I think I am one of the few that side with the smokers. I kicked the habit years ago and certainly prefer a smoke-free environment, but I also belive smokers have rights.
As I see it the one and only thing for the government needs to consider here is health ... nothing else.
So where health is not an issue or where people have a choice the government should stay out.
Personally I have
some doubts in the health effect of second hand smoke, in particular where the area is well ventilated. I have spent most of my working career being involved with atmospheric conditions / hazards and too often is a nusance/displeasure confused with a hazard. Actually visa versa too. There is no doubt that smoke is full of hazardous substances, however, the dilution effect is often much too great to have a health effect.
BTW volume for volume a fart is more toxic than cigarete smoke ... just seeing if we can find something else to officially ban.
Public buildings / transportation / work places, etc.
I fully support smoking bans in these areas as those who are there really do not have a choice. In reading this thread (an another going on on a different board), I think most agree.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dawsey
I think what Mike is saying is that even a business he owns cannot allow smoking within the building, even if every single employee was a smoker, and no visitors were allowed to enter.
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You either allow or don't allow. An argument could be made that a company full of smokers would not favor hiring a non-smoker for obvious reasons and consequently no more equal employment oportunities.
Outdoor areas
Anyone who subscribe to the notion that smoking should be banned in outdoor areas most be out of their minds. There is no way second hand smoke in such settings can be harmful. Detectable yes, but not harmful. The dilution factor is simply way too high.
Restaurants / Bars
As far as it concerns customers, I fully subscribe to the fact that they have a choice. Each customer choose whether they want to go there of not ... always. Unfortunately, I made an argument against my personal opinion above. A bar or restaurant is also a work place, hence those who work there should have the same right to a smoke free environment as those in an office. Strangely, however, that is rarely the argument that is being made.