Governor Tim Kaine attempts to ban smoking in restaurants in big tobacco’s backyard. A strong opposition to this proposed state wide ban is being led by groups such as the Virginia Smokers Alliance who fight for smokers rights. The Virginia Smokers Alliance declares “Liberty and Freedom for All!” while another groups boasts the slogan “Give me nicotine or give me death!” These slogans that reference the constitution and our country’s birth try to revive the importance and history of individual rights in this country. Is act of smoking protected as a personal right? Despite the patriotic rhetoric, smoking is not specifically protected under the constitution and therefore should be judged by the courts as a matter of social conduct.
Realizing that there is now even more scientifically proven evidence that secondhand smoke leads to higher risks of health problems, Tim Kaine takes the appropriate and responsible action of proposing the ban. The Surgeon General issued a report last June identifying that there are no safe levels of secondhand smoke. Those nonsmokers that are exposed to secondhand smoke at work or at home “increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25 percent to 30 percent and lung cancer by 20 percent to 30 percent”. The negative health implications prove clear but many fear that this proposed ban represents a trend that will lead toward more state restrictions of individual rights. Kaine should be applauded for favoring this public health concern over the long standing tradition of tobacco companies in
Virginia.
April 6, 2007 at 5:05 pm
I completely support the smoking ban in Richmond. It has already been banned in New York and D.C. Let smokers smoke, but not when everyone else in the bar or restaurant has to smoke with them.
April 9, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Kaine may be taking a risk by supporting the smoking ban, but it is important statement to make, whether or not the smoking ban ever comes to fruition in “big tobacco’s backyard.” Of course there is a risk of losing support of the mammoth Philip Morris, but Kaine choosing the right path by endorsing the smoking ban. There may be many in opposition to this ban for reasons of liberty, economic effects or even because of the history and culture of tobacco in the south. However, health must remain a primary issue to be considered. Even Philip Morris acknowledges the dangers of smoking, and second-hand smoke. The smoking bans implemented in Northern cities and states do set a precedent for progress, not intolerance, and though it may come after my time in Richmond has ended, I would be proud to see a smoking ban come into effect in Richmond.
April 9, 2007 at 5:29 pm
People have a right to be able to enjoy the services of a place such as a restaurant without being exposed to potentially hazardous second-hand smoke. Cigarette smoke makes food taste bad anyway. But on the same notion, some people find smoking a cigarette after their meal in the comfort of a restaurant to be an essential part of their restaurant experience. I think the solution to this is simple. Have seperate rooms (if a restaurant has this option), devoted to smoking and non-smoking. Obviously, this isn’t possible in all restaurants, but in those that can afford to do so, it should be allowed. Health inspectors should also check out the division of rooms when inspecting restaurants in the future. This is probably most necessary in places that feature bars. Smoking is commonly associated with drinking, and many people will be most upset with this new ban if it affects their ability to smoke at their favorite bar. Nevertheless, if you can’t seperate the second-hand smoke, it should not be allowed. You’re doing smokers a favor anyway by making it harder for them to get away with smoking.