To Ban or Not to Ban?

Everyone knows that smoking is harmful to your health. But adults who choose to smoke feel it is their decision to make and their right to smoke in designated areas of public places. Others, however, disagree. Many people feel that it is unfair that everyone's clean air and health are affected by those who are smoking.

A new ordinance (law) has recently been proposed that would ban smoking in restaurants and bars in the city of Chicago. Mayor Richard Daley is considering whether or not to support a total ban on smoking in Chicago restaurants. The ordinance is backed by antismoking supporters, including the American Lung Association and doctors. They feel that separate smoking sections in restaurants and bars are not enough to keep the secondhand smoke from harming nonsmokers.

The bar and restaurant owners in Chicago, however, oppose the new law. They feel that their businesses would suffer greatly if smoking were to be banned in their establishments. Other cities which have adopted nonsmoking laws have found that such laws can hurt the economy of a city and lead to the closing of many bars and restaurants.

Mayor Daley needs your help to make his decision. He must consider the health of citizens of Chicago as well as the economy of the city's businesses. What do you think? Should businesses be allowed to have separate smoking sections for those adults who choose to smoke? Or, for the health of all diners and patrons, should smoking be banned from bars and restaurants? Write a persuasive letter to Mayor Daley stating your position on this controversial issue.