Smoking Bans (Point/Counterpoint)

The harmful effects of smoking are well documented, and the number of smokers has declined since the mid-20th century, when more than half of all adult Americans smoked. Additionally, as the adverse effects of secondhand smoke on nonsmokers' health have become clear, more places have banned smoking. Smokers, however, have begun to fight back against the increasing number of local laws banning smoking from all public places, even in bars and restaurants. They say that such sweeping bans infringe upon freedom of choice, while the bans' supporters say that clean air is essential to preserve the health of nonsmokers. "Smoking Bans, Second Edition" explores this issue from various angles with updated statistics, new arguments, and information about current legislation.