The ban is important for everyone’s health
I am not sure if banning smoking from public areas would reduce the number of smokers, as it is an addiction, but it would definitely improve the quality of life for nonsmokers. It would also reduce the number of people who are suffering from lung cancer, even though they are not smoking. It is a serious topic, so I think it is important to ban smoking in all public areas. We did it in France some years ago and people were very happy about it. The smokers had to accept it and they changed their behaviour.
From Ms Elsa Anastasie Brouillard
UAE
It won’t work
As most people know, nicotine is an addictive substance and whatever measures are taken to curb its use, have no effect. In my opinion, the approach — if you are really trying to make people quit — is to address the root of the problem. I think the person who should suggest a solution is a smoker, as he/she knows what would work and what wouldn’t.
From Mr Louay Mod
UAE
The evidence is clear
Banning smoking in public areas helps smokers to quit, because they are not able to maintain their addiction if they have fewer opportunities to smoke. The evidence is clear. Cigarettes are human pesticides. Addicts are killing themselves slowly, and they have no right to expose healthy people to their cancer-causing pollution. Ban it.
From Mr Omar Shafey
UAE
Reduces consumption
No! Bans can only reduce people’s cigarette consumption, but it cannot reduce the number of smokers.
From Ms June Martin
UAE
Second-hand smoke
It can reduce the number of smokers as well as those injured due to passive smoking.
From Ms Sima S.
UAE
No choice for nonsmokers
Governments should ban smoking in all public places, including restaurants and clubs! Why should nonsmokers be forced to smoke against their wish? In my opinion, this is like forcing someone to do something just because they have come out to socialise.
From Mr Alex Morgan
UAE
Won’t change habits
I think some things cannot be controlled through constraints or rules. Changing habits like these have to do mostly with your mental strength. It’s all psychological. These kinds of rules may not aid in achieving what everyone is looking for — the reduction of smokers.
From Mr Asif Mahmoud
UAE
Designated areas
As per fundamental humanitarian and cultural differences between us, I think a total ban on smoking is wrong, but the authorities could allocate isolated spaces, that are fully recognisable and easily identifiable by all smokers and nonsmokers. This could help law enforcement agencies to fine those who smoke in prohibited areas.
From Mr Karuhanga Vicent
UAE
Nonsmoker problems
Yes, it should be banned in parks. It’s so awkward when you are in a park relaxing for a while, and someone sitting next to you on a bench decides to start smoking.
From Mr Hafiz Yasir Abbas Awan
UAE
Must be banned!
It would definitely reduce the number of smokers. Please ban public smoking! Laws should be brought into action as soon as possible on this matter. If it happens, it will be very successful, just like in India. The reduction in the number of smokers cannot be guaranteed, but it would definitely reduce the frequency of smoking. As with how it is in a few foreign countries, the price of all cigarettes should be increased. My friend from visited Dubai last week and was shocked to see the amount of public smoking.
India is the best example of a successful ban. The Indian government started an initiative a few years ago, regarding public smoking, and released mandatory advertisements in cinemas, informing viewers about how smoking affects every individual and their loved ones. Everyone has the right to enjoy whatever they want to, in life, but it should never affect another person - and smoking in public does!
From Mr Aloysius Joshi
Dubai
It’s worth the ban
Let’s look at other countries. The UK banned smoking in public areas and in private cars to protect nonsmokers, especially children. In the US, cigarettes are really expensive. I think that cigarettes must be subjected to a health tax, sanitation tax and recycling tax to make it really expensive. This solution would secure revenues, reduce smokers and help in the preservation of Nature and the environment. Aren’t all of these dear things worth it?
From Mr Bido Raslan
Cairo, Egypt
Dangers to others
It is not about reducing the number of smokers, as they can smoke at home. It has more to do with public health issues concerning second-hand smoking. So, yes, it should be banned in public areas.
From Mr Bradley Zara Orlina
UAE
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