Majority in U.S. Supports Public Smoking Ban

[onehandle]

PRINCETON, NJ -- A majority of Americans (59%) support a ban on smoking in all public places for the first time since Gallup initially asked the question in 2001. At the same time, fewer than 2 in 10 support the idea of making smoking totally illegal in this country.

According to the American Lung Association, 27 states plus the District of Columbia have passed comprehensive smoke-free laws. A New York City law bans smoking in virtually all public places, including outdoor plazas and beaches.

When Gallup first asked about a ban on public smoking in 2001, 39% were in favor, an attitude that stayed roughly the same through 2007, the last time Gallup asked the question until this year's July 7-10 survey.

A majority of Americans now support the concept of a full smoking ban in all public places, marking a significant change from four years ago, when Gallup last measured this attitude. Support for the control of smoking through legal means goes only so far, however. Relatively few Americans support the idea of making all smoking illegal across the country -- perhaps partly in recognition of the practical difficulties involved in enforcing such a ban.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/148514/first-time-majority-supports-public-smoking-ban.aspx

[WovenGems]

1. I smiled sadly for a law I could not obey

Us out on the edge of civilization don't view the surrounds as public, more like the wilds. So, does public mean downtown? No biggie. Does it mean not while walking through a wheat field. Unenforceable.

[virgogal]

2. This should be interesting.

[msongs]

3. how much smoke do smokers make each day compared to other fires, like forest fires...

billions of little clouds of smoke adding up to affecting climate change, one drug addicted puff at a time. they add up ya know

[Nye Bevan]

6. Lots of smokers probably *start* forest fires. (nt)

[bluestate10]

4. I am for a complete public smoking ban, every where. I get daily bad vibes

from idiots smoking while driving with the windows down, even in my cold home state during the winter. If cigarettes are so damned great to smoke for them, they should keep their fucking car windows shut tight and keep their smoke in their car, truck or van.

[underpants]

5. As a smoker I don't have a problem with making it more difficult

Smoking is horrible - I know that - my almost 8 yr. old daughter still has no idea that I smoke.

I will say that smokers WILL find a way or a place to do it - we have to we have an addiction.

I am very careful not to smoke near children because familiarity leads to acceptance (that is why they had smoking in movies) and involvement.

Ban it. Maybe that will make it harder for my dumbass to do something that is literally shortening my life.