| Product: |
Should smoking be banned in public places? |
| Date: |
19.01.08 (205 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: A healthier environment
Disadvantages: Harsh on those who smoke
Smoking was banned in pubs and most enclosed spaces in July 2007. At that time I ran a pub and was concerned at the implications of what the Government were planning, thinking that it was unfair and unnecessary.
However, since then, I've changed my mind and believe that the ban was right. It is now much more pleasant to enter a pub, the atmosphere feels much cleaner and inevitably healthier.
The benefits are many, it has encouraged many pubs to improve their food offering, it has led to a healthier environment for the staff, a more pleasant environment for customers who now won't leave smelling of smoke and most importantly it may help some people give up smoking.
The main disadvantage of course is for smokers, but most of my friends who smoke have got used to going outside, and those that are tiring of it are planning to give up. So all in all, the move appears to have led to a healthier outcome for all.
Just a few years ago you could smoke on trains, and I remember that there were only seats in the smoking compartment. Now you can't even smoke at the train station, let alone on the train, and for those of us who are non-smokers, I'm finding that a much better situation, as I don't really want to breathe in the smoke of others.
As a former publican, I don't blame the smoking ban for the recent decline in beer sales. I believe that most of it is simply that alcohol is available so cheaply in supermarkets, so why go out and spend getting on for three pounds a pint in many places when cans are available in supermarkets for just 40 pence?
My favoured solution therefore would be a ban on smoking in all public places, with areas designed solely for smoking. In time, hopefully it will be viewed as less and less acceptable and fewer people will smoke. I am a libertarian and believe that people should be able to do as they want, but for the health of the nation, I hope as many as possible decide that they want to give up, and a ban will help them do that.
Summary: The ban so far has worked well, the work should continue
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