Should Smoking Be Banned In Public Places Both

Should Smoking Be Banned In Public Places, Both Indoor And Outdoor Social Issues

Why Smoking Should Be Banned � Economic Rational › Secondhand smoking costs U. S. $10 Billion annually � Social Rational › Secondhand smoking results in 70, 000 heart disease deaths and 3, 400 lung cancer deaths › Majority of the Americans support ban on smoking in public places � Ethical Rational › Nonsmokers should not be forced to pay for the consequences of smokers’ lifestyle › The benefits to the society of smoking ban in public places will outweigh the costs � Legal Rational › Law should protect citizens from negligent behavior of fellow citizens

Opponents’ Arguments � Ban on smoking violates individual liberty › Counterargument � No such thing as absolute liberty � The benefits to the society outweigh the price to individual liberty � Designated places are a better alternative to outright ban › Counterargument � Smoke travels 20 feet in every direction � It may remain in environment for hours � Nothing short of outright ban will ensure clean air � Conclusion › Responsibility towards future generations to create a better society › Public opinion has changed and ban will also be a democratic step › An opportunity to turn smoking into a cultural stigma

References � Breathe California. Secondhand Smoke. 8 January 2012 <http: //www. breathecalifornia. org/healthinfo/secondhandsmoke. html> � Newport, Frank. For First Time, Majority in U. S. Supports Public Smoking Ban. 15 July 2011. 8 January 2012 <http: //www. gallup. com/poll/148514/first-time-majority-supportspublic-smoking-ban. aspx> � Information Research Lab. Secondhand Smoke Kills. 8 January 2012 <Secondhand Smoke Kills>