Why is smoking well-tolerated in the UK and other European nations?
446758
oh boo hoo...bc smoking is great....go to better ventalated restaurants or stay at home...a lot of people like to smoke after they eat....im a smoker and my teeth are white....my nails are healthy....oh yeah and my breath doesn't stink....actually a lot of people can't tell i smoke unless they see me....i chew gum i wear perfume...im good to go...its people like you that are ruining it for us...so shh
1057491
It's a main part in the usual supporting activities. \nI've to point it out the country you are coming from is not deserved as alcohol-free!
720301
I smoke, and I go out of my way to find a spot to smoke where no children (or anyone else, really) are around or a spot designated for smoking. I understand that second-hand smoke is harmful to children (and others); however, if I am in a designated smoking area and then someone comes around with their children, I am unlikely to move or snuff out my cigarette. Afterall, I was there first, and no one is forcing them to be there. \n\nOn the same token, I don't go to playgrounds to smoke. It's a matter of respect, in my opinion. I'll smoke in an out-of-the-way area out of respect for others, and usually I'll move if I find I am still too close to others. If someone comes into a *designated* smoking area with their children and begin to make a big scene complete with couching and hacking, I most certainly will not move.
713329
I live in the US but i found these two websites one might not be very relevant my email is pt_of_vu@yahoo.com or SeanGhosh@aol.com\n<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2053840.stm> \n<http://www.ash.org.uk/html/factsheets/html/fact08.html>\nincidentally I also have to research smoking
182577
Yep, snus can officially only be bought in Sweden (within the EU, at least). Something to do with it being 'a gateway to smoking', according to the European Commission
75420
Because, unlike the banned addictive drugs, cigarettes don't cause altered behavior. \nAlso, although I personally hate cigarettes, I know we live in a free country, and people should have a right to smoke as long as they do it where I don't have to breathe it.
66729
I support non-smoking areas, but if you want to smoke, then I think you should have your own areas. I do however feel that smokers face discrimination every day and state wide bans don't help.
900595
The whole anti-smoking lobby is over run with dicks. I should think your country should be giving an education to every single child who wants one, regardless of how they got there. If the nation flaunts its system and brags about how it is the elsupremo place to be - naturally less fortunates are going to want to be there.
799601
No, I have a problem with a lot of people but not smokers...!\n\nPoor peeps, being victimised because they're exercising the human right to control what they do to their own bodies.
658617
There are no safe cigarettes.  Some are lower in tar than others, but tar isn't the only bad thing for you in a cigarette.  They'll all kill you sooner or later.
1037177
I think that many people are finally getting the message. Cigarettes are very expensive and it's very hard to smoke in most places. The restaurants and bars in my county have forbidden it. Cig. smoking costs everyone money because of the costs of the illnesses they cause. Ins. rates go up for everyone to cover it.
375718
You make some excellent points about this.  On the surface, you are correct that people who have addictions to sex, food, alcohol and so many other vices aren’t kept away the way smokers are.  But the difference is, when you smoke, you affect other people who may be around you. \n \nSecond hand smoke is a serious health concern.  The US Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen, which means that it is a significant causal factor to cancer in humans. \nSmoking is being restricted because everyone is vulnerable to secondhand smoke exposure in public places, such as restaurants, shopping centers, public transportation, schools and daycare centers. Although some businesses are reluctant to ban smoking, there is no credible evidence that going smoke-free is bad for business. Public places where children go are a special area of concern.  \n\nIf a restaurant existed that was for smokers ONLY, then that would be great.  They all the smokers could dine and socialize and snort each other’s smoke.  But when there are non smokers present, it’s unfair to subject them to the health hazard of breathing in the smoke. \n\nThanks for this discussion.  You articulated your points very well and I appreciate the opportunity to share.
303064
Largely because the people who decide what should and should not be tolerated are smokers.  There is currently a bill in the NH Senate to ban smoking in all eating establishments.  It passed the House, and the Governor approves of it, but the Senate may kill it.  Why, because they all smoke!  I still hope the bill does pass.  NH is the only state in New England that does not have such a ban in place.  It has not hurt patronage to restaurants in the other states. In fact, patronage has increased.  I know there are restaurants I refuse to go into due to smoking.  I have the same problem you do compounded by anxiety reaction to a nicotine allergy.  I refuse to go into a Blakes, Friendly's or Applebees restaurant because of the smoking.  They would get my business if smoking were banned. \nI find that, generally speaking, most smokers are the most thoughtless, inconsiderate people on the planet.  They don't care if their smoking infringes on the rights of others.  They don't care if it is harmful to others.  They make a huge mess by dumping the butts all over the place because they are lazy slobs.  The worst thing is that they drop them into mulch in public landscaping thinking it is a safe spot, when it is the most dangerous spot to put it.  Mulch is highly flammable and you have no idea how many mulch fires and smolderings I have had to put out over the years!  It is their right to harm themselves, but they have no right to infringe on the rights of others who do not wish to be exposed.  Rights have to be earned, not given.  Furthermore, rights come with responsibility.  If your rights infringe upon the rights of others, then find some other way or place to assert your rights where no one else can be harmed or bothered.  That's my 2 cents!
292826
It is not legal, however they don't make a big deal about it as long as your not up in every ones face. Now tobacco is another story; they plan to outright ban it inside and out.
421617
Cause Gambling Doesn't effect the general health of the nation, Smoking is a disgusting habit and fools that cant hold a few pints are a drain on A&E Departments..I live in Ireland and the smoking ban is the best thing to hit this country in years, To be able to go out and enjoy my few pints and come home NOT smelling of smoke is a dream come true..............And yea i do like a flutter here and there, took a few quid from the bookies this morning if Scolari takes the job....
708701
There are a whole bunch of laws that are set by people who don't partake of the activity they wish to regulate.\n\nGet used to the no smoking thing. It's everywhere.
295924
My motto tends to be "live and let live". In this case, I oppose public smoking. Second-hand smoke has been shown in numerous studies to be harmful, and quite frankly, I hate breathing the filth myself :(\n\nOn the other hand, I see no reason for a total ban on smoking. If you want to smoke in the privacy of your own home, or somewhere else where you're alone, well, it's your choice to harm yourself, but atleast you're not harming anyone else.