Jump to full article: St. Louis (MO) Beacon, 2010-02-08
Author: Ekrem Mehmet Morali
Intro: On July 19, a new nationwide smoking ban, with the slogan "smoke-free airspace," went into effect. . . . The law will also bring Turkey more into line with laws in effect in the European Union, which Turkey seeks to join. The rate of smoking in the EU is about 30 percent.
In few EU countries, however, is smoking such a part of the national fabric. In Turkey, tobacco is more than a national symbol, more than a national export, more than a habit. It is an integral part of a way of life. . . .
For legions of retired and unemployed men, the ban in effect deprives them of one of their principal social pleasures. . . .
Individual smokers have told the media they will continue smoking wherever they like, ban or no ban -- a situation that puts the proprietors of businesses in a tough positio . . .
The government remains intransigent and recently hired 4,500 inspectors to enforce the law. Meanwhile, grassroots protest threatens to take more political form. . . .
A ban should be just one part of a continuing national war against smoking, with realistic goals and adequate, steady funding. Support programs for quitters should be expanded and heavily promoted. Educational programs for children and adults are needed nationwide. The economic consequences for small businesses in a country like Turkey should be anticipated and mitigated as part of the government's plan.
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