We ask you: Should South Wales follow New York in banning smoking in public parks?
THE Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg has extended a smoking ban to parks and public places in the US city.
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NYC now has one of the strictest anti-smoking regimes in the world. Critics say it is draconian and an attack on civil liberties, while supporters say it can have a dramatic impact on health.
When New York banned smoking in restaurants and pubs it led to 350,000 people giving up cigarettes.
Today This Is South Wales is asking whether you would like to see smoking banned in all public places in your area.
Do you believe it should be illegal to light up in public places in Clyne Gardens and Pembrey Country Park?
Or have you had enough of people telling you what you can and cannot eat, drink and smoke?
Vote in the poll below and please feel free to use the comment facility below to have your say.
20 Comments
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by Roy, Swansea
Tuesday, February 15 2011, 7:12PM
“Spend the money on tackling the drug problem. Smokers have been picked on for years and what about traffic fumes, should we ban cars?”
by mark, swansea
Monday, February 14 2011, 2:13PM
“why not ban farting in public while were at it!!!”
by Dave, Gower
Thursday, February 10 2011, 11:46AM
“When are they gonna ban coughing and sneezing in public aswell. It's not fair that I could become ill from someone elses inconsideration.”
by martin, swansea
Thursday, February 10 2011, 10:00AM
“Ban smoking in all public places! Its disgusting! Why should us healthy people now be forced to walk through a cloud of smoke and bad smell in order to enter most public buildings because stinking smokers want a fag.
Hospital entrances, pub entrances, outside banks, park benchs, absolutely disgusting. As for the Matthew who says shall we ban cars as well, stop being an idiot!!!”
by julie, neath
Thursday, February 10 2011, 2:24AM
“why can;t people see that smoking is as harmful as drug taking? we would be all standing up yelling at people if they were using drugs on the street for the world to see. Why should smoking be acceptable in public? It causes more harm to children, at least with alchol the affects are limited to the person not everyone else arround the. Smoking should be taxed more and let the high tax on smoking allow for tax on petrol to be reduced. I also feel smoking should be classiffied up there with pot.”
by JR, Neath
Thursday, February 10 2011, 1:39AM
“Jesus Christ, just let people live their lives. I am a smoker myself but I am respectful of who I smoke around. I never smoke around children and stand away from people who aren't smoking themselves when in public. It's the polite thing to do. But it really, really winds me up when I see people being so disrespectful towards smokers and making these harsh comments just because they don't like it themselves. I really wish you knew what you sound like. Honestly I think this is the most ridiculous thing I've heard about the smoking ban. People who smoke are human mind! Some of you are making comments here like you want to cage people who smoke up just because you don't approve!
"They should be made to feel like outsiders, because its really bad for them."
I'm sorry, but much like people enjoy going to the pub for a drink to unwind I like to have a cigarette after a rather stressful day. How would you like it if someone took away one of the things you enjoy and said..no it's bad for you. It's my choice and it's my body. What the hell is this world coming to when people can't just enjoy what's bad for them?! It's in our nature like the things that are bad for us. Why have people got to ruin everything that's good in life with their constant whining. Stop taking life so seriously and grow up.”
by Anon, Swansea
Wednesday, February 09 2011, 10:30AM
“They should ban parents smoking around their kids too and fine them if they do. I have seen many parents pushing pushchairs and smoking at the same time, if they want to kill themselves, fine but the children do not have a choice when exposed to cigarette smells and inhaling it in this way. It is a disgusting habit and why anyone wants to deliberately kill themselves slowly in this way is indeed the same as taking drugs.”
by derrick, Llanelli
Tuesday, February 08 2011, 7:57PM
“walking by lloyds bank today the benches were full of smoking people other shoppers walking by were looking at them with the same sort of lip curling looks as if to say you smell including me”
by Welshrunner, Mumbles
Tuesday, February 08 2011, 7:56PM
“How would a ban of smoking in parks be policed?
Dog fouling in parks etc is supposed to be illegal but even with the threat of a £1000 fine there is still crap everywhere.”
by John Player, Woodbine Cottage.
Tuesday, February 08 2011, 6:46PM
“Smokers are losers : I dont particularly like sitting or standing close to anyone whose sprayed themselfs in perfume .
Most people are ignorant to the fact that they prefer to believe Government statistics before the actual truth .
Tobbacco smoking is not the biggest killer of (Heart Lung Discease ), it is the Motor Car etc:
The Government in 1999 banned all import of Asbestos , also banning all production of Automotive Asbestos Components ( Brake linings clutches etc ) which spewed out into the environment a toxic killer dust which EVERY ONE breathed in .
Since the introduction of post 2000 replacement to Asbestos Brakelinings etc : the new man made synthetic components has made Asthma rise in children drastically . Dont put all the blame on tobbacco Smokers .”