To Smoke or not to smoke?

picture by: commercialobserver.com

So there has been quite a bit of chaos lately in Jamaica regarding the July 15, 2013 ban on smoking in public. A lot of people are upset and have been lashing out against the Health officials to say that the decision is bad for the country, bad for business and bad for tourism.

Lets think about this for a second. With the rapid increase in cancer fatalities, among other health issues is it really hard to see the sense in putting a ban on public smoking? I believe its a smart decision and its about time people start considering the risk their decision to smoke puts everyone else. Its about time that people like myself can go outside and take in the fresh air without choking on a puff of smoke. If you ask me it serves them right because smokers to date have shown no respect for others who do not partake in their lifestyle.

With that said I do believe that there are a few drawbacks. I have no problem if people decide to kill themselves by smoking, that's their decision. Having designated smoking areas seems fair in my opinion. I think so far the ban may have been a bit extreme with its restrictions. With designated smoking areas, this should not affect tourism because tourist are no longer being told that they cannot smoke in all these different areas but they are given an option to stay in an area that allows the public space to be safe for others. After all, a lot of these tourists cannot freely smoke in their own country.

Another concern is the funds that the National Health Fund (NHF) receives from the taxes on Cigarette sales. With a decrease in the sales that also triggers a decrease in well needed money for the health sector. I would like to think that if we gave some leeway or created some kind of structure to this ban, allowing smokers to have a place to call their own. Cigarette sales should not plummet, business owners would not have to worry and the NHF could continue to receive these necessary funds.

All in all, most things are trial and error. This is something new and there will be kinks to work out. Currently everyone is in shock and fighting against a change. As soon as things become clear, tempers stop flaring and structure is in place, normalcy will step in and we would have all grown accustomed to a new way.

Take a moment and Breathe in that fresh air.....

PS: Next thing to ban is making fires as a means of disposing of garbage in residential areas. I cannot stand people who do this.

Until next time......

Witty Wednesday