Smoking ban fails to make an impact in public places

A recent survey carried out by the Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Development Research (CMDR) has revealed that around 63% of the pubs, bars, coffee shops and restaurants in Bangalore have failed to implement the ban on smoking in public places. 

They have also not created separate spaces, termed as non-smoking zones, to help smokers enjoy their fag.

Owners of these pubs and restaurants argue that even if the ban is imposed strictly, it is finally left to the individual to follow the rules.

“Smoking is banned inside pubs and restaurants according to law. When people can follow rules like wearing a helmet or fastening a seat belt while driving, why not this?” asks Ashish Kothare, president, The Association of Bar and Restaurants, Pubs and Hotels.

“Many pubs are taking the initiative to have separate smoking zones and make themselves smoke-free,” he adds.

A few months back, tobacco companies began printing pictures of barely visible cancer-infected lungs on cigarette packets to warn people against smoking.

Can merely banning smoking in public places or printing alarming pictures on cigarette packs, force smokers to kick the habit? “An international research suggests that ban on smoking in public has not reduced the number of smokers globally,” points out Dr Suresh Shottam, a smoking cessation therapist and director, Easyway India that promotes easy ways to stop smoking.
Mere curbs are not enough to make smokers kick the habit. Rather, the reverse psychology works strong, says Dr Shottam.

“For example, if a restaurant bans smoking, smokers will stand outside and finish their puff, before getting in. Thus, instead of wasting funds on awareness campaigns, the government must implement quit-smoking programmes. Smokers need to be approached in a methodical way so that they can overcome smoking,” he says.

According to Dr Shottam, 24 hours is all that is needed for a person to quit smoking forever, if he or she has the right information.

Kothare echoes Dr Shottam when he says, “The entire issue needs to be dealt with scientifically. Right from school days, the ill-effects of smoking needs to be inculcated among children. Since smoking is an addiction, one cannot make smokers quit cigarettes merely by banning smoking in public places.”