On November 7, 2006 58% of Ohio voters approved Issue 5 (Smoke Free Ohio), which banned smoking in all bars, restaurants, workplaces and enclosed public spaces. The smoking ban in Ohio went into effect a month later on December 7, 2006, and has been endured criticism and controversy ever since.
The biggest voices heard on this issue in Ohio are business owners who are afraid of the possibility of lost revenue from smokers who choose not to be patrons at their establishment because of the ban. Others argue that people losing their right to smoke in these places is an infringement on their personal rights, and that we are essentially giving the government more power over us.
Smoking bans in states is not a new thing there are many states with smoking legislation. The graph below displays the types of laws that certain states have in effect in the U.S. In addition, to state smoking bans many cities also have smoking bans, while I haven’t listed them, Wikipedia has a list as well as an explanation of the laws.
The biggest voices heard on this issue in Ohio are business owners who are afraid of the possibility of lost revenue from smokers who choose not to be patrons at their establishment because of the ban. Others argue that people losing their right to smoke in these places is an infringement on their personal rights, and that we are essentially giving the government more power over us.
Smoking bans in states is not a new thing there are many states with smoking legislation. The graph below displays the types of laws that certain states have in effect in the U.S. In addition, to state smoking bans many cities also have smoking bans, while I haven’t listed them, Wikipedia has a list as well as an explanation of the laws.
The ban on smoking is not just occurring in the United States, many countries such as Italy and Scotland have also banned smoking in certain places. The Global Smoke Free Partnership is trying to further this international trend.
The purpose of this blog is not to argue for or against Issue 5 but rather use information about the effects smoking bans have had on states with similar legislation to Ohio and try to make inferences about the impact the ban will have on Ohio. I plan to create a profile of the states with smoking bans, give the ramifications and explore the economic impact and effects on the health of its population after the smoking ban is in place. With this blog I hope to provide my readers with enough information so that they may predict what future effects Issue 5 will have on Ohio.
**Photo Credit: The graph above was made by me using Photoshop.**
3 comments:
I think your blog is looking good, and has the potential to be even better. Your map graphic is very effective in giving a nationwide view of smoking bans, as are the provided links. However, do you think it's a good idea to link to Wikipedia? Are there any other more reliable sources that you could have used? Also what are some of the effects Issue 5 has already had on Ohio during its short existence? What about Athens or just small towns in Appalachia?
Love the graphic, helps put the broader picture in perspective very well. Thought the Wikipedia link was very helpful, gave me the opportunity to see if a smoking ban exists in friends/families hometowns across the country. I tried to look at the Issue 5 link but it didn't work. Good job! Looking forward to the next post.
Keep up the good work.
Post a Comment