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Illinois Smoking Ban Effects

Many cities in America have enacted smoking bans, which prevent people from smoking cigarettes or cigars in bars or restaurants. The only places that allow smoking indoors are smoke houses, which sell only tobacco products, but not even all of these always allow smoking. The effects of a smoking ban are diverse because many things change when people can't smoke indoors in public anymore.

  1. Legal Penalties

    • If someone is caught smoking in a place where a smoking ban has been enacted, the smoker must pay a fine. Smokers are required to smoke outside, even if it's cold out. Most cities even make smokers stand at least a few yards away from the entrance of a building.

    A Healthier Society

    • The U.S. Office of the Surgeon General states that smoking cigarettes causes lung disease, even in cases of secondhand smoke. This is a major reason for a smoking ban, because it means a healthier society overall.

    Smoker Inconvenience

    • Since a person cannot smoke indoors, they have to leave their spot or table to go outside. This is inconvenient and annoying for the smoker. Smokers are required to smoke outside, even if it's cold out. Most cities even make smokers stand at least a few yards away from the entrance of a building.

    Increased Business

    • There are also people who did not regularly attend bars because they didn't enjoy the smoky atmosphere, but once the smoking ban was put in place, drinkers felt more comfortable drinking at a pub or bar. This increases business for the bar. And since there isn't indoor smoke in the air, clothes do not smell like cigarettes after a person leaves the bar.

    Smokers Meet Each Other

    • An advantage for smokers is that they can get to know each other when they are smoking out in the designated areas. This forced camaraderie may result in new friends, or even the start of new romantic relationships.

    Dining is Smoke-Free

    • When smokers go outside, there is more visibility in the places that formerly allowed smoking since smoke is not clouding the view. There is also less of a stench in these bars and restaurants. A smoking ban turns the entire dining space into a non-smoking area.

    Violation of Smokers' Freedom

    • Some smokers argue that allowing the sale of tobacco products but restricting their use is a violation of personal use. Many argue this because states place high taxes on cigarettes, but not on other products.

    Smoke-Free Clothing

    • Since there isn't indoor smoke in the air, the clothes of someone who has been to a restaurant or bar do not smell like cigarettes after a person leaves.

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