Jump to full article: Vancouver Sun blogs (ca), 2010-09-05
Author: Mario Canseco
Intro: Over the past three decades, a lengthy inventory of regulations has affected the way people smoke, and the way non-smokers interact with smokers. In England and Wales, having a cigarette at a pub is now harder than it was in 2007. Smoking bans in public spaces and workplaces now cover practically all of North America, and the way stores sell and advertise tobacco has changed drastically.
A three-country survey conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion sought to find out how Americans, Britons and Canadians feel about smoking. The first thing that jumps out when looking at the data is that the measures taken by several municipalities, provinces and even countries to deal with smoking are endorsed by a large majority of respondents. . . .
At least four-in-five people in the three countries agree with the one rule that has become almost universal: banning smoking in indoor public spaces and workplaces. At least two thirds are in favour of prohibiting smokers from lighting up in a bar, restaurant or casino, or inside a car when a child or teenager is present.
Americans are not as keen on two other regulations that have been in place in Alberta since 2009. Three-in-four Canadians and three-in-five Britons agree with banning cigarette sales in all stores containing a pharmacy, but just 43 of Americans concur. . . .
Overall, people in the three countries appear to be satisfied with the status-quo when it comes to the way smoking is being dealt with in their daily lives, and even smokers agree with the regulations that the have to abide by. The message is clear. If the smoke is on the sidewalk or the screen--and not at the office or dinner table--we don't seem to mind that much.
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