Why Public Smoking Bans Are Not Discrimination

In recent months, a number of cities and states have passed laws banning public smoking. Smokers are prohibited from lighting up on public property and in many businesses, including restaurants. These smoking bans have caused quite a stir. Smokers and business owners alike are railing against the changes, saying that it is an unfair law. Let's examine the "fairness" of the public smoking bans.

Is it really discrimination?
Smokers say that smoking bans are tantamount to discrimination. This is a misconception. Smoking is a choice. It is not something that you are destined to do when you are born. It is not something that you can't stop doing if you tried. It isn't even something that you need to do in order to survive. It is a personal choice. If it were a choice that would lead to better health and a more productive life, then the argument might make a little bit of sense - but it's not. Smoking has no redeeming value. You cannot claim discrimination for something that you don't have to do. Minorities can claim discrimination. People with disabilities can claim discrimination. You cannot choose the color of your skin, you cannot choose to walk when you have no legs. But you can choose to quit smoking. And by all accounts, you probably should choose to quit - you'd be healthier.

Stand up for your rights
Smokers say that they have the right to smoke if they so choose. That is absolutely correct. Smokers do have the right to smoke, just as non-smokers have the right to breathe clean air. One person's rights cannot infringe on the rights of the rest of the public. Smoking in public affects everyone around the smoker - therefore, the right to clean air is overshadowed by his right to smoke. If you want to smoke, feel free to smoke in an area where the rest of us don't have to breathe in your poison. If you would like to wear a helmet that contains your smoke, then you are more than welcome to smoke wherever you like.

My choice, my business
Smokers say that their habit isn't hurting anybody. Not true. People who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to get lung cancer and other diseases than those who actually hold the cigarette. In addition, most smokers (not all) have a habit of just tossing their used cigarette butts on the ground when they are finished if they are smoking in public. This is extremely bad for the environment. Most of these same people would never dream of throwing a soda can on the ground, but they don't even think twice about discarding their cigarette butts this way.

Losing customers (and money)
Restaurant and shop owners say that they are losing business. Maybe a little bit, but they should also gain some customers. Many people will not or cannot go into a restaurant or business where smoke is in the air. A public smoking ban may cause these businesses to lose a smoking customer or two, but it will also cause these same businesses to gain a few non-smoking customers. It's a trade-off.

Bottom line, bans on public smoking are enforced in the interest of public health. Maybe we should see it as a sign that our local governments are trying to keep an eye on our health and well-being instead of crying about "not being allowed to do what we want."