Friday, December 20, 2013

Editorial: Smoke-free Dining by Ivy

More than a decade ago, smoking prohibitions began to take effect worldwide and California was the first state in the nation to ban smoking in public areas, buildings and restaurants/
The effects of tobacco do not just occur by directly smoking a tobacco product, but can also occur by inhaling the secondhand smoke. However, many smokers argue that secondhand smoke is not nearly as bad as smoking directly from a tobacco product; however, according to the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 types of chemicals, more than 250 of them are toxic and 70 of them are known to cause cancer.
Data was collected by health officials to show the decrease of respiratory illnesses that were reported amongst bar workers from Dublin to San Francisco after indoor smoking bans took effect. The data collected showed that the saliva tests of the bar workers showed lower levels of nicotine concentration. Results also show that admissions into hospitals for heart attack and other cardiovascular conditions decreased significantly after indoor smoking was banned.
With the contemplation of banning smoking statewide, many restaurant owners worry that the non-smoking policy will drive away the guests who do smoke. Some owners and smoking guests believe that smoking policies should be placed by the owners of the restaurants, not the state.

Jamie Clover Adams, Director of Michigan Department of Agriculture stated, “Patrons of Michigan bars and restaurants can smoke on outdoor patios and rooftops as long as no food or beverages are served, according to a new interpretation of the law. It’s just a minor change from where we are, but I think it does make things clearer for people about when smoking is prohibited.”

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