San Marcos Smoking Ban

1. http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/san-marcos-gives-initial-approval-to-indoor-smokin/nZzbd/?icmp=statesman_internallink_textlink_apr2013_statesmanstubtomystatesman_launch

2. Category of Problem/Issue: Health Problem

3. Level of Problem: Local

4. The article concerns:
-Individuals and families who smoke or are affected by second hand smoke. The smoking ban would prohibit smoking indoors, including the bars and restaurants on the square.

5. Why is this important to individuals/families OR How does it affect individuals/families?

-Cigarettes are known to cause cancer and it affects not only the smoker, but everyone who inhales that person's smoke.

6. What are your views on the issue/problem?

-As a non-smoker, this ban doesn't necessarily anger me. I don't necessarily mind the smoke at bars, but I do understand that it is detrimental to everyone's health. It's never fun to get home and realize that your hair and clothes reek of cigarette smoke. I also never understood why people allowed smoking at restaurants, like while people are eating.That's where the smoking ban would really benefit us. If people want to step outside for a smoke break, by all means, smoke away.The smoking ban will definitely anger many people who enjoy smoking cigarettes, especially on the square where smoking is almost like some sort of social circle. Although I do feel for my fellow smoker friends, the smoking ban is a good step forward.