or
If there are heavy smokers, may be provided a special room. Or perhaps, also provided therapy in the chamber, so that the use of cigarettes decreased.Posted by: LordianaSelf Harm Also Inflicted on Others
Smoking is a form of self-harm; what's even worse is that it will also hurt the people around you. Slowly killing not only you, but your spouse, children, etc. It should not be socially acceptable, and adults should not be proudly smoking in public. You can hurt people you don't even know, on a daily basis, by smoking in public. These people passing by smokers have no choice; they are just walking by and breathing when they fall victim to some destructive and inconsiderate person who decided to light it up. What about pregnant women who have been affected by second hand smoke?
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking needs to be banned in public places
Too many people are dying daily just because of secondhand smoke, too many people are getting cancer and other well known diseases because of secondhand smoke. If we can do something about this then why don't we? Join the fight and raise awareness, you can put out one cigarette to save millions of lives.
Posted by: AnonymousIt does not relieve stress.
Many people use the excuse that smoking relieves stress, and maybe they think that, but it's not true. What relieves stress is walking away from the situation and taking deep breathes. Nicotine actually does the opposite and causes stress. Maybe if people were better informed they wouldn't start in the first place. It should be banned in public places to reduce the effects of second hand smoke, people can do what they like in their own homes, but in public places there are others to think about.
Posted by: AnonymousMy right to stay healthy.
Whenever this subject resurfaces, the only tangible argument I've heard from smokers is advocating their right to smoke wherever they please. Well what about my right to be healthy? I have made the conscious decision to NOT smoke, but I still have to suffer from the harmful side effects of secondhand smoke because a smoker can't walk an extra 20 feet away from the door? That is completely irrational.
Posted by: Anonymous
Don't ban smoking.
Because it helps you be independent and it also helps relieve stress from the body. And you know people have rights so you should let them smoke. The reason people or the government should let us is we also have rights and we pay taxes every month until we die.
Posted by: AnonymousSay no to ban happy nazis
What kind of person would stop around telling others what to do in their presence? This whole socialistic society is out of control. If you can't handle personal freedoms maybe America is not the place for you. Stop ruining everything we fought so hard to obtain - its shows a complete disrespect for all those who have given their lives for personal freedoms.
Posted by: tgit23People can smoke if they want to!
Smoking is something that everyone doesn't like, but they aren't doing any harm to anyone else by doing it. Smoking only affects you, not the people around you. I think that if people want to smoke they can. Honestly if it was that big of a deal they would have made it illegal years ago. It's just something for everyone to argue about.
Posted by: AnonymousI don't believe that smoking should be banned in public spaces.
I do not support laws being written that ban smoking in public places because for a place to be considered public means that everyone has the full right to utilize this place. If only smokers face restrictions, then the establishment does not meet the public criteria. People should have the right to smoke if they want to. Car exhaust fumes impact peoples lives just the same but there are no laws against driving.
Posted by: IoweAimNot In What People Mean When They Say "Public Places"
These aren't even real public places. A PRIVATE restaurant is PRIVATE. A PRIVATE bar is PRIVATE. It is NOT public. If you don't like that they allow smoking there don't go or leave. Private businesses are not supposed to be required to cater to the whim or concern of every single person. To ensure adequate smoke-free recreation licensing for smoke-allowing establishments should be required but it shouldn't be banned outright.
Posted by: MasturDeBator2009You can walk away.
Look you'll most likely be harmed by the stuff that's already in the air than you will be by tobacco smoke. If you don't like being around smokers, don't be around smokers, simple as that. Sometimes, public places are the only places these people can smoke, so back off. If a guy is smoking next to you, leave, or ask him to move, but don't get all preachy about how bad it is. Besides, people like you won't stop at cigarettes, you'll move to alcohol, then high fructose corn syrup, fumes from cars, etc. etc. Just let us smoke our cigarettes, if you don't like it, walk away.
Posted by: Anonymousno
There should be 50/50 to every one I do believe not to smoke in a house with kids but you should be able to do it where you want along as your not hurting nothing so get your facts right and do what ever you like along as its ban from pubic places that's what the rules should be every smoker like my self should smoke out side
Posted by: AnonymousTobacco smoke is no worse than exhaust fumes.
People have no problem standing by endless amounts of idling and moving vehicles, so they shouldn't mind someone smoking nearby. Exhaust and smog is just as bad, if not worse, than tobacco. If one tries to argue logically that smoking in public should be banned, the logical extension is that vehicles should be, too.
Posted by: Anonymouswhy take away their right as a free person?
When a smoker smokes, the pessimist side of society thinks that the smoker is an incapable man who seeks refugee in smoking. This is definitely not true. I have met people who has the best life can offer them and are angelic souls but smoke. This doesn't make them bad. They choose to smoke. You can't deny their rights to do so. Its the same feeling if we were denied the right to get proper food. I do not smoke and i probably never will but smokers choose to be what they are and we should respect that. I salute public places that has a lounge for smokers. That shows that the smokers right to puff some smoke has been respected. All the same, if you do not like to be around people who smoke and think your health is being jeopardized, leave! You have no right to shun them and make them quite for the sake of yourself. That's just being selfish!
Posted by: AnonymousI am not a smoker and don't like smoke, but I believe it should be up to the individual who's establishment it is.
If you're a potential employee, you have the option of working somewhere else if you don't agree with the owner's rules. The ill effects of smoking and secondhand smoke are well documented and it's clear that it's very bad for you. But, as with most cases, I believe it is not the government's place to determine what is or isn't allowed unless "immediate danger to the individual presents itself."
Posted by: AnonymousWhy make it a law that smoking should be banned?
People get others to do what they want all the time just by giving them stares and making them feel uncomfortable. Plus it doesn't matter: people know the risks of smoking. If people want to get all hurt over a little smoke, ask the smoker to stop. Don't go make a law because you're uncomfortable. Once you take away smoking, people start taking other things away that are "harmful" to the public.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Smoking should be banned! Whether people realize it or not, smoking doesn't only affect the smoker! It affects the people around them who breathe in the secondhand smoke they're emitting from their cigarettes. I like my lungs just how they are, thank you very much. I've made a choice to keep mine healthy, but I can't do that if other people around me decide that they want to smoke. It kills people.plain and simple.
Posted by: AnonymousSmoking ban is unconstitutional
People should have a choice in whether they chose to smoke or not. It is a horrible habit and i dont partake in it, but some people like it, and its unfair that we would outlaw something that should be our choice to make it. Big papa upstairs should not be able to tell us what we can an cannot do! Enough said!
Posted by: AnonymousThey have a right to be there.
Smokers have a right to be there, just like any non smoker. We do not have to go there, we choose to. We choose to go there, so we could leave or go to another area. Everyone has a right to choose where they want to be, whether they are a smoker or not. By a non smoker not choosing to go somewhere else, they are choosing to be around the smoke. No one forces the non smoker to inhale any of the smoke. They choose to do so by staying around it.
Posted by: AnonymousThe question is what is considered public place?
The question is what is considered public place?
That would be businesses, apartments, all roads, all side walks, all parks your vehicle that would be on public property.
Every wheres except your home.
I understand banning in public buildings, But outside and in your own vehicle that is just trying to control people.
Regulate yes, complete public ban NoPosted by: kem.wills1No,smoking should not be banned.!
Smoking is a personal choice.Have anybody heard of the First Amendment.If they want to kill their selves with cigarettes, let them and If you dont want to risk your health.LEAVE..Its as simple as that!!
Posted by: AnonymousThe government should not ban smoking in public places, because people should have the right to smoke anywhere they choose. Public establishments should protect the needs of the public and not restrict certain individuals for their lifestyle choices.
Owners of establishments should have the right to ban smoking in their establishments, the government should not. It is not the job of our government to protect people from every bad influence. If people choose to smoke or to frequent places where people are smoking, then they understand the risk they are taking. We are a capitalist society, so let consumers influence this, not the government. If people do not want to go to, say, a restaurant because people smoke there, then that can influence the owner to not allow smoking there. Leave it up to the individual business owners and their clientele.
Posted by: Myh3r0HiIarSmoking doesn't kill everyone.
Smoking is something that people may not like, but it is unavoidable. The risk of getting cancer or something else from smoking, is about as high as crashing your car. Yes you can die from smoking. You can also die from alcohol poisoning, or food poisoning, or overdosing, or even by crashing your car! But that doesn't mean that people stop drinking, or eating, or doing drugs, or driving!
Posted by: AnonymousIt's a free country
It's a personal choice that will not harm others. Taking a small whiff of second hand smoke will not give you cancer.
Posted by: EvanKThink about it...
I'm not a smoker and don't plan to be. But after reading through these comments, I agree with one thing. It shouldn't be banned. Maybe regulated or banned in certain places, but not completely banned. Think back to the Prohibition. Do you want to live through another one of those? I know for sure that I do not. So if you are going to do anything, regulate it, but we don't need one more right of freedom taken away.
Posted by: AnonymousYou can not force someone else to stop smoking for your preference or health problems: YOUR problems are YOUR problems, not others!!!
If someone chooses to smoke or allow smoking that is their decision. If you choose to not smoke, that is your decision. You have the choice to not be around smoke. You can not force someone else to stop what they wish to do because of your own preference or need. I do not smoke, I just leave the room when someone does smoke. I can not force them to quit for me. My problems are not theirs!!!
Posted by: AnonymousThe issue of smoking has received an undue amount of bad PR.
While smoking in public places that are within a confined area should be restricted, an all-out smoking ban is a bit excessive. Everyone has the ability to remove themselves from a situation that is troubling to them, and if a non-smoker is disturbed by the presence of a smoker they should just leave the area.
Posted by: ThegaXenI am indecisive about this.
I actually think that this is a free country and that if and when the government controls how and where we can spend our leisure time that they may as well take my property and everything i own. But i also agree it does injure a lot of society smoking in public does at least. It can harm pregnant women and young adults and children from breathing in smoke. So i have a yes and no. I do smoke and I love to smoke but it odes have its cost factors.
Posted by: AnonymousNo smoking should not be banned
Smoking is a choice an i believe that smoking in public places does not harm anyone im tired of people thinking they are better then everyone else an banning something that most of everyone does it is not the governments choice it is the owner.. if you dont like being around cigarettes or dont like the smell you are welcome to leave or go in a store. "public" means everyone has a say in what they want to do.. yes some people dont smoke but that doesnt mean everyone else cant and no one is any better then anyone else in this world i dont get why you fight over something so dumb.. it dont matter if we smoke in our house, on our porch or, in public places smoke is still everywhere... thats my thought
Posted by: AnonymousBanning is a strong solution. Taxing would be preferable.
Although it would be complex, a tax on smoking in public would be better, in that it could increase tax receipts, while maintaining the freedom for smokers to do what they want, while paying for the consequences. There must be a point at which society would be willing to allow people to smoke in public, in return for tax revenue. If, for example, every time someone smoked in public, they had to pay $100,000 toward universal medical care, or $50,000 toward education, then I think that the society would be happy to allow a few die-hard smokers to smoke when and where they pleased. As a political and practical matter, something like this is probably impossible, and outright bans are more feasible, but as a theoretical matter, a tax is almost always preferable.
Posted by: Iuk45GrinderNo it Shouldn't!
Just because some people don't like smoking, they're going to try and illegalize it. I am not a smoker, and I never will be, but what gives people the right to tell you that you can't do something. They say they don't like it because it's "harmful." But if you think about it, almost everything that we do in life can hurt us in some way. The stuff we do could even hurt others. I don't understand why this is such a big deal! You never heard about smoking being this big of a deal a few years ago.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe smoking is a freedom that everyone should have.
Smoking should not be banned in public places because it is a freedom to smoke. Smoking is a choice, and should be allowed in public. Smokers decide to put themselves at risk of disease, and it is their choice. By banning smoking in public places you are taking a right away from the citizens.
Posted by: AnonymousFreedom and Rights
Regardless of whether you smoke or not there is a certain amount of freedom that an individual should be able to maintain. The point of democracy is to what is best for the majority while protecting minority rights.
Should any non-smoker be forced to give up their right to clean air and inhale the toxic fumes of cigarettes? No. Should any smoker be forced to give up their right to smoke in public. No. Either way the government is taking away someone's rights in exchange for another. Yes smoking is a self destructive habit, but so is drinking and gambling. So who is to say one is right over the other? I mean, if Colorado can legalize Marijuana for recreational purposes, why can't I have a cigarette?
For those of you in favor of the smoking ban in public places, consider the economic impact of such ban on businesses. Look as some studies and form your own opinions. This matter is not as simple as you may think. I understand where the proponents of the ban are coming from, however there are underlying consequences that you must consider.
I propose the ban be left up to the localities. Let the business owners decided for them selves. That would ensure variety that can best serve both parties. I am more or less any wide spread government action simply because the people always pay in the end. So instead of supporting a general policy, why not turn the decision to the people, the ones who will be protected or harmed by such policyPosted by: AnonymousNot constitutionally correct
Not that I support smokers, however this law violates private property rights in the constitution article I section 8. The smoking bans on "public?" Area such as restaurant, bars, and casinos is unconstitutional because most of those "public?" Area are owned by individuals thus making it private property. And because those area's are owned by individuals, forcing them to ban smoking goes against their private property rights, which basically says you are allowed to do whatever you want with your property.
Posted by: AnonymousDo we really need another right taken away?
By simply going out in public you put yourself at risk of being around other people and their habits. I understand a ban for smoking on a college campus or near a hospital for obvious reasons but banning smoking in any other public place seems a little ridiculous. In response to being told that i dont enjoy smoking and that I am just addicted, that is a straight lie, I smoke dohka, hookah, and on occasion cigarettes. I work at a local hookah lounge and the exotic tobacco store next door. There is no reason why I shouldnt be allowed to smoke outside while shopping downtown during my own free time.
Posted by: Anonymousenjoyment
Everybody needs enjoyment in life. I enjoy smoking and if a bar owner wants to let people smoke let them. If an employer wants to ban smoking let them but at least give us an area to do so ( our car) is that hurting you. It should be up to the buisness owners, if you dont like something a buisness does dont go there. They can have non smoking bars and smoking bars you pick wich one to go to that is your right. But dont take away my freedoms.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, I disagree because it is a social argument (negative team)
We on the negative team believe that smoking is not a habit that should be promoted, it is bad for health and it is unfair for non smokers to have to walk through the cigarette smoke of others. However, for some smoking is a social activity and it is their right to be able to smoke. This is why, as out first speaker addressed, smokers should be designated restricted areas in social settings in which they can smoke. The truth is, banning smoking in public places is never going to stop people from smoking just as banning performance enhancing drugs does not stop sports stars from using them, HOWEVER, if smokers are restricted to small areas in public places perhaps it may come to their attention when they are all sitting there talking through their cigarette smoking and over their neighbors smokers cough that the activity they are taking part in puts them in the minority. Just maybe the dirty looks that they receive from non smokers that hold their breath as they walk past these designated areas will make them question their addiction, something that they would never be forced to do in the comfort of their own smoke filled house
Posted by: AnonymousDo some research
The research I've conducted basically says that second hand smoke has nowhere near the effect the anti-smoking movement would have you believe. There is one study, conducted by the EPA, which was thrown out because the data was inconclusive. The data was messed with to get the results the anti-smokers wanted so they could parade it in front of lawmakers and non-smokers. Basically, it boils down to this is a really big planet. If someone near you is smoking and you don't like it, leave. Don't pass a law to force the other person to stop consuming a legal product and don't pass a law based on inconclusive scientific results.
Posted by: AnonymousStop making smokers your scapegoat.
Smokers do need to be more polite to those who do not smoke. But, there should be some place for those who do smoke. As for second hand smoke you need to be in more of an enclosed space for it to really affect you. As it is smokers are looked down on more than those who use marijuana. One marijuana cigarette has the tar equivalent of a whole pack of cigarettes. Society believes that drugs are okay but don't you dare smoke. I am a polite smoker. I smoke in my car and where I live. I try and take others into consideration. But, I don't receive the same back. There should be smoking areas for those who do smoke. It is their choice, just as it is the choice of those who smoke marijuana. I am not down on marijuana, it has many beneficial properties that can be used for the healing of people. I don't use it and never will. But I understand those who have a medical need for it. Just to use marijuana just to use it I don't think is good and it can lead to some physical problems if it is misused just as any other medication can. Society needs to back off the smokers and they need to start paying their own way instead of us smokers footing the bill in many ways for those who don't smoke. Smoke in any form can be annoying and deadly stop singling out us smokers for a target for your anger over whatever.
Posted by: AnonymousNot sure
Well smoking is a personal choice. But it affects kids and young adults lungs. There should be a spot for them to be able to smoke but have that away from the non smokers
Posted by: AnonymousFreedom to Choose
Smoking, although undoubtedly a vice does deserve a certain level of respect. In America 20% of the population smoke. This large minority of the population should not be marginalized. This ban unfairly restricts the right of both the business owner and the customer to make the mutual decision of whether smoking should be permitted.
I do agree that secondhand smoke is harmful, I do agree that smoking should be banned in places such as day-care centres, and general health care facilities, I however strongly disagree that smoking should be banned in Bars,Restaurants, or any other establishments where other vices such as alcohol, and gambling are tolerated. This isn’t to say that these places MUST provide smoking sections, I think that that decision should be at the discretion of the owner. My demand is that private places of work should simply have the option to decide for themselves what they do and do not permit. Non-smokers may feel that their rights would be infringed upon by this, yet since only 20% of Americans smokes the great majority of businesses would stay exactly the same as they are today.
This idea does not simply have to do with health, this idea centres around the concept of “state-sponsored behavior modification.”The belief that government should control its citizens private lives. Tobacco (for better or worse) is a legal product, and as a legal product is entitled to an amount of respect that an illegal product is not. This includes the right to enjoy it in public places. If the state wishes to prohibit tobacco then it is their right, but this back-door prohibition of a legal product sets a troubling precedent in society. This policy also devalues the word “legal” since all special privileges are stripped from it.Posted by: HonsI don't think smoking should be banned I feel that its a persons right to smoke if they choose and should have a place to do so.
I think that we should continue to have smoking areas and smoking in bars and outdoors. While second hand smoke does affect others around the smoker a smokers right to smoke should be up to them. I think its great that restaurants and some offices have smoking areas. If people were allowed to smoke outside then it wouldn't be such a bother. If you were at a restaurant and were allowed to go upstairs to a smoking lounge or one was behind the building, people could smoke in peace and non smoker could enjoy themselves. I actually think review can be made from smoking. Smokers will go to places that allow smoking. In airports you could actual charge a entrance fee to have people enter the lounge. Once there's a separate like a lounge then it should be allowed.
Posted by: C0ImEIiteI feel we shouldn't take away public smoking.
I believe that it would be hypocritical for the government to tax the hell out of cigarettes and then not allow smokers to smoke in public when its legal to smoke tobacco. I also feel like it would be infringing the rights of citizens (fourth amendment) they deserve they're right to smoke in public especially if the government is making such a high amount of income. I also feel like it would hurt the hell out of businesses. I know for a fact, almost everyone that go to bars, at least smoke occasionally. All those people who smoke would stop coming, good bye profit, good bye jobs.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe that smoking is a choice and to allow smoking in public places is also a choice for the owners.
In my experience (being a smoker) I think it is a little over board to ban smoking in say a bar. Smoking has always been part of the bar or club scene and now banning smoking from such places would be detrimental to the business. We as smokers should have the same freedom rights as non smokers.
Posted by: WeareQuincIt's a free country
First: If you go into a smoking bar and complain about smoke, who's fault is it? Neither the establishment's nor the smokers. The owner of the restaurant should decide what happens in his establishment, not the government.
Also, second-hand smoke is generally considered a lie: studies show that individuals who work in a poorly ventilated area full of smoke during the course of their shift only inhale the equivalent of 6 cigarettes a year of smoke....Which is negligible. On a sidewalk that risk becomes zero, the only damage is a perhaps unpleasant odor...And if you think smoking damages the environment you're foolish.
Live and let live people, if someone is really making you uncomfortable, just kindly ask him to move or move yourself.Posted by: AnonymousYes
I am a smoker, but I feel that there should be designated smoking areas in public places that are away from the public. I do not think that people should be allowed to smoke in restraunts. But we do have a freedom of choice and just because we choose to smoke doesn't mean that it should be banned.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, smoking should not be banned in public places, only because we have defined "public places" so broadly that any such ban would infringe on our private rights.
We should ban smoking in places where the public has a right to expect to be breathe clean air. I believe we have created a problem in our definition of "public places". It must be remembered that such smoking bans are generally local ordinances, not national or state created laws. Some local ordinances are attempting to ban smoking in all workplaces, thus infringing on the right of the employer to set his/her own rules for the workplace. Some ordinances have been passed that ban smoking in all restaurants, directly impacting the owner's right to make decisions regarding how his/her business is run. Smoking has been banned in public buildings, such as Post Offices and State buildings, and public transportation. It seems that the underlying consideration should be whether it is optional for the public to be in the previous three examples. If an employer wishes to allow smoking and an employee does not like it, he/she can seek employment elsewhere. If a restaurant chooses to allow smoking, patrons can eat elsewhere. We can and should ban smoking in public buildings and public transportation, but we must also beware of infringing on our individual rights as property and business owners.
Posted by: CI3IikeBanning smkoing is an infringment of personal choice.
We can ban smoking in places where the public has a right to expect to be breathe clean air, this has become obvious in the bans in federal buildings, and all public businesses in Arizona. The problem is that we have created a problem in our definition of "public places". Smoking bans are generally local ordinances, not national or state created laws. Some local ordinances have banned smoking in all workplaces, thus infringing on the right of the employer to set his or her own rules for the workplace. Some ordinances have been passed that ban smoking in all restaurants, directly impacting the owner's right to make decisions regarding how his or her business is run. Smoking has been banned in public buildings, such as Post Offices and State buildings, and public transportation. It seems that the underlying consideration should be whether it is optional for the public to be in the previous three examples.
If an employer wishes to allow smoking and an employee does not like it, he or she can seek employment elsewhere. If a restaurant chooses to allow smoking, patrons can, and are entirely within their own right, to eat elsewhere. We can and should ban smoking in public buildings and public transportation, but we must also beware of infringing on our individual rights as property and business owners.Posted by: a.msmoking in public
Most people in the U.S.A. Smoke. The world is full of car exhaust and factory smoke anyway. The environment is currently polluted with numerous atmospheres that may or may not kill our future. The fact is that many people smoke and there is nothing that can changed about that, if you ban smoking in public areas the smokers will be forced to smoke in their homes causing them to pollute their homes and harming anything i there.
Posted by: xSuperxRoosterxSmoking should not be outright banned because it oversteps the bounds on what kind of establishment a person can run.
A business owner should be the person setting the standards of the restaurant. If you do not want to eat at a place that allows smoking, then you should spend your money elsewhere smoking is not tolerated. Business owners should be in control of the smoking policy within the bounds of their establishment. The government has over stepped its bounds when it began telling businesses how to run their establishments.
Posted by: R3ubHockeySmoking should not be banned by a governmental entity
Although smoking may have negative affects to the individual smoking and others around them it is not the right of the government to outright ban smoking. This ban should be left up to the establishments which individuals are visiting, and outside there should be no ban at all. Many people are worried about what they may be ingesting from second hand smoke but fail to see all the toxins they breathe in daily from cars, trash, manufacturing, human waste, farms, etc. Often individuals say that they can use another form of tobacco since cigarettes produce smoke, well then do not use your car since it produces toxins, maybe you should use your bicycle or roller skates. To try to pin pollution or production of toxins on just a select amount of people makes you a hypocrite no matter how you look at it. In public places there are much worse activities taking place then smoking.
Posted by: AnonymousI don't think smoking dhould be banned in public places
I do not think governments should intrude into an individual’s lifestyle choice unless it can be proven that that choice is harming other people’s lives.
Passive smoking is proved to be harmful. They may be correct. Too few medical studies have yet reached that definitive conclusion to prove it either right or wrong.
Let’s assume passive smoking kills. Answer me this question: “Do you think the occasional waft of smoke inhaled down the pub is more likely to harm society than a child who lives with two chain-smoking parents?”Of course it won’t. Children and adults are far more at risk from constant exposure to smoking in private places than they are from smoking in public places. So we should stop kidding ourselves that this is a serious health proposal. It’s not. It’s simply a half-hearted gesture.
Banning smoking in public would cause people to smoke more at home. Heavy smokers are unlikely to give up since they are addicted to nicotine. Banning smoking in public will, therefore, only encourage people to smoke more at home. This will harm other people in their houses, particularly children. This is important, since children are not old enough to choose freely to smoke passively.Posted by: AnonymousNo leave smokers alone!
Smokers pay heavy taxes on their nicotine, money which supports society. Do not bite the smoker that supports you. There are far more worse evils than smoking, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and violence; just to name a few examples. Society should eliminate those problems, before eradicating the smoking habit. Thank you.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's not harmful to second hand smokers
Some people studies more than 35,000 Californians never-smokers over a 39-year period and found no statistically significant association between exposure to SHS and lung cancer mortality. Millions of dollars have been spent promoting belief that SHS is a killer, and more millions of dollars spent on highly restrictive bans, while personal choice and freedom have been denied to millions of smokers. Now I am not a smoker but I do not think smokers should be denied personal choice which the Constitution clearly gives to everybody.
Posted by: AnonymousYou said it's public
If that's how they want to shorten their lifespan, they can. I'll steer clear. Otherwise we will have to ban the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and classify them as drugs. Now we're in a political arena and will be sending jobs abroad... Impacting the unemployment in many areas of our country.
Now in a private place... BAN IT... If I can control my environment I say to do so.Posted by: AnonymousHaven't smokers paid enough?
People who smoke contribute billions of dollars to their governments every year. They also pay a cost health-wise - which they accept when they become addicted. They have already been treated like 'lesser' citizens by being banned from smoking inside buildings. Banning them from smoking outside? Whoa. That's a bit harsh.
Posted by: AnonymousThis is discrimination!
Banning or restricting smoking in any public areas is clear discrimination; I think we need to look at the facts. Air quality varies from place to place, for example an average underground car park can have adverse health effects if not well ventilated. Carbon Monoxide and other various chemicals spew out of the exhausts of cars all day every day. Even on the street the air quality diminishes with proportion to traffic volume.
I don't see non-smokers wearing air breathing masks when in these poor quality environments, but at the first sign of a minor amount of cigarette smoke out in the open even with trees etc. and this is still looked as if the smoker is causing harm. I would say no more harm than driving your car down to the local shops. I think this is a misconception that the majority of non-smokers have come to believe. Just because air is clear does not mean that it is good for our health.
I think it’s quite funny that we ban smoking in outdoor areas in front of business for example (we have the 4 meter rule in Australia) and then you have vehicles running within these areas (usually parked out front of shops, cafes etc.) obviously defeating the purpose in the first place.
Alcohol causes many more problems in society but somehow it’s not ok to smoke but ok to have a drink? This is ridiculous and clear discrimination, how can it not be?Posted by: AnonymousNo, it is smokers choice to smoke so there for it should be the owners choice!
if i owned a bar and all my workers smoked i would like it to be a smoking bar, and if non smokers didnt want to come to my bar then thats there choice like it would be mine to having a smoking bar! smoking shouldnt be banned in public places!
Posted by: AnonymousNo smoking should not be banned period.
What gives government the right to tell a person they cannot engage in perfectly legal activity. Adult Americans should be free to do as they wish, as long as it does not harm another. Smoking should be allowed in public places, if a non smoker does not like it they are free to leave. I am not a smoker, but I'm sick and tired of smokers being treated like second class citizens.
Posted by: BriaBlackenIt is a choice.
This is a choice that the people can choose. If we take it away people would be craving and getting out of control because they can't smoke in public. Before some public places did not allow smoking, but banding it everywhere there is a problem. People should be able to smoke in some public places. Thank you for your time to read this. Stop telling people what to do.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, because if marijuana is being legalized, and barbecues are allowed, then cigarette smoking cannot be banned.
Burning firewood and holding barbecues generate smoke that can be inhaled. Since all smoke contains soot that can damage lungs, allowing these outdoor activities, where all can be exposed to it, means that small smoke exposure to the public is not a danger. Marijuana has been legalized for medicinal purposes in dispensaries where people can smoke it in groups, therefore the smoke from the marijuana is not considered a severe health threat. Marijuana has been banned for much of our recent history for the threat the drug posed. How can we allow the drug, and then say that tobacco smoke must be banned while the drug of tobacco is legal? The answer is that we cannot ban smoking without banning all sources of smoke.
Posted by: Pir4And