Smoked out as ban kicks in

When the extension of the smoking ban kicked in last Saturday, some football fans gave up their seats rather than forsake their puffs.

Under the extension of the smoking ban which kicked in on Saturday, smoking is prohibited in indoor eateries. Hawker centres without outdoor areas can convert 10 per cent of their indoor seating capacity into smoking corners. For those with outdoor seating areas, up to 20 per cent of the outdoor area can be designated for smokers.

This could be seen as yet another one-size-fits-all solution by the government but it is a necessity. It is a move necessary to promote health for the public in general.

It only makes sense as there are probably more non-smokers than smokers in the country and it is only fair that they do not be forced to suffer the minority's second hand smoke.

In the short run, of course eating establishments will suffer a dip in earnings, probably from the loss of income of smokers who'd rather not hang around while smoking with friends.

But in the long run, as the ban kicks in, people would find this a norm and adjust accordingly. Everything will get back to normal.

Afterall, how long can smokers hang on to their silent sit out protest? Even smokers need to eat.