Thought Through, It’S Too Impractical

Everybody knows, by now, that smoking is bad for one’s health. In a perfect world, smoking wouldn’t even exist. Eventually, perhaps, it will be snuffed out completely. The enforced absence of secondhand smoke in public buildings, public transportation, workplaces, restaurants and stadiums is clearly a step in the right direction. In August, the ban on outdoor tobacco ads will take effect. So far, so good.

Now, the Spokane Regional Health District is recommending that smoking be banned in parks and other outdoor recreational areas. The district’s intentions are good, but a sweeping ban such as this is extreme. Smokers already have been sent outside to puff. If they can’t smoke there, where should they go? Hide in the bushes? Take the kids to the car while they light up? Most likely, they’d stay put. How’s that for an example to the kids? You feel the law is unreasonable, so you break it.

In support of the ban is the notion that if kids don’t see adults smoking, it will somehow squelch the idea that smoking is normal. But it could backfire. Many teenagers already are looking for ways to thumb their noses at authority. Society in general seems to be feeling resentful over what is perceived to be overregulation by government. Even proponents of the ban cite difficulty in enforcing such a regulation. At the fairgrounds, for instance, smoking has been prohibited except in designated areas since 1997, but the rule is largely being ignored.

Law enforcement personnel have much better things to do, such as catching serial killers, drug dealers, rapists and child molesters. Red-light runners are a far greater threat to the public than the guy lighting up a smoke at the neighborhood park. What if the smoker is alone in the park? Let police concentrate on real criminals.

If there must be a ban, it should focus on specific areas where people are gathered for an event, such as outdoor concerts and food fairs. Few nonsmokers want to be camped next to a chain smoker while they enjoy the Symphony in the park. On the other hand, a smoker shouldn’t have to hike completely outside the park for a cigarette break.

A better approach would be to step up the anti-smoking campaign through public education. Instead of hiding the problem, face it head on. Persuade kids they shouldn’t start smoking - simply because smoking is a stupid thing to do. Meanwhile, smokers, take this recommended ban as a warning: Nonsmokers resent cigarette litter and smoke clouds in their faces. If you find restrictions offensive, make an effort not to offend.