Smoking Ban in Chicago?

Smoking Ban in Chicago?

Should there be a smoking ban in the city of Chicago? There are different opinions on the topic. Like many other cities in the United States and in the world, Chicago is trying to decide whether or not smoking should be legal in public places such as bars and restaurants. Personally, I think it should and most people agree with me.

In a poll done by the Chicago Tribune, there was a 60/40 vote in favor of the smoking ban. Many of the people talked about when they go to a bar to have a few drinks or just to meet up with some friends, and they come home smelling like smoke. Their hair, their clothes, everything smells. And that is not even a serious issue of smoking.

Let's talk about second hand smoke. Second hand smoke is a well-documented carcinogen and linked to an assortment of heart and lung ailments. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, second hand smoke is up to five times worse in restaurants and bars than it is in the homes of smokers. In an article by BBC news, there was an interview with David Hockney. In it he says, "Death awaits you whether you smoke or not." Yes we are all going to die at some point, but shouldn't we be the ones who decide whether or not we stay healthy by not smoking to prolong our lives. Not only does second hand smoke endanger the customers, but think about the people who have to work in this environment. Should they have to choose between a good job and a safe working environment? Why should they have to, they should be able to have both.

Another argument people who are against the ban are bringing up is that it will hurt local businesses. Only about 1 out of 4 adult smoke anymore, and most of them are very proud about it and do not smoke around non-smokers anyways. Even if the ban is passed, people are always going to go out to eat and to bars. At the beginning, the businesses might see a little bit of a drop, but it will not affect them as much as the anti-ban groups are saying. Pro-ban advocates claim no negative effect on business and often go as far as claiming an economic benefit. Trends in America clearly point away from smoking and toward cleaner and safer businesses.

Does a ban go against our freedom? A group called Ban the Ban think that is the government can control whether or not we can smoke in a bar or not is like controlling what we think. Obviously