The life of a cigarette smoker is becoming increasingly restricted, with a federal ban on the sale of flavored tobacco, a ban on smoking in restaurants and bars, and more locally, a ban on all tobacco sales at Wegmans. Soon, Ithaca may take smoking matters into its own hands by making 50 percent of the Commons a smoke-free zone. Though the legislation will be met with some harsh criticism, we support the move as it will serve to protect the people of Ithaca, more so than restrict them.

A ban on smoking in a public place like the Commons is a tough issue to tackle as the space is meant to serve the city as a whole, not just those deemed worthy by its legislators. That is why we endorse the current proposal to the Common Council that would merely ban smoking in specified places that are difficult to steer clear of like outdoor dining areas, playgrounds and schools.

The detrimental health threat of second-hand smoke is real and hard to avoid in the types of crowded areas this proposed policy would affect. As proponents of the initiative have noted, the U. S. Surgeon General has made this position clear in 2006, and it is long past time that we face the facts about needing to limit non-smoker’s exposure to the carcinogenic fumes. Outdoor smoking limits would create a smoke-free zone where young children, diners and others could enjoy the Commons without having to worry about passing puffers.

Bystanders will not be the only ones to feel the positive benefits of this proposal. Anything to reduce the ease by which smokers themselves can engage in their habit is to their own advantage. If the ban simply reduces the consumption of tobacco among regular users, it can help many who wish to quit to achieve their goal.

Ithaca is not alone in its quest to protect outdoor air quality by banning outdoor smoking. In mid-September, the health commissioner of New York City announced he would work to ban smoking in public beaches and parks. While the Common Council is only considering a smoking ban that would affect a few city blocks, the New York City ban would curb smoking in 1,700 parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities, and on seven public beaches. These measures will send a powerful message to smokers everywhere: If you choose to smoke, please do so in a place where others can avoid the harmful byproducts of the habit.

While so far no official action has been taken, the proposal put forth by some members of the Ithaca Common Council in support of banning smoking in certain outdoor areas is a step in the right direction. We applaud the progress that has been made, and urge those with the authority to push the legislation forward as efficiently as possible.