Ban on Smoking in Bars/Public Places? Yea or Nay?

I'm for designated smoking areas in bars and restaurants as not to infringe on other people. But smoke does travel and other people hate the smell altogether, and I can see why. How do you feel about smoking in public places, should it be allowed in designated areas or not at all permitted anywhere but outside?

I'm all for there being absolutely no smoking in places like hospitals, anywhere else I say just set up designated smoking areas.

Yes, I definitely say, "YES! Ban smoking in all public places!" If you ask me, smoking should never be permitted on the inside of anything, except for your own property. I hate cigarette smoke and what's worse is how smokers like to flick their butts after they're done.

Some places yes, other places no.

Personally it wouldn't bother me if it were banned in all public places, but I wouldn't lobby for it. It's fine with me for places to have a smoking section.

I don't care one way or the other. I don't smoke and I hate the smell of cigarette smoke.

Dosen't bother me, so many of my friends are smokers. I say designated areas in public places.

I'm pretty indifferent. I don't like cigarette smoke directly in my face, but if someone is standing 15 yards away from me then their smoking is not gonna be an issue.

I'm all for it. IMO, cigarette smoking should be restricted to private residence. Doesn't need to happen in a public setting.

I'm allergic to it so I'm all for banning smoking in public places. I'm also really sensitive to the smell and have had to change seats on the bus when someone who was smoking sits beside me, as their clothing often reeks and it can be enough to make me sick.

I think it should be banned in public places. But, I do think that bars who do not serve food should be able to make their own decision on it.

We went smoke free here in July and I love it for restaurtants. Because around here, too many restaurants had smoking sections right by non smoking, so it is a joke.

I think that 100% of hospitals should go smoke free, and I think most have. When I was pregnant, I had took lamaze at the hospital, and had to pass smoking staff to get to the entry and it was already colder than hell, it pissed me off to the max.

Cigarette smoke doesn't really bother me unless it's excessively thick. At least half my friends and family smokes, so I'm used to it. I myself smoked years ago. Banning it in bars and restaurants that serve liquor seems extreme, with all the hooch being served at the same time. In hospitals, shopping centers, and places of "family" dining, ok.

RedBedroom wrote:I think it should be banned in public places. But, I do think that bars who do not serve food should be able to make their own decision on it.

We went smoke free here in July and I love it for restaurtants. Because around here, too many restaurants had smoking sections right by non smoking, so it is a joke.

I think that 100% of hospitals should go smoke free, and I think most have. When I was pregnant, I had took lamaze at the hospital, and had to pass smoking staff to get to the entry and it was already colder than hell, it pissed me off to the max.

Exactly. Last month my girlfriend and I had dinner at Bahama Breeze, and we requested "non smoking." I look up, and this lady right behind me had a cigarette in her hand. They should at least separate the section by putting them at opposite ends of the restaurant; most do, but some don't. I really don't have anything against smokers, I just think that the stench is too imposing in too close proximity. Also, like femme fatale said, the used butts that get flicked all over the place as disgusting.

I grew up with smokers, so it doesn't bother me that much. I've never done it, never will, but I can tolerate it. That said, I'm in favor of the ban just because there are way too many health risks involved.

In deference to those who complain about the smell of smoke, yes I'm sure it can be loath to whiff. I am always aware of people around me when I smoke outside. I do not like for children to see me smoke either, I will hide or discard if they come near.
But these are MY choices and I want the freedom to make more.

Offensive things that are a necessity to some are there always. I myself never use public porta-potties and cannot stand the smell or the thought of them. I stay away from that area.

Just as they are in a place appropriated for a purpose so too should smoking be.

We must always take care the slippery slope when arranging, apportioning and outlining of liberties and restrictions. It always ends up the way of the Quakers it seems in any of these type of decisions and for example, where profanity on TV is concerned as an example. I myself don't have children and chose not to have children. Should my TV be censored such to protect other's children and why should I pay a property tax for the breeding populations mistakes and intended?

It stands somewhat in the same measure. We must take care to afford all the right to do as they please as it doesn't harm another. I've not yet seen mountain climbing and many other dangerous sports banned even though when they are trapped or dying, someone must risk their life to protect or save that person.

Do I seem to stretch the topic? Perhaps, but such is the way of laws and rights.

I am a considerate smoker. I don't think that my own bad habit should adversely impact the health of anyone else, so when I smoke, I do it separate from any crowds, am careful to blow my smoke away from others, and will never, EVER throw my butt anywhere but a trashcan, or if one is not available, I will put it in my pocket.
That said, if you are offended by the smell, tough. If I am forced to listen to children screaming, people talking loud on their phones, smell peoples feet or BO on the buss or in the movie theater, etc... people can deal with the smell within reason. If I'm smokey and it offends you, fine, don't kiss me. My partner would be pissed anyway.
Indoor bans I think are entirely reasonable, though I think it should be up to the establishment to provide an enclosed smoking area or not.
Outdoor bans, however, are unreasonable, and a complete affront to self determination. Unless we want to bann driving in cars, all factory emissions, etc...we have no place.

I don't mind in outdoor areas but not indoors. "Smoking sections" are a joke.

...and a "rep" to you tewaz1

Thanks Alan!

If people don't wanna deal with cig smoke they should stay home.