I wasn’t 18 when smokings was banned in bars and pubs e.t.c, and have no memory of people smoking indoors. But I came across this article (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest/contributers/article1913299.ece ) recently. To quote “In 15 months the smoking ban has tilted society completely the other way. Where once there was an acceptance of fug, there is intolerance of anything but clean air …. So clean is the air now, that being exposed to the smell of cigarettes is a physical shock. I do not exaggerate … without protest these [smoking] shelters have subsequently been banned at all hospitals. Councils have stopped staff smoking outside offices, depots and schools”. Another source quotes cancer council NSW (Australia) tobacco control manager Wendy Oakes saying “when I first started working on smoke-free pubs … people use to say ‘oh, the smokers need somewhere to go’ but now they say ‘can’t you stop them smoking outside as well because that’s where I want to sit’”
In Australia and New Zealand, there are currently some bans on smoking in parks and beaches and areas near the entrances to buildings, and some calls for outdoor dining area bans.
Do you agree with the above saying the ban has changed the social acceptability of, and public attitudes towards smoking?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Didn’t change my attitude. Been smoking for almost 40 yrs. Am 100% healthy. As usual they blow everything out of proportion. Oh! They don’t tell you how many die per year from lung cancer that didn’t smoke. You would be surprised.
Dude! Stop with all the drama. Man!!! Sounds like you’re on the verg of a panic attack.
I can understand not wanting someone smoking right next to you when you are eating but to ban smoking outside also? That’s seems a bit intrusive to my personal liberty and pursuit of happiness besides you’d think it would be more effective to close down a couple coal factories if this is really about health issues.
Yes,it confirmed in us,that smokers are inconsiderate,smelly individuals who continue to be a drain on the health services.
Candy Cane,you would be equally surprised to know how many of those non-smokers who died of lung cancer,were passive smokers,murdered by family and friends who smoked.Kill yourself if you must but,neither you nor any of your smelly fellow smokers is going to destroy me in your suicide bid.I will retaliate whenever one of your odorous ilk,come near me with your weapons of mass destruction.
Edit………..there is no drama and no panic Attack.The effects of passive smoking has been recognized by the WHO,as a direct cause of lung cancer in non smokers,for more than thirty years and is common knowledge worldwide now.The parents/guardian/siblings of any young,non smoker contracting lung cancer now,should be charged with causing the death of that person.Candy Cane,do you honestly think it is right for these young passive smokers to be getting cardiovascular disease,asthma,emphysema,bronchitis.You may be genetically lucky but,there are many people who aren’t.If we ever meet,i will buy you a drink in a nice smoke free pub.
Yes,people are now less tolerant of the filthy smokers and their disgusting habit,rightly so too.I would say that Dude is a bit dramatic but,the content is basically true.