Spring Break
A smoker's expulsion
Jason Mitchell Wallace
Issue date: 5/27/09 Section: Opinion
By now, we all know the harmful effects that smoking can have on the body. Lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema are usually in the array of warnings found in the Surgeon General's note on the side of every pack of a tobacco product. The television ads funded by different anti-smoking campaigns, like Truth, have also been implemented to raise awareness to the big bad tobacco companies finding ways to sell their product more efficiently. For many people, these warnings and ads have probably helped stop addicted smokers and have prevented future smokers. However, others still disregard the warnings and want to enjoy a smoke in public while the opportunities are available.
Just recently, the state House voted 62 to 56 in favor of banning smoking from restaurants and bars in North Carolina. The vote comes from growing concern of the effects of secondhand smoke on employees and patrons of establishments where smoking is allowed. This ban will include fines of $50 to people who continue to smoke in restaurants and fines of $200 to the owners who do not enforce the new law. By the end of the year, North Carolina will be one in 31 other states to have similar legislation.
While I do agree that secondhand smoke is hazardous to employees and patrons, I believe that if cigarettes are a legalized drug, then they should be allowed to be used in public. In response to New York City's strict smoking ban, comedian Denis Leary asked, "What's the law now? You can only smoke in your apartment under a blanket with all the lights out?"
There should be alternatives that create a happy medium for smokers and nonsmokers. Bartenders have complained that the smoke at the bar has been harmful to them. Better ventilation and seating arrangements would seem like a reasonable solution even if smokers would have to sit behind a closed door. A second solution would be to have smoker friendly times of the day, preferably during slow periods when there are fewer patrons. No job is 100 percent free of health risks. If one chooses to work in a restaurant that allows smoking, then that is what he or she must put up with. The same goes for people who work in factories where there is possible exposure to harmful chemicals and unsafe working environments.
Just recently, the state House voted 62 to 56 in favor of banning smoking from restaurants and bars in North Carolina. The vote comes from growing concern of the effects of secondhand smoke on employees and patrons of establishments where smoking is allowed. This ban will include fines of $50 to people who continue to smoke in restaurants and fines of $200 to the owners who do not enforce the new law. By the end of the year, North Carolina will be one in 31 other states to have similar legislation.
While I do agree that secondhand smoke is hazardous to employees and patrons, I believe that if cigarettes are a legalized drug, then they should be allowed to be used in public. In response to New York City's strict smoking ban, comedian Denis Leary asked, "What's the law now? You can only smoke in your apartment under a blanket with all the lights out?"
There should be alternatives that create a happy medium for smokers and nonsmokers. Bartenders have complained that the smoke at the bar has been harmful to them. Better ventilation and seating arrangements would seem like a reasonable solution even if smokers would have to sit behind a closed door. A second solution would be to have smoker friendly times of the day, preferably during slow periods when there are fewer patrons. No job is 100 percent free of health risks. If one chooses to work in a restaurant that allows smoking, then that is what he or she must put up with. The same goes for people who work in factories where there is possible exposure to harmful chemicals and unsafe working environments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Jen
posted 5/27/09 @ 3:43 AM EST
smoking should not be allowed in restaurants period. Smoker or not, no one wants to smell cigarette smoke when they're trying to enjoy their meal
Mr. Jones
posted 5/27/09 @ 9:28 PM EST
Mr. Wallace, I agree with you 110%. You might have missed my comment a few weeks ago regarding an earlier article on the ban of public smoking; in which case, just copy and paste this in your browser's url:
http://www. (Continued…)
Amanda
posted 5/28/09 @ 11:12 AM EST
I never, ever thought I'd see NC ban smoking in restaurants/bars...EVER. Seems silly, if you ask me, to ban the product that is what NC is known for (tobacco). (Continued…)
Laura
posted 5/31/09 @ 2:17 AM EST
I am appauled at the way the American people have become. This is supposed to be a free country and all I see is abunch of rules and regulations that keep being enforced against people that are not breaking the law. (Continued…)
Justin
posted 6/01/09 @ 2:06 PM EST
I find it fascinating that the author of this column and most commentators have one of two arguments, 1)Other things are harmful to your health, what's the big deal with tobacco, or 2)We should have a time/place where disregarding the health of others is ok. (Continued…)
N
posted 6/02/09 @ 10:11 PM EST
Was smoking seriously just equated to sun exposure? You're kidding, as if sun exposure is personal choice. What a terrible argument.
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