Smoking ban in public places has been implemented in many countries. Germany, Turkey, U.K, India, some states in U.S are a few examples.
The effect the smoking ban in public places is having on the number of smokers is still to be studied. But there are a few statistics out there which may help us form an opinion.
- In Turkey, 1 billion less cigarettes were smoked in July and August 2007 when compared to July and August 2006. The smoking ban was introduced in May 2007.
- In Germany, business in bars reduced by 14% in the quarter after smoking ban was implemented.
- Around 80% of the people in U.K supported the smoking ban.
- The risk of passive smokers getting lung cancer is between 16% – 30% higher than non-passive smokers. This helped governments in gaining public support in implementing smoking bans.
- Places where smoking is not banned have 9 times more indoor pollution than places that have a smoking ban.
- 54% of Americans favor a complete smoking ban inside restaurants, 34% favor a ban in all hotel rooms, and 29% favor a ban inside bars.
- In Colorado, admissions to hospitals for heart related diseases decreases by 27% in the first 18 months after a smoking ban was implemented.
- The smoking ban in New York is estimated to have saved $56 million in health care costs for the year 2004.
Criticism of smoking ban
Some people say that smoking ban will result in people switching to other addictive substances.
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August 11th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I started smoking at 18…I am now 39.4 of those years i gave up using Zyban..which really helped. I started smoking again while in depression 2 years ago..and subsequently use Welbutrin and cipralex anti depressants. I stopped smoking again 4 months ago but 3 days ago i have given into stress.. being the famous reason for smoking. I hate smoking, i think it is the most disgusting habit, it stinks, it kills, and should be illegal and wish it were. I can’t take zyban at the moment because of taking welbutin…and will be for some time still…help me please…if my son finds out..he will be so disappointed in me and me with myself..please help me with any advice you may have….i know all the dangers….my mother has lung cancer.. she is 61…my father never smoked although both his parents did…my mothers father smoked but not her mum. My only sibling also smokes.