Why Ban Smoking in Public?: Arguments Against

In recent years, there has been considerable legal and social debate on the topic of whether or not to ban smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes in public places such as offices, restaurants, and libraries. Many people have used the health risks, both for smokers and non-smokers who inhale secondhand cigarette smoke, as one of the strongest arguments against allowing smoking in public places. As a smoker, I will admit that this article may seem to be biased. However, I feel that there are some very substantial reasons that smoking should not be banned in public places.

Reason #1 not to ban smoking in public: Designated Smoking Area

Many public places such as schools have set aside a portion of the grounds in which smokers may smoke. In many cases, these designated smoking areas are located far enough away from the building so that the cigarette smoke will not affect the nonsmokers. As implied by the sign on the smoking area, these areas are the Designated Smoking Areas, and those that do not smoke should generally avoid these areas. If non-smokers should wish to enter the smoking area, then they should not complain when their clothes smell of cigarette smoke

Reason #2 not to ban smoking in public: The Lazy Workforce

Employees who smoke often do so because of stressful situations. Situations at work can inevitably lead to stress, thus the need for a quick cigarette to calm nerves. If there is a no smoking policy, then the employee either will be less productive due to an inability to remain on task, or will "sneak off" to have a cigarette just as young teenagers sometimes do in Junior High and High School. Contrary to popular belief, smoking does not project an unprofessional image; it is the idea of smoker having to sneak off that project the unprofessional image.

Reason #3 not to ban smoking in public: Smokers do have rights