Not in my back yard. (Should smoking be banned in public places?)

Member Name: moonbailey

Product:	Should smoking be banned in public places?
Date:	29/08/01 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: reduces population size

Disadvantages: affects others

I am all for other people smoking. I see it as a voluntary system to reduce the growing population.

Call it natural selection. Everyone has the right to choose between a long and healthy life (probably) and a fun filled life in the fast lane. I'm all for that.

I've opted for the former. OK, so I may get run down by a number 11 bus tomorrow but statistically speaking, if the number 11 sees me coming, I should be on the planet approximately 16 years longer than a 20 a day smoker.

That's a comfort. And I thank all those 20 a days for freeing up a bit of space for me in my last 16 years.

My only gripe is that no smoker should involve others in their demise. Do what you like in your own home, eat badly, don't exercise and smoke yourself into oblivion - I've no objection. But, blow smoke in my face while I'm paying to eat good food, or stand upwind of me when I've just washed and on my way to a job interview and I'll hate you on sight.

I detest the smell of stale smoke. Left to my own devises I wouldn't need to wash my clothes for days at a time, but after a night out with a smoker, I feel like I've partied in an ashtray. You're fading my clothes faster!

Another distant worry - perhaps not for me but for younger folk is the possibility that purely by passive smoking, one could develop a mild addiction. Maybe this leads individuals to start smoking more than if they were not exposed to regular, second hand tobacco smoke.

Again, the image of so many smokers in public must give the impression to children that it can't be all that bad.

I would love to see a trial period of further smoking restrictions. Perhaps the added hassle would make a few give up for that reason alone? Not that I particualrly want them to - I rather fancy the extra room when I'm 65.

Summary: