Ban smoking in public?

[Æmeric]

Government buildings should be left up to the local authority or whatever.

Private buildings (I don't consider restaurants, corporate office buildings, etc to be 'public spaces) should be left up to the owner. If it bothers you that much, don't go there.

The problem with smoking is that others have to inhale the smoke. And the smell. When smokers smoke in public they are intruding on the rights of others. It'd not the same as drinking in public, I'm not going to inhale the alcohol.

[Oisín]

We've had the smoking ban for so long now that when I go somewhere that doesn't have it I find it weird. I'm a social smoker myself, I only smoke when I'm drinking so the ban on smoking in public places has definitely helped me cut down on what I would have normally smoked on a night out, standing outside just to have a cigarette seems really pointless when it gets to autumn/winter in Ireland. Also I'm delighted with the ban on smoking in restaurants, having people smoke when I'm trying to eat makes me feel sick and the smell and taste of cigarettes can ruin a meal.

[Arrow Cross]

I echo Loki's sentiments .

Smoking bans are the way to go up.

What they said. Quit making offenses to one's body...let alone others'.

[Psychonaut]

Insofar as public building and spaces are concerned, since these areas are technically owned by "the people," this issue should be put up for a vote in each municipality. Ideally, this would take place on a city level, so as to be most representative of the desires of the local populace. However, when these bans begin to encroach upon the rights of property owners, I have to put my foot down. A piece of property that is owned privately, be is a home or a business, should be a sovereign as can be safely allowed. No one forces you to enter a private establishment, you do so of your own free will. If large numbers of people object to smoking taking place in a particular place of business, the owner(s) will usually adjust their policy accordingly. Placing outright bans on smoking on private property is a slippery slope. How long until people are banned from smoking in their own homes?

[Beorn]

I started smoking when I was twelve and gave up when I was 24.
Horrible habit, and expensive, too. Glad I gave up to be honest.

The smoking ban is a great law, and one which should be instigated worldwide. Although, I do agree that smokers should have designated areas within which to smoke.

Now, when will they implement the 'anti-drunk bloke at the bar chatting shit' law'

[DarkZarathustra]

Ban in all public places.

[Nastrander]

I've seen this debate tear up other forums, since passions tend to run high.

However, it's interesting to see how champions of individual rights and freedom jump on the "government needs to control everything to protect me" bandwagon when it comes to smoking.

In a publically funded venue (govenment office, airport etc) I can understand smoking bans, but on private property, the rights of the owner must take precident. The owner of the establishment must weigh smoking vs smoke-free, decide which will afford him maximum profitability and act accordingly.

Second hand smoke disease is almost as big a scam as man made global warming. There is no proof that occasional exposure to second hand smoke causes harm, and cancers caused by alleged exposure to second hand smoke can not be differentiated from the much larger number caused simply by living in an industrialized society.

smoking is kind of like slavery, once YOU decide it's wrong and quit, then everyone has to quit

[Loki]

Second hand smoke disease is almost as big a scam as man made global warming. There is no proof that occasional exposure to second hand smoke causes harm, and cancers caused by alleged exposure to second hand smoke can not be differentiated from the much larger number caused simply by living in an industrialized society.

smoking is kind of like slavery, once YOU decide it's wrong and quit, then everyone has to quit

Well, aside from the health concerns, I, as a non-smoker -- why should I tolerate that repulsive smell in public? Smokers force that on me. They always have, I could go nowhere without being bombarded by it. Smokers were traditionally selfish in that sense. Now the governments are banning it, and of course I welcome this.

[Nastrander]

Well, aside from the health concerns, I, as a non-smoker -- why should I tolerate that repulsive smell in public? Smokers force that on me. They always have, I could go nowhere without being bombarded by it. Smokers were traditionally selfish in that sense. Now the governments are banning it, and of course I welcome this.

It's a slippery slope when you ask the government to protect you.

I can imagine a Jew saying when they ban "hate speech":

Why should I tolerate those repulsive lies in public? Jew haters force that on me. They always have, I could go nowhere without being bombarded by it. Jew haters were traditionally selfish in that sense. Now the governments are banning it, and of course I welcome this.

Another thing, how will you feel when they ban all those horrible cancer causing cars, trucks and buses?

By the way, if smoking was eliminated tomorrow, not one life would be saved, and not one dollar in health costs

[Loki]

It's a slippery slope when you ask the government to protect you.

I can imagine a Jew saying when they ban "hate speech":

Why should I tolerate those repulsive lies in public? Jew haters force that on me. They always have, I could go nowhere without being bombarded by it. Jew haters were traditionally selfish in that sense. Now the governments are banning it, and of course I welcome this.

Another thing, how will you feel when they ban all those horrible cancer causing cars, trucks and buses?

By the way, if smoking was eliminated tomorrow, not one life would be saved, and not one dollar in health costs

Let's separate Jews from smoking bans here.

Can you answer this question: If the govt's didn't ban smoking, would smokers out of their own altruistic will stop smoking in public to consider others who don't like it? What is worse than something forced upon you? Smokers have been forcing this repulsive smell upon me since an early age. Life is so much better now without it. up