Jump to full article: New Kerala.com (in), 2008-05-06
Author: Vishnu Makhijani, Los Angeles, May 5
Intro: This is one of the many contradictions of American society: smoking is banned on health grounds in most public places - but not in the outdoors - while no steps are considered necessary to check the burgeoning consumption of junk food that is definitely considered a health hazard.
Thus, you have a situation in which smoking is banned in government offices, restaurants and even hotel rooms - but not in the areas surrounding these places.
So much so that a stern warning, very carefully worded, greets visitors to a swanky beach resort and spa an hours' drive from here.
"Enjoy your non-smoking room", reads the notice in bold capitals, adding: "A $250 cleaning fee will be charged for smoking in this room".
The ban also extends to the various restaurants and party rooms of the hotel.
At the same time, ashtrays are liberally provided in various other parts of the hotel - but outside the building complex. . . .
Wasn't this policy self-defeating in that it was not only failing to prevent people from smoking but also contributing to the pollution of the atmosphere at large?
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