subject: Health Concerns Why Some States Were Forced To Enact No-smoking Policies [print this page] In the United States today, the rights of smokers to smoke versus the rights of nonsmokers to not be exposed to smoke is a hot debate. In fact, in some areas state and local governments have established anti-smoking policies.
Airlines led this push. It has been illegal to smoke on airplanes for a long time. Now restaurants are joining suit. In a few years, smoking in restaurants will seem as bizarre and ridiculous as smoking on an airplane.
Much of this is because of health warnings. We see more and more health warnings, as tobacco companies produce anti-smoking ads for TV and the Internet as part of their settlements of lawsuits.
People have asked companions "Do you mind if I smoke" for a long time, but the difference is that now the question is not rhetorical. Now people need to ask this question because others may actually mind. Smoking can be irritating and harmful to those around you.
It is no longer fashionable or stylish to smoke. Movie characters that smoke are those who are stupid, evil, desperate, or pitiful.
In the United States of America, many states ban smoking in public places. For smokers who want to smoke outside, there are even limitations regarding how far away from a building you have to be to be able to legally light up.
Breaking these anti-smoking laws can lead to jail time or hefty fines. Don't smoke where it is illegal to smoke or it will cost you. And if there are no laws about smoking in an area, you still need to worry about whether you will be offending others.
Smoking is not terribly socially acceptable any more. If you do smoke in a restaurant, you should ask those who are seated to either side if this is ok and respect their wishes. If those at your table have a problem with your smoking, try to arrange the seats so they are not exposed to your smoke.
