Smoking Ban

On July 1, 2007, England's House of Commons passed by an overwhelming majority a piece of legislation that prohibited smoking in enclosed public places and work places. The purpose of this legislation according to the Department of Health is to reduce the occurrence of second hand smoke, make quitting smoking easier for the general public, and make the air inside enclosed places cleaner. The legislation also requires that those places that prohibit smoking put up a sign that indicates that it is non smoking facility. Although there was some disapproval of this legislation in the beginning, a survey conducted by the NHS in July 2008 revealed that 76% of the general public supported the smoking ban. Many said that they felt that the ban not only made them feel as if they were living in a cleaner environment, but that their overall health was benefiting also. Businesses also felt that overall the smoking ban made a positive impact on their business. However as seen with the rapid closing of pubs around London, not everyone felt a positive from the ban.

As a non smoker and an asthmatic, I think that the ban was a good idea. In America, I hate having to go into areas that allow smoking. When people puff away on their cigarettes and blow the smoke around the room, I feel as if I am absorbing the effects of their bad habits. Plus, it makes it so hard for me to breathe in general. Often times when in a smokey area, I have to leave, or use my inhaler in order to be able to properly function. In London, I no longer have this issue. Even going to pubs is easier for me because I no longer have to worry about the health of my lungs that night. On the other hand though, I can see why many still do not like this law. Even though I do not like it, smokers DO have the right to smoke. It is really no one else's business what they do. Most of the times, at least in America, smokers and non smokers are separated in enclosed spaces so that both groups' needs are accommodated. Other times, smokers are usually willing to take their smoking outside. Thus, they see no real need for this new law.