Regulations, restrictions and societal attitudes about public smoking differ substantially around the world. In some places, smoking is virtually unrestricted. In others, substantial restrictions govern where adults can smoke.

We agree with the view that governments should regulate smoking in indoor public places. Consideration of indoor smoking restrictions should include many factors, including: (1) the conclusions of public health officials that exposure to secondhand smoke causes disease (click the link on the right for more about secondhand smoke); (2) the principle that the public should be able to choose whether or not to be in places where smoking is permitted; (3) the type of venue (office, restaurant, bar, public transportation); (4) the ability of business owners - particularly in the hospitality sector - to retain some flexibility to determine the smoking policy for their establishment; and (5) the fact that a sizable proportion of adults in virtually every country in the world are smokers.

Taking factors such as these into account is something that societies do all of the time with respect to many issues. A similar analysis should be applied here: with some exceptions, public smoking indoors should be neither unrestricted nor absolutely prohibited. We want to work with public health officials and governments to establish national standards regulating secondhand smoke in public places.

In our view, regulations to minimize secondhand smoke are appropriate in many public places. People should be able to avoid being around secondhand smoke in places where they must go, such as public buildings, many areas in the workplace and public transportation. At the same time, any such regulations should also permit businesses to provide adult smokers a comfortable place in which to smoke. In places where smoking is permitted, business owners should have some flexibility in deciding how best to address the preferences of non-smokers and smokers through separation, separate rooms and/or high quality ventilation. We also believe that bans are appropriate in some cases (such as in schools and day care facilities where children are present).

We think that where smoking is permitted, the government should require the posting of warning notices that communicate public health officials' conclusions that secondhand smoke causes disease in non-smokers. The public can then choose whether or not to frequent places where smoking is permitted.

We strongly believe smoking should be permitted outdoors (except in very particular circumstances, such as outdoor areas primarily designed for children).

Email this page