We Must Ban Public Smoking Now

1886 Words4 Pages

“Smoking has become so nearly universal among men, the few nonsmokers are practically ignored and their rights trampled upon” (John Harvey Kellogg, Hirschfelder 146) An occurrence that happens daily for many people is choking on a cloud of smoke, tasting and smelling its acidic tobacco as it swirls through their lungs. Smoking in public has been an issue that has plagued America for many decades, so commonplace by this point that it has become part of everyday life for millions of people. Secondhand smoke, also known as sidestream smoke or environmental tobacco smoke, contains many chemical contaminants and is potentially deadly to all who inhale it. Yet, it has often times failed to be regarded by lawmakers as a considerable threat to the public. Many speak of the addict’s freedom among their reasons to advocate allowing public smoking. However, the rights of the smoker do not carry more clout than the rights of the many. Areas in Arizona that allow for environmental tobacco smoke must be severely restricted, even at the risk of infringing on smokers’ rights, in order to limit the undeniable risk factors, to protect the basic rights of citizens, and to discourage those who currently smoke.

The Smoke Free Arizona Act currently allows smoking in private residences, smoking hotel and motel rooms, retail tobacco stores, private veterans and fraternal clubs, secluded outdoor patios, and during stage performances if meant as part of the act (Smoke Free Arizona Law). Smoking is allowed outside anywhere that is 20 feet away from an entrance, window, or other opening that may allow it to vent into a place where smoking is prohibited. These outside locations include parks, sidewalks, walkways, bus stops, outdoor patios, and smoking areas...

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