Click here to visit the new home of that's fit!

Hot on HuffPost Healthy Living:

AOL.com
MAIL

En Español

That's Fit

Send Feedback

Smoking bans increasing across U.S. states

Posted on Mar 14th 2007 3:32PM by Brian White

Filed Under: Diet & Weight Loss

It seems like many U.S. states -- like New Mexico -- are fervently attacking smoking in public places, as 17 states so far have introduced (and passed in many cases) legislation that makes smoking in many public places against the law. I'm all about personal freedom, but what second-hand smoke crosses my path in a public place, I'm going to stand up for my health.

As Texas also considers a ban, will more states consider anti-smoking legislation soon? Remember that public smoking bans generally apply to bars, restaurants, stores and other public workplaces.

The right to smoke in private and in any amount should never be taken away from the American public in my opinion. But, the freedom of non-smokers to enjoy public places without fearing for their health is a top concern for many non-smokers.

Source

6 Comment

Tags: public smoking bans, PublicSmokingBans, secondhand smoke, SecondhandSmoke, smoking bans, SmokingBans

Around the Web

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Patrick Donleycott 3-14-2007 @ 4:12PM

I agree with Mr White strongly, we have a child with mild asthma and if we sit in the non smoking section of a restaurant that allows smoking elsewhere, he begins coughing and feeling congested within 30 minutes. I was especially impressed by a study done by the Mecklenburg NC board of health recently that showed that restaurants with a divided smoking area still have 5 times higher carcinogens in the non smoke area than restaurants that do not allow smoking anywhere.

Pat

allornothin13 3-14-2007 @ 4:34PM

I disagree in Mr. White. And i will tell you why...I agree that second hand smoke is harmful and annoying, therefore I believe that banning it in certain restaurants is fine because it is an eating establishment and people go there to consume food, and thats it. However, i do not agree with the ban in bars simply because in my experience there are a lot of people who smoke cigarettes when they drink who do not smoke any other time. Also, smoking in bars has been around for a long time and if you decide to go to a bar you know there will be cigarette smoke there. So if you dont like it then you should go somewhere else. Restaurants are fine, but bars have been known as places that are smokey and full of alcohol. This shouldnt be changed.

ESK 3-14-2007 @ 4:40PM

"I'm all about personal freedom"

Hahahaha!! Since when?!?!

You do know all of your "lets take away choices" posts are simply a quick click away? Man, good stuff Brian, hilarious!

whatever 3-14-2007 @ 5:19PM

I disagree with all of this legislation. It shouldn't be mandated that restaurants, etc. have to ban smoking. If people like commenter #1 don't want to go to a restaurant that provides a smoking section, so be it, vote with your money, go to a smoke-free restaurant.

Lauren 3-14-2007 @ 6:07PM

Ok, then what about the employees of this bar or restaurant? Should they be exposed to smoke? They need people working to stay open, right?

The answer is no. There is no reason to allow smoking in public places. It is a nuisance and a public health crisis. If people choose to smoke on their own, then so be it, but don't expect others to put up with it!

dave 3-15-2007 @ 10:26AM

I can understand the ban in restaurants..even in bars but in public places like sidewalks.... are you kidding me?

there are more carcinogens in processed foods and the smog from combustion engines in any city than the smokers you walk behind.

i find most perfume and colognes to be completely foul, and it makes me cough, and maybe causes cancer... does that mean we should outlaw it too?

get off of your high horse and just deal with others around you...in public places.