―To protect nonsmokers’ rights―
Recent years, public opinion is strongly against smokers for example there are not only restaurants and public transportation which have entirely nonsmoking seats but also entirely nonsmoking pachinko parlors. Moreover, raise tax rates of tobacco was enforced in this October. As a result of it, some smokers started to stop smoking. On the other hand, some smokers break manners for example smoking while walking and smoking outside of smoking areas and suchlike. What is necessary for smokers and nonsmokers to live without any unhappiness?
First, it is necessary to strictly enforce a law. Japan agrees with WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The Health Promotion law impose a duty which prevention of passive smoking in public and places where many people gather. However the present condition is different from the law. Not only prohibition of smoking is correctly carried out, needless to say, but also separation of smoking and nonsmoking areas. Passive smoking will never decrease if there is only the law.
In addition, it is also necessary that smokers notice real feelings of nonsmokers. Do you know a word, “Smoke harassment”? The word refers to a harassment action that nonsmokers are enforced on conditions for example nonsmokers can’t refuse smokers’ permission for smoking. According to a survey, 60% nonsmokers can’t refuse their superiors’ smoking. Smokers should understand many people really don’t like being enforced on passive smoking in the world.
As you can see, it seems that smokers’ way of thinking about smoking is very different from nonsmokers’ one. The most important thing is to make environment which both are satisfied each other to solve the problem of passive smoking.
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