There are more and more locations that are establishing a ban on smoking. People who smoke are being forced to smoke elsewhere or not at all. While this can be a pro for some people and in some situations, there are also cons.
List of Pros to Smoking Ban
1. Others Can Enjoy the Social Environment.
One of the primary pros for smoking bans is that people can enjoy the social environment without having to worry about secondhand smoke. There is no smoke and no smell to deal with and this can make various venues for family friendly. Mothers rarely want to take their babies or small children into a place where there is not a smoking ban.
2. Improve Appearance.
Another one of the pros is that smoking bans can help to keep the location in better condition for longer. When there are smokers, the smoke itself can start to stain wood paneling, cause the furniture to smell, and more. There is also the risk that there are going to be burn marks in the leather of a booth or the vinyl of a bar seat. Cigarette butts are also likely to land on the floor, causing a less than appealing appearance.
List of Cons to Smoking Ban
1. Businesses Can Lose Customers.
There are also cons to the smoking bans. Certain venues are visited by smokers in larger populations, including casinos and bars. When there is a ban on smoking, some of the smokers choose to bring their business elsewhere instead of not lighting up at all. When smokers become offended and choose to go to another location, the business can suffer.
2. Bullying.
Another con to think about is that the smokers are being bullied. They are being told that they are not able to smoke inside of an establishment (or even in a park) where they have been able to go in the past. They have the choice of staying in and not smoking or leaving if they want to light up. This means a person may have to step outside into the rain, snow, or freezing cold just to have a cigarette on occasion.
The smoking bans have been created as a way of making more people feel comfortable in an environment. It is being done to create a healthier atmosphere because of the studies that prove secondhand and even third hand smoke is dangerous. This does not make it easier for the smokers, however. There are even bans on the electronic cigarettes that don’t emit harmful toxins in some locations because it “looks” like they are smoking.
More locations are choosing to evoke a smoking ban. It’s good for some and bad for others. Before you choose to take a stance, it is important to look at it from all angles. There are pros and cons behind the bans and it’s a good idea to learn about all of it.
