The European Commission wants Member states to ban cigarettes, e-cigarettes and heated products tobacco from outdoor areas, according to new recommendations published on Tuesday (17 September).
As much as I like the idea of getting rid of smoking altogether, this is a huge infringement on self-determination. Sure, go ahead and declare certain public areas as non-smoking zones. I’m absolutely fine with that. Even if it means that the entire inner city is such a zone. No one should have to inhale secondhand smoke. But if you’re somewhere where you don’t bother anyone, why should that be illegal?
Even if you’re alone, where are you throwing the butt? The answer is: the ground. The ground is absolutely full of cancer sticks. And I see the city’s cleaning machines clean the entire streets at least once a day. It’s still full of the things.
Back when I smoked I’d extinguish the cigarette and wait until I found a trash can. And I know plenty of people who do the same. Unfortunately plenty of other people don’t and it sucks.
That’s the idea. They aren’t.
As much as I like the idea of getting rid of smoking altogether, this is a huge infringement on self-determination. Sure, go ahead and declare certain public areas as non-smoking zones. I’m absolutely fine with that. Even if it means that the entire inner city is such a zone. No one should have to inhale secondhand smoke. But if you’re somewhere where you don’t bother anyone, why should that be illegal?
Even if you’re alone, where are you throwing the butt? The answer is: the ground. The ground is absolutely full of cancer sticks. And I see the city’s cleaning machines clean the entire streets at least once a day. It’s still full of the things.
One sole cigarette butt contaminates around 800 litres of water. Just insane.
Back when I smoked I’d extinguish the cigarette and wait until I found a trash can. And I know plenty of people who do the same. Unfortunately plenty of other people don’t and it sucks.