Consumers choke as Smoking Ban is put into effect!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley, Gleaner Online Writer

I have written in previous posts about the effects that smoking has on those who persist in watching their money go up in ‘smoke’.

Since July 15, 2013, the implementation of the smoking restrictions have resulted in public outcry.

Some people felt that the ban was too restrictive and wanted the government to fine tune some of their definitions of where smoking would be allowed.

Others did not realize the extent to which the ban was going to curtail their freedom or how seriously it would have been taken by law officials.

Perhaps the full scope of the restrictions made everyone realize that if smokers face such harsh penalties and could not afford the fines, the prisons would be filled with these ‘smoking criminals’!

Our prison system certainly can’t handle that kind of stress!

Vendors lamented that the ban would affect their sales of cigarettes which they needed to sell in order to meet their daily needs.
Let’s face it whereas some downturn must be expected in sales the majority of consumers who smoke are still going to continue to do for a majority of reasons.

The main reason, in my opinion that this is true is because smoking is addictive so some may want to stop but might be finding it difficult to do so. So despite the ban they will still continue to buy cigarettes.

Those who smoke often do not realize that they are inconveniencing others as I recall I once had to leave a restaurant because a couple at another table refused to put out their cigarette.

I spoke to a few vendors who sell cigarettes and most agreed with the ban but some felt that the fine was too much for the ‘crime’ of lighting up in a public place.
The reference to public place as also being in the home or car was also a topic of debate.

What is the cost for consumers?
The cost of smoking on our economy is not just what we lose when we waste money buying cigarettes, it is also the money we spend to fix health problems caused by cigarette smoking.

Those who suffer from asthma, bronchitis and other breathing problems would lessen their trips to the emergency room if they were living in smoke free environments.

Although some revisions have been made to the smoking ban it still seeks to keep Jamaica a relatively smoke free island.

On a side note, can’t we also impose fines on those who burn tires for seemingly no reason and what about those vehicles that spew black smoke in the atmosphere?
Just a thought!

What do you think about the smoking ban? Let me hear from you!

Tags: smoking