Tobacco.org

WELLS: Why Bermuda does not need a public smoking ban 

Last month, Health Minister Patrice Minors revealed plans to restrict smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants. Legislation could be tabled by the end of the year.

An increasing number of jurisdictions, including New York, Ireland and Scotland, are doing the same. Philip Barnett, head of the Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Division, has said that most bar and restaurant owners would support a ban. The UBP is enthusiastic. Public sentiment seems to favour it too. I think it's misguided...

I don't like second-hand smoke. But I don't need the Government to protect me from it. I just need to move tables more often, tell the restaurants that I frequent that I'd prefer it if their establishment was smoke-free, and avoid those places that I find unbearably smoky. It's as simple as that.

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