Student opinions on smoking

CITY OF IRVING’S SMOKING ORDINANCE

The United States is a country of freedom – freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, etc. However, over the course of many years, with new laws and citizen complaints, our freedoms have been diminished steadily.

Effective Jan. 1, the city of Irving enacted new laws to prevent smoking in public places. Smokers must be 25 feet from any entrances at buildings where smoking is prohibited. Restaurants may designate only 30 percent of their floor space as smoking areas. And they must obtain a $100 smoking permit. Council member Sam Smith says he wants Irving to rank as one of America's top smokeless cities.

With the millions of smokers in America – and the thousands living in Irving – it's going to be hard to enforce all of these new regulations. People who go out to eat expect to enjoy their dining experience. But having to leave the restaurant and find a designated smoking zone wouldn't be so enjoyable.

Now, I personally am not a fan of sitting around smokers while eating at a casual restaurant. However, at a sports bar, it's expected. I say: “Give the smokers their freedom.” With all the new technology coming out today, there's surely something that can be done to allow smokers to light up inside restaurants.

— Matt Keyser

Smoking should not be banned. That will only make restaurants lose business. If this was never mentioned as a topic, no one in Irving would have a thought about it. People are not going to change their smoking habits just to sit in an eatery. Business will not grow and expand with this kind of foolishness.

— Kenni Wells

Smoking restrictions in public places and workplaces are a good way to get rid of smoking in the future. Currently, eight countries have laws that prohibit smoking in enclosed workplaces and public places – including bars and restaurants. It seems the more extensive the restrictions, the fewer the smokers.

Since it has already been proved that second-hand smoke has a negative effect on nonsmokers ' health, it should not be allowed in public places. The general public's health must be considered – not just the smokers' rights. So, I strongly accept that smoking restrictions must be enforced in public areas, so that we can enjoy a smokefree atmosphere everywhere.

— Kopila Gopali

Keeping the city of Irving a safe and healthy place is very important, especially where young children are concerned. Restaurant and bar owners might not like the new ordinance, but the City Council has people's best interests at heart. I agree that there shouldn't be smoking sections in restaurants and other places with children nearby. Parks, museums and schools should be designated no-smoking zones. Some children get too much exposure to smoke in their own homes. They shouldn't be exposed to second-hand smoke at public places, too.

— Kelly Seybert

I completely agree with the new smoking laws. I do not mind if people smoke, but I do not want to inhale or even smell it. At restaurants, especially, it causes many people to lose their appetite. This is a step in the right direction, as a majority of the population either doesn't smoke or can sit down for a meal and not smoke until afterwards.

— Ryan Kasmiersky

I'm flabbergasted that everyone is so afraid of a little cigarette smoke at the door of a commercial establishment. It is silly to expect people to be out in the rain or in the middle of the road. I am not a smoker. Still, I find the current trend in not allowing people to smoke in public to be stupid.

— Joseph “Soda Pop” Kastner

I think it's the right idea to increase the smoking restrictions. This provides a good opportunity for people who smoke and people who don't to go out and have a good time and feel comfortable. And, since smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of building entrances, that reduces the number of butts on the ground – something good for the environment, as well.

— Tim Reese

The new smoking ban in Irving is a bit unnecessary. The government has absolutely no right to intervene. People who don't want to sit next to a smoker at a restaurant can simply move to another table. Is it too hard for people to do? These new smoking restrictions seem more like an excuse for Irving to make some money off of bars and restaurants by requiring them to pay for a permit, much like a permit to sell alcohol.

— Oscar Bissot

As much as I can't stand people smoking around me, I think the new smoking ordinance is overly restrictive. The city of Irving has no business trying to change the existing smoking rules. As if the current restrictions were not enough, this ordinance further infringes on the rights of the smokers, unnecessarily.

It's true that I'm not a fan of secondhand smoking and I often complain all smokers ought to be more considerate of the non-smokers around them. I'm not a smoker and have never been one. At the same time, I value having the freedom of choice to smoke or not to smoke, and especially to be treated equally like anybody else. Let's give them some breathing room to practice their freedom of choice.

— Glen Sovian

Illustration by Tom Ritchey