A recent news article reports on research showing the positive impact of smoking bans on bar employees in Michigan. The evidence suggests that these bans are serving their purpose, resulting in cleaner environments for employees and patrons.
The comments to this article show that even the best evidence (and I don’t make any claims about the quality of the reported research) is not the only basis for policy decisions like smoking bans. Some posters challenge whether this evidence is good enough to support the ban and others argue that the individual right to smoke should trump even health benefits.
Public health experts who generate research related to public policies can also serve the role of helping people think through the variety of factors that can influence public choices. How would the online comments flow if an expert chimed in?
Bar Employees Healthier in Year Since Michigan Banned Smoking in Bars and Restaurants, Study Finds
Published April 28, 2011
