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Questions
& Answers
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Questions
& Answers
Courtesy
of Clean Air Lawrence
Can
exposure to the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke
be reduced?
We can reduce exposure by passing smoke-free ordinances
for public places and all workplaces, including bars
and restaurants. We don't allow restaurants to serve
food containing dangerous chemicals. So why should
we allow the air to be polluted with dangerous chemicals?
No one should have to breathe toxic substances when
working in or frequenting a public place. More than
1,600 municipalities in the United States now restrict
where smoking is allowed.
Would
better ventilation systems solve the problem?
Non-smoking sections do not eliminate exposure to
secondhand smoke, no matter how extensive and advanced
the ventilation system is. Smoke knows no boundaries.
What
are the benefits of a smoking ban for the general
public?
Smoking bans protect the rights of non-smokers and
workers to breathe clean air. Smoke-free workplaces
reduce the incidence of smoke-related illnesses, thereby
helping to reduce the burden on taxpayers of footing
the bill for uninsured hospitality workers with smoking-related
illnesses and diseases. Smoke-free ordinances also
encourage smokers to quit or reduce the number of
cigarettes smoked per day, and can influence future
behaviors and attitudes about smoking.
What
are the economic benefits of a smoking ban?
Smoke-free workplaces reduce the cost of health insurance
provided to employees by employers. Non-smoking establishments
also save money on cleaning, maintenance and other
insurance costs. For example, the risk of fire is
much lower.
What
are the economic costs of smoking?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the
economic costs of smoking are estimated to be nearly
$3,400 per smoker per year.
Shouldn't
restaurants be allowed to decide for themselves whether
or not to allow smoking inside?
Restaurants, bars and other places that serve food
or drink are heavily regulated by the Food & Drug
Administration (FDA). For instance temperatures at
which food must be stored are regulated. Raw food
can't be stored next to other food. Sprinkler systems
are required in case of fire. The list goes on. This
is all to protect these establishments' workers and
patrons, just as a smoking ban requiring smoke-free
air would do.
Won't
restaurant and bar revenues decline if smoking is
banned city-wide?
Studies of smoke-free laws in many states and localities
have shown that smoke-free ordinances do not affect
restaurant or bar revenues. Likewise, smoke-free laws
had no impact on hotel revenues. The liquor industry
claims that alcohol consumption decreases when smoking
bans are enforced.
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