¶ … smoking bans in public bars and restaurants. There are three references used for this paper. Today many states have placed a ban on smoking in public bars and public restaurants. It is important to look at the health issues of smoking and determine why these bans should be enforced throughout the country.

Health Issues

Smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Many smokers argue they should be allowed to smoke as they please and the only one it is hurting is them. However, research has proven that secondhand smoke is just as deadly to the non-smokers who are exposed to it.

In April 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning to those "at risk of heart disease to avoid all buildings and gathering places that allow indoor smoking. The CDC disclosed the advisory, saying doctors need to warn people with heart problems that...

The CDC has received data that shows a substantial biological change occurs with even 30 minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke, which can have a serious and even lethal effect (Kaufman)."
Alarming Statistics

The statistics of the effects of secondhand smoke are frightening. "According to the CDC, secondhand smoke kills 3,000 people a year from lung cancer, and as many as 35,000 a year from heart disease. Many hospitality workers inhale the equivalent of two packs of cigarettes a day according to the coalition Washington BREATHE, who's members include the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association (Buchanan)."

Proof the…