Smoking Ban Poll Results

Smoking ban Poll Results : by The British Asian Blog

I asked my readers a question “Should smoking in cars be banned?” in a post exactly 3 weeks ago, with a follow up post few days later.

As part of the discussion, I created a poll – enabling people to have their say with measurable results.  Admittedly, the discussion was interesting.  It encouraged a discussion and at times it became a light debate, and all comments made were valid and interesting.

The question I asked in the Poll was:  Smoking ban – how far should it go?

37% of people said ‘Smoking in cars should NOT be banned’

32% of people said ‘Smoking should be banned altogether’

16% of people said ‘Smoking should not be banned anywhere’

11% of people said ‘Smoking in cars should be banned’

5% of people said ‘Smoking ban in public places is far enough’

So we have it, majority of people don’t believe smoking in cars should banned.  One result which really surprised me was that 32% of people simply wanted smoking to be banned altogether.  In my opinion the results of this Poll leaves the debate wide open.

Although, the results largely showed that people simply didn’t think smoking ban should be extended to cover cars – I am left assured that people simply do not approve of smoking altogether – That a total ban is also an option.  I know this will never happen, or at least not in the near future but I have to admit I am surprised by this result.

Thank you all, for participating in my discussion and Poll.  I would like to read your views based on the poll results.

Have the Poll results echoed your views on this matter and would you agree with the majority of people that either: Smoking should not be banned in cars or smoking should be banned altogether?

Should smoking in cars be banned? I say YES

Should smoking in cars be banned? by The British Asian Blog

I’d like to share with you my opinion on whether or not smoking in cars should be banned.

On my daily commute back from work, I happen to bump into a friend who I hadn’t seen for months.  During our conversation on the train to our destination we quickly came onto the topic of smoking in vehicles.  This friend of mine is a GP and a well respected one too.

Disclaimer:  Before I continue on this topic note that I do not smoke, never have done and never will. Same goes for alcohol and other intoxications other than prescribed medicine.  So anything I say here is simply my opinion and my view(s) on this matter.

Earlier we both were aware of the fact that smoking in vehicles was highlighted in the media – where medical and healthcare professionals called for smoking to be banned in cars.  So we had a quick discussion and since my friend is a GP who takes such matters very seriously – we both acknowledged the fact that smoking in cars should be totally outlawed and banned – much the same way as smoking was banned in public places.

We disagreed however on how this ban should come into force.  His opinion on this matter was on the basis of how the government had already done most of the work by providing solid evidence that smoking is bad for your health and as well as highlighting the risks involved to the smoker including evidence that smoking is more dangerous to people and environments around them.  He further explained that since smoking was banned in public places the mindset of smokers had already been moulded thus imposing a straight overnight ban (so to speak) on smoking in vehicles while travelling would not be too much of an issue for all concerned, other than short term anger and frustration by smokers.

My opinion on this matter differed greatly, as I am a firm believer in understanding both sides of the story.  Let’s not ignore the fact that sales of cigarettes are a boost to the UK economy and provide a sizeable income – hence why the government needed to be cautions on how they tackle this issue.  In my opinion this issue needs to be tackled over a reasonable time frame allowing segments of this law to be introduced in parts and expanding over a period of few years.  This has two main benefits: 1 – introducing laws in piecemeal has less of an impact on the people affected then to hit them hard in one go, 2 – it will allow for segments of the law to be put through a trail period where the results can be monitored, leading to a solid foundation or backbone in justifying an outright band eventually to be placed.

Admittedly there are other benefits of implementing a law in segments, the details of which I won’t bore you with.  However, I see this as a change in habit(s) than a attack on smokers.

On the flip side, it is believed that people have the option to either travel with or avoid travelling with a smoker – which is a valid point too, but similar arguments were given when a ban on smoking in public places was coming into force and now years later it has been widely accepted.

I’d be interested to know what your opinion on this matter is, please share your views with me and everyone else.  I’d also like you to participate in the poll below: