Let smokers smoke.

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Medically, there is no question about the links between tobacco use and a list of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. There is absolutely no question in my mind that smoking is a destructive behaviour.

The evidence is more equivocal about second hand smoke. I would not be prepared to make a categorical statement about the impacts, particularly given the range of other environmental factors that people must contend with. I will go so far as to say that a person is better off not being exposed to second hand smoke than being exposed--but that does not mean that exposure is ipso facto harmful.

But to the extent that smoking restrictions serve to protect non-smokers, I am prepared to countenance them. However, I see a few places where smoking bans have had a contrary effect--particularly on board aircraft. Smoking bans have allowed airlines to reduce air exchange, by recirculating more air from the cabin. While this saves fuel and expense (cabin air comes from a direct bleed from the engines), it also provides a less healthy environment and facilitates transmission of airborne disease vectors.

I'm generally okay with smokers lighting up, after all, that's one of the things that keeps me in business.

Having lived in the era where clouds of smoke filled every public space, I quite enjoy the limits on smoking.

And if you live in a city ciggerette smoke is the least of your worries......do you know how many contaminates are usually in the air in large cities? yeah stopping people from smoking outside is not going to fix that problem you would also have to tell people to stop driving, stop doing construction, or stop doing anything that could put not so healthy particles in the air and well that is not going to happen.

There is no reason to prohibit smoking in The Great Outdoors. The smoke dissipates very quickly, thus eliminating the "second hand smoke" problem.

ruveyn

I was a long time smoker. Chain smoker even. I live in a damn cold area and I never had a problem going out in -25C to have a puff. I enjoyed the fresh air and the blast of cold was like a kick in the ass magnitudes greater than caffeine. When I hear smokers complain about having to go outside I think to myself "Man the f**k up"

Its also simple: smoke is not good for people (whether its from a lit cigar or from your damn house burning down around you). I made the choice to smoke but I always ensured it was not bothering others. Have a care