Friday, October 11, 2013

University Star: Councilmembers Amend, Pass Smoking Ordinance


1. http://star.txstate.edu/node/771

2. Category of Problem/Issue: Environment/Health

3. Level of Problem/Issue: Local

4. An “enacted” policy that has been passed to help with a problem/issue that individuals/families face 

5.  Why this is important to individuals/families OR How does this affect individuals/families?

The smoking ban issue has been going around for the last month and now it's official. Individuals and families can now go to a public place (park, restaurant, and even a bar) and not have to worry about secondhand smoke.

6.  What are your views on the issue/policy?

At first, I had mixed feelings but now that the ordinance is better explained, I agree with it all the way. They're even allowing some businesses to display a permit allowing people to smoke on outdoor decks and patios. I really like how they allowed this because some businesses would suffer (like bars) if people weren't even allowed to smoke outside. That's why I initially had mixed feelings because sometimes I like to smoke when drinking at a bar. Plus, kids wouldn't be at a bar so I wouldn't feel as bad for doing it. However, secondhand smoke is extremely toxic and kids really shouldn't be around it while playing at the park or eating at a restaurant so it is good that this ordinance was passed. 

There's also a part of the ordinance where kids in the public schools will be educated on tobacco and it's effects. I agree with this as well. It's important that kids be educated about issues that affect others.




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