Many states are now passing smoking bans which make it illegal to smoke anywhere in public. The decision to ban smoking is not one that states take lightly, but they are determined to protect the public from the effects of secondhand smoke. Banning smoking might seem like an extreme move, but advocates of the ban say it’s the only way to truly protect the public from the risks associated with secondhand smoke. People who support the ban say there are many reasons to ban smoking in restaurants that have nothing to do with health. They say that businesses will see increased profits because more people will come and eat in a smoke free environment. Early statistics are inconclusive, but some businesses say that the opposite has happened and that their revenue has dropped dramatically because of smoking bans and other businesses have had to close altogether. Business owners argue that the bans on public smoking are meant to protect their employees but end up hurting them because the drop in business means that the employees will be laid off or fired because the business owners can’t pay them.

What states have smoking bans?

Currently California, Ohio and New York have statewide smoking bans. Other states leave the decision on whether or not to ban smoking up to individual cities so some cities have smoking bans and some do not. In Madison, Wisconsin, a place known for its progressive politics, there is a ban on all smoking in public but none of the surrounding towns have a smoking ban. States like Colorado and Minnesota are also considering smoking bans. Many countries in Europe including France and the UK are considering smoking bans to protect their citizens from secondhand smoke exposure.

Who doesn’t want smoking banned?

Most smokers are against smoking bans. They feel that banning smoking in public takes away their right to smoke. There are a few smokers who agree that a ban on smoking is in the best interest of public health. They say they don’t mind not smoking in public. Smokers who work in offices and restaurants are against banning smoking because most smoking bans make it illegal to smoke within 15 feet of the entrance to a building that will mean they will have to find a new place to smoke on their breaks. The smoking ban issue is one that is sure to be hotly debated in upcoming elections as people weigh the risks to public health and the rights of smokers. You can find articles on the smoking ban issue online.