Should smoking be banned from public places?

[Michele]

If there is even a 1% chance that second hand smoke causes cancer, breathing issues (emphasema, asthma, etc.) shouldn't it be outlawed in public places? I mean, why should someone's addiction/habit that could be deadly to me or my children be legal? Why should non smokers have to pay the price (their health) because someone else is selfish enough to smoke around other people?

In the state of Maine you can't smoke in any public places (soon to be including bars.) Should this law pass in all states? Why or why not?

[kingclick]

This law should pass because Smoking is offensive, period. With an exception. All private businesses should be exempt, if they can prove that their business impacts no people outside of that business.

[DayDreamer]

No smoking in ANY public place. Period. That's the way it should be.

[DiznieB]

Arizona is considering this and I HOPE THEY DO!! Yes, I think smoking should be banned in public places. I should have a choice and a right to breath smoke free air. If someone needs to smoke, they can do it in designated places. YES YES YES!

[kingclick]

Maybe we should define "Public Places".

Because a restaurant is not a "Public Place" it is a Private Business.

[DayDreamer]

But it is open to the public and requires public GOVERNMENTAL licensing.

Maybe we should define "Public Places".

Because a restaurant is not a "Public Place" it is a Private Business.

[kingclick]

It may require a license to open and operate. But that doesn't mean it's public.

[DiznieB]

Ok. I would have NO PROBLEM if a owner of a restaurant wished to make HIS business ALL smoking or ALL non-smoking. In that case, I would know that "Joe's Cafe" is all smoking and I would not go there. I think the owner should have a right to decide one way or another. NON smoking and smoking should not be mixed though. As a non-smoker I want to feel free from the smoke and being seated in a NON smoking section does not mean I wont get to breath smoke.

[April]

I can't remember the specifics but Lincoln Nebraska was trying to ban smoking in all restaurants but allow it in bars. Well then they got into this whole discussion about what is considered a "bar"...any place that serves alcohol? So what about restauarants that serve alcohol. And everyone kept saying "Well, as a smoker, I have a right....". But what about the rights of the restaurant and bar employees to have a clean work environment?

Anyway...kinda went off on a tangent.

I don't think it should be allowed in public places either. Ironic since I'm a 'former' smoker (prone to slip-ups every once in a while.)

[MooMur]

In the state of Maine you can't smoke in any public places (soon to be including bars.) Should this law pass in all states? Why or why not?

In BC they have done this. You can smoke in some pubs as long as the smoking aread has it's own ventilation.

I smoke and personally, it doesn't bother me that I can't smoke when I go to a restaurant, bar, or any other place. I just smoke outside.

And yes, I think it should be a law everywhere as second had smoke is known to cause cancer. If I want to wreck my lungs, that is my choice. I shouldn't have the right to wreck somone elses.