In the land of freedom, it seems that smokers are the about the only group of people that is not able to freely pursue their habit. New York City officials have begun the debate on whether or not to ban smoking in parks and outdoor areas, which means that many European countries might follow in the future, as well.
Smokers have already been driven outside of any enclosed indoor public places, but now even the option for having a quick smoke outside will also be taken away.
There is little opportunity for this process to be turned around, as anti-smoking campaigner Michael Bloomberg, is up for re-election as mayor.
Tobacco company Phillip Morris USA responded to the idea saying, "We believe that smoking should be permitted outdoors except in very particular circumstances, such as outdoor areas primarily designated for children."
Though this ban is sure to go into effect on some level, it is logistically impossible to implement it over thousands of acres…
[Via: The Guardian]
Two new anti-smoking laws have been signed by President Jacob Zuma in South Africa. Anti-smoking campaigns are in full swing in this country, with hopes to increase fines, restrict marketing on tobacco and to ban smoking in cars.
Peter Ucko, the Director of the National Council Against Smoking says the laws will have an effect on everyone, smokers and non-smokers alike, with the focus being on protecting non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Ucko also added that three times more people are killed by smoking in South Africa by tobacco smoke, than those killed in road accidents.
It seems that smokers worldwide are going to have to start looking at a quit plan, as there are few places in the world where smoking is not taboo. Stupid…
[Via: gbcghana.com]
Travel companies are pushing for better air, or so they say. Smoking bans started on airlines in the 1980's and Northwest Airlines was one of the first to ban smoking on all flights. Recently hotel chains like Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Westin, Sheraton and Comfort Suites have banned smoking on all premises.
Rental car companies are joining the ranks — as of next month Avis, Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car will be making their vehicles in Canada and the United States smoke free.
In a press release, Larry De Shon, executive vice president of operations for Avis Budget Group said, "We receive more customer requests for smoke-free vehicles than any other 'special request.' This new policy is designed to ensure that we are enhancing the comfort of our customers, which is a top priority at Avis and Budget."
Smokers will have to be especially careful about lighting up from now on, because even rental car companies and hotels are fining for lighting up, which is stupid to say the least…
[Via: cheapflights.com]
Most people would be put off by the image of a mouth ravaged by cancer and rotting teeth that is if they are not smokers.
New federal regulations are soon to go into effect in the US, where cigarette packages will be covered front and back with disturbing images of the effects of smoking.
These regulations are modeled after those already in place in Canada and other countries. The warning labels will have images of blackened lungs, gangrenous feet, bleeding brains and people breathing with the help of tracheotomies.
However, smokers have already seen gruesome images both on the internet and on TV. It is more likely that they will get used to the images, or rather become numb to them and continue to smoke, after the government has spent millions on funding this kind of project…
[Via: MSN]
Retired NYPD cop, Audrey Silk, has decided to go anti, anti-smoking and has founded Citizens Lobby Against Smoker Harassment. Her main reason for starting this group is that she feels the Health Department is spending far too much money on telling New Yorkers to quit smoking.
The final straw was when Silk found out that graphic signs, scaring smokers into quitting would be posted at every counter selling cigarettes.
She feels smokers actually bring in a lot of tax revenue for the city. She adds, "Their rationale is that smokers haven't gotten the message. In reality we are bombarded day in day out with the message."
She has decided to give shopkeepers her own version of the sign, featuring a flaming dollar bill, that writes, "This sign cost you $4 million."
Most smokers will agree that is time that the government got away from trying to scare them off smoking and focusing on something else.
[Via: nydailynews.com]
