SMOKING BAN

A new law came into force in Spain on the 2nd January prohibiting to smoke in some public places, such as bars, restaurants, schools, hospitals and so on. Another law, which was implanted a few years before, wasn’t successful, because the number of smokers increased instead of going down (the law made restaurants and bars have a specific area for smokers and another one for the non-smokers… it was a foolish idea, because the smoke could be breathed everywhere). Experts think that this new law will have better results.

On the one hand, I think it’s a good idea to ban smoking in some places because for those who don’t smoke (like me, for example) smoke is something that bothers. When you are in touch with it (for example while you’re eating in a restaurant), then clothes smell really bad. On the other hand, I can understand the smokers (and how difficult it is to stop smoking, because I have some examples in my family, some of them have been able to stop, while others have such a big habit that they can’t stop smoking) and the owners of the establishments where now it’s prohibited to smoke, because there’s a large number of customers who visit their business and meanwhile they have a cigarette, and as now it isn’t possible to have a cigarette, they won’t go there. This will harm bars, pubs, restaurants, discos etc. because if people don’t go there, the sale of tobacco and the benefits and income of the owners will decrease.

Can this law lower the consumption of tobacco? Yes, it’s possible, but I disagree with this idea, in my opinion, if people want to continue smoking they will, even though they have to stay at home or outside where they are. I also think that the law is too strict. There are too many places where it’s forbidden to smoke. It’s a great idea not to smoke in hospitals or schools (as a respect to the patients and the children) because it’s a good way of being healthy and for children it’s also good to grow up happily and breathing pure air.

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that for me (and I’m sorry for the smokers) it’s a really good idea to ban smoking in public places, I’m really happy because of this… because I can’t stand smoke’s smell.

Cristina Melià 2nd Batxillerat B