In recent decades, it has become apparent that smoking kills. The federal government requires that every cigarette package carry a warning that smoking can cause health problems or even death. But the messages are rather clinical, for example: “Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and can complicate pregnancy. » Smoking is a health hazard, but there is now evidence that smoking can also affect others. Second-hand smoke has been shown to cause cancer. Second-hand smoke has been shown to produce the same negative health effects as direct smoking. Cities across the country are taking it upon themselves to tackle the problem of smoking in public places because of evidence of the dangers of smoking. Bars and restaurants are often targets for smoking bans because they are typically gathering places for smokers. Smoking bans have been enforced at the city, county, and state levels in various parts of the country. The federal government imposes warnings on cigarette packages and commissions studies on the dangers of smoking. The government must ban smoking in public places to include bars and restaurants nationwide, because smoking bans do not hurt business, second-hand smoke is harmful, and people have freedom of choice. Those who oppose a national ban on smoking in bars and restaurants point to personal choice, addiction and profiteering as reasons to oppose any national effort. Some fear local bans could push customers across borders or into neighboring communities. Others claim that smoking and drinking are inextricably linked. A smoking ban makes the argument that people will stop drinking, which will reduce corporate profits...... middle of paper ...... Health December/January 2009/2010: p12-12 . Feigelman, William and Julia Lee. “Are Americans receptive to smoke-free bars? » Journal of Psychoactive Drugs Vol. 38. Number 2 (2006): p133-141. Management, Human Resources of the Central Texas College District. “Policy No. 230: Smoking.” Policies and Procedures Manual. Shah, Anil N. and Michael J. Arnold. “The Clinical Implications of a Smoking Ban on U.S. Navy Submarines.” Military Medicine Vol. 176. Number 2 (2011): p222-227. Smoking and tobacco use. October 29, 2010. Soundbites and responses from the tobacco industry. August 2004. Tobacco's dirty tricks. July 8, 2008. .100% smoke-free laws in the United States in workplaces, restaurants and bars. .