Editorial: Ban Smoking in Outdoor Dining Patios by Adi

           Did you know that outdoor patios or bars allow smoking? And did you know that inhaling the smoke can lead to lung disease? Smoking at outdoor venues such as farmers market or outdoor dining patios should be banned. Not only would this would help prevent second-hand smoking but also create a clean environment for the customers who are eating around the smoker.    

            Have you ever gone out to eat and decided to eat on the patio of the restaurant and person sitting next to your table is smoking? There was an incident when my family and I went out to eat and the lady sitting next to us was smoking. At first it didn’t bother us but after we got our food it was hard to eat because of the lingering smell of the smoke. Research shows that, even outdoors, individuals can be exposed to a substantial level of secondhand smoke when dining outdoors while someone is smoking. So why allow smoking at outdoor dining areas when it still has an effect on people including non-smokers?

            Not only does it have an effect on your health but also influences the younger generation to smoke. Young children are aware of cigarette advertising. If a kid were to see someone smoking they’ll think it’s cool and want to do it as well.