Arguments For and Against a Smoking Ban

Tobacco is one of the most widely-used recreational drugs in the

world; mainly in the form of cigarettes, but also in cigars and pipes,

and in combination with cannabis and marijuana in 'joints'. Although

most countries put age restrictions on its use, over a billion adults

smoke tobacco legally every day, and supplying this demand is big

business. As well as having serious health consequences for smokers

themselves, the pollution of other people's atmospheres with cigarette

smoke also makes this an environmental issue. Attitudes have changed

rapidly over the past twenty years. In the developed world, public

opinion has shifted against smoking. By the 1990s, the sheer weight of

evidence had forced major tobacco companies to admit that their

products are both harmful and addictive. Many governments have

substantially increased taxes on tobacco in order to discourage

smoking, and often to alleviate the economic costs of smoking-related

illness. However, while smoking has declined amongst some groups, it

has increased amongst others - particularly young women. Meanwhile

restrictions on the industry in the developed world have seen a new

emphasis on developing nations, and new markets. Key questions for

this debate are: Is it the proper role of government to legislate to

protect citizens from the harmful effects of their own lifestyle

decisions? Does tobacco advertising increase tobacco consumption? Do

health warnings, however much of the cigarette packet they cover,

reduce consumption? What would be the effects of banning smoking in

all public places, or even completely?

AGAINST THE SMOKING BAN

1) While a government has a resp...

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...ed to smokers

themselves. So-called 'passive smoking' is becoming an important

issue: in a smoke-filled environment, non-smokers are also exposed to

the risks associated with tobacco. Research suggests that partners of

smokers have an increased chance of developing lung cancer, even if

they do not use tobacco products. Beyond the health risks, smoke can

also be extremely unpleasant in public spaces, in the workplace or in

bars and restaurants. Smokers are therefore causing discomfort - as

well as actual harm - to others. On top of the harm cause to the

smokers themselves, this is surely enough reason to ban smoking.

6) At the very least there should be a ban on all tobacco advertising

and even more prominent and graphic health warnings on cigarette

packets to deter young people, in particular, from starting to smoke.