Many jurisdictions throughout the world have imposed laws to limit or eliminate smoking in public places.These ordinances generally apply to both cigarettes and cigars. Although these legislative restrictions are associated with several benefits, they have drawbacks. Cigar smoking bans are controversial in most areas because cigar aficionados tend to find them unethically restrictive. However, the overall scientific consensus suggests that their benefits dramatically outweigh the risks.
Public Health
The World Health Organization supports legislative acts that restrict tobacco smoking in public places. Tobacco leaf, found in cigarettes and cigars, contains a number of toxic and addictive compounds linked to asthma, heart disease, cancer, pregnancy complications and other serious problems. Cigar smoking bans can minimize non-smokers' unintentional exposure to these compounds. Cigar smoking bans are particularly valuable to those who are at the highest risk of complications from secondhand smoke, such as infants, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions.
Smoking Reduction
Cigar-smoking bans may encourage smokers to discontinue their unhealthy habit. According to a March 2006 report published by the BBC, over one-fifth of British smokers planned to discontinue the habit after an implementation of a public indoor smoking ban. Those who smoke cigars habitually may be more motivated to quit if they don't have access to nicotine while in public spaces. This can decrease smoking rates, thereby decreasing the risk of tobacco-related health problems.
Violence and Mental Health Disruption
Nicotine's highly addictive nature may cause cigar smokers to become emotionally or mentally unstable when deprived of the drug. In 2009, a Turkish restaurant owner was shot and killed by a smoker when he attempted to enforce a public smoking ban, according to Reuters. Smokers' nicotine cravings can also lead to workplace irritability, rudeness, distraction or petty violence during the implementation of cigar smoking bans. Although serious problems are rare, minor tobacco-related disturbances can be unsettling in workplace environments.
Drunken Driving
Cigar smoking bans may encourage drunken driving, according to an April 2008 report published in The Economist. An investigation of 20 U.S. counties revealed a starkly elevated rate of arrests, accidents and deaths in the months and years following public smoking bans. The authors of the study suggest that this may occur because people drive to jurisdictions where they can legally smoke and drink in the same setting. More evidence is needed to weigh these findings against the known risks associated with public smoking.
