Charles Thurston

IIP Step 3: Narrative

UWRT 1102-027
10/2/14
Ban on Smoking in Public Outdoor Areas

In September there was a proposed ban on smoking on all government controlled outdoor
public grounds in Mecklenburg County including areas such as golf courses, parks, and
greenways. This proposal includes a ban on E-cigs as well. The vote for this proposal was
scheduled to take place on September 17 but has already been delayed and has not been
rescheduled. The delay occurred because officials wanted to hear more input from the towns that
are part of the county.
There are several different arguments that can be made for and against this ban. These
arguments consist of things such as peoples rights, possible economic effects, and health issues.
From what I have learned on the topic it would appear that the reasons to oppose the ban
outweigh the benefits of the ban but others might disagree. The issue with whether one is for or
against the ban is the fact that most people have a bias opinion on the topic. Smokers are
generally against the ban and non-smokers are generally for it. The arguments that disagree with
the ban are peoples rights, possible economic effects, and even some aspects of health issues.
The only argue that can support the ban is heath issues and it can also be used against the ban.
The first argument is that the ban takes things too far and becomes a violation of peoples
rights. This ban is pushing one step closer to banning smoking all together. Based on history,
banning things only works with a compromise and only to a limit. The last time this situation
occurred was the alcohol prohibition. When this happened there were spikes in crime rates and

illegal activity and several other problems occurred until the ban was lifted. If this ends up
happing with smoking it should be expected that the same issues will arise again.
The next argument is the possible economic effects. This concern is especially important
in the area where the ban is proposed. This is due to the large number of tobacco companies that
are based and operate in this area. The concern is that there will be a significant drop in smoking
which will cause tobacco companies to lose business. If this happens there is a possibility that
tobacco companies will have to cut down on employees and reduce the number of jobs. This
potential outcome will negatively impact the economy in two main ways. First it will reduce the
amount of income in this area and secondly it will raise the unemployment in this area.
The last main concern involves health issues. E-cigs are the healthier option compared to
smoking which raises a question. Why are e-cigs included in the ban? This ban will most likely
decrease the smoking of tobacco and e-cigs with equal proportion. This will have a moderately
significant positive impact on the health of non-smokers but no significant positive impact on the
heath of smokers. If e-cigs were not included in the ban than there would be an increase in the
number of people that convert from smoking tobacco to smoking e-cigs. Since e-cigs are a
healthier option there would be a moderately significant positive impact on the health of both
smokers and non-smokers. This compromise would have a larger positive effect on the health of
the entire population than the proposed ban on both smoked tobacco and e-cigs.