By Times of Malta

Copyright timesofmalta

Smoking should be banned Emmy Bezzina of Valletta writes: Smokers, by and large, filthy they stink from anything attached to them. Way back, I had campaigned through radio, TV and other media outlets against this dirty, foul smelling, repulsive and unhealthy vice. Finally, in 2004, Malta legislated so that smoking is eradicated from being utilised indoors in public places. However, this legislation is abused. Though indoor smoking is prohibited in public places, many employ a number of tricks to smoke. For instance, at the law courts, where smoking is strictly prohibited, individuals make use of the toilets to smoke. Going to a restaurant, patrons go just outside the entrance and smoke there, with the repelling smell coming into the restaurant, especially on windy days. Many waste precious working time by going out of their work establishment to have a smoke. This smoking ‘leave’ should be formally punched out and in on their attendance sheet. Our streets and public spaces are made dirtier with cigarette leftovers strewn all over which, incidentally, is a contravention in terms of the Criminal Code. Smokers require to be taught about these very bad manners, apart from the inconvenience of having to bear up with the repulsive smell. The prime minister now announced that two public beaches will become no smoking zones. Smoking should be prohibited in all public places whether indoors or outdoors. It is an unhealthy, despicable mannerism that is annoying to many who would rather not embarrass those who smoke. All cigarette vending machines, including vaping, should be prohibited from being installed in all public places, notably restaurants, shops and cinemas. Smokers should be regarded as social outcasts and, thus, treated as such. Non-smoking should be regarded as the rule and persons inclined to smoke are to be formally treated to eliminate this dreaded disease, like Alcoholics Anonymous. While acknowledging that tobacco products leave substantial revenue in the public coffers, on the other hand, persons suffering from smoking symptoms are a heavy burden on our medical facilities. No smoking should be permitted in the presence of minors, thus avoiding the inevitable bad example that follows. Thus, non-smoking should be public policy and no official representative of any institution should smoke, including members of the House of Representatives. No smoking zones should be the rule, not a gratifying exception. Passive smokers are, thus, to be duly protected.