Each time you journey from home in search of your favorite restaurant be aware that your personal health may be at risk. That one-hour span of delectable dining may actually be causing lung disease, pregnancy difficulties, and shortened life spans among yourself, family, and friends. If this doesn’t sound very appetizing then join the fight to ban smoking in restaurants and other public places. Smoking in restaurants needs to be banned in every state, from coast-to-coast, and now is the time to act.
Each day in the U.S. thousands of people die from smoking-related diseases. Many of these people who are among the statistics may have never been smokers themselves. Secondhand smoke has been proven to be as fatal, and in some cases, more fatal than firsthand smoke. Secondhand smoke has been known to cause a weaker immune system, lung disease, nasal problems, and handfuls of other problems. The dangers of secondhand smoke need to become widely publicized so that innocent Americans will realize the consequences smokers are making them face.
It’s true that many restaurants have enforced a “no smoking” rule, yet the number of places that do allow smoking tower over those that do not. Why do so many still allow smoking? It’s simple: money. Restaurants are afraid that if they adopt a nonsmoking policy they will lose customers, and customers are a restaurant’s source of income. However, if all restaurants adopted the nonsmoking policy then smokers wouldn’t have a choice. The restaurants wouldn’t lose money because their customers would have everything they have always loved, except for the ashtrays and smoke haze. It would actually be beneficial for restaurants to ban smoking. There would be fewer cleanup costs by having less trash and eliminating time spent paying people to scrub the interiors of the eateries to remove nicotine stains. Costs will also go down by not being liable to install and maintain expensive ventilation systems that filter out the smokers’ section.
Many smokers say that smoking is their personal right. Any right that endangers the health of others isn’t very personal. Smoking is not a right; it is a habit. Since smoking is allowed, then bringing your own alcohol into a restaurant should be granted to those who have made a habit out of drinking. This is the land of equal rights and equal opportunities, so be careful in what “rights” you wish to keep in effect and which you wish to be kept locked away.
Designated smoking areas are a joke. Each one of us has been seated in the nonsmoking section, which is usually right next to the smoking section, at one time or another. All that separates us from the jungle of smoke is a four-foot glass wall bolted atop a wooden barrier protruding from the floor. These are the times that you wished you had stayed home. You’re forced to struggle through your dinner dealing with watering eyes, an itchy nose and throat, and a disgusting smell. Even when you get home the fight is not over. You have to immediately wash the stench from your body and clothes before feeling comfortable again. The relaxing night out has just become another unwanted chore—all because someone needed a smoke.
We have all known somebody that has died from smoking-related disorders. It’s time to start making these types of deaths less common. By prohibiting smoking in restaurants, lives will be changed and lengthened. Help America change by joining the fight. Contact the American Lung and Heart Association or find out if any local nonsmoking organizations exist in your area and spread the word. Help make smoking history and bring back clean air today.
One more thing: yes, I mind if you smoke.