A timely debate. below is an article from the CBC (Canada's BBC) news:-
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UN tobacco control treaty comes into force
Last Updated Sun, 27 Feb 2005 15:47:28 EST
CBC News
GENEVA - The first international treaty aimed at reducing smoking-related deaths and illness came into effect Sunday, the World Health Organization said.
The treaty was a Canadian initiative, said H?l?ne Goulet, director general of Canada's tobacco control program.
Fifty-seven countries, including Canada, have ratified the treaty, formally known as WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Member countries promise to crack down on advertising, sponsorship and promotion of tobacco products. The treaty also pushes for tougher tobacco labelling laws.
WHO says smoking is the world's second leading cause of preventable deaths. Hypertension is the first.
The UN body estimates nearly five million people die prematurely each year from tobacco-related diseases.
If current smoking trends are not reversed, WHO warns by 2020, tobacco will kill 10 million people, 70 per cent of them in developing countries.
"So this treaty is a first step in that direction," said Goulet.
WHO tobacco co-ordinator Douglas Bettcher says the treaty, if properly implemented, can curb the global tobacco epidemic.
The treaty contains provisions aimed at dissuading children from smoking and helping adults to kick the habit.
It recommends tax and price increases on tobacco products, a crackdown on smuggling and measures to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke.
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Does not really say much but I wonder how many millions went into making this treaty?
In Canada each province has its own rules regarding smoking. Here in Nova Scotia there is no smoking in public places. If you wish to smoke you have to go outside and there are regulations about how far you have to be from a door, window etc. Hospitals and schools have a policy where you can not smoke on their grounds which includes sitting in your car in an out door parking lot.
Bars and clubs do not allow smoking until after 9pm, unless they have an enclosed smoking room with its own ventilation. The 9 pm thing does not make much sense as the residue will be there the next day any way but the reason they give is that at most bars food is served until 9 pm so kids are allowed in there to eat if of course they are accompanied by an adult. Thing is there are places such as the pool hall in town where you have to be 19 (drinking age) no kids allowed yet the same rules apply.
Yes we all know smoking is bad for you and any one around you but in as far as yourself is concerned the choice should be yours.
:violent5:
