Can official prohibition stop smoking in buildings for good?

Many are finding now that the year 2008 was not good (at all) since only the untoward developments took place. First, there was the recession in the global arena whose brunt has been plaguing the international community and none is sure when this nightmare or incubus will end. Will it end ever? Some persons are found to ask this question repeatedly. But, now, there is one more grievous news. It is regarding the abolition of smoking in the US federal buildings and that has shocked the government workers terribly. What is the new instruction? The new federal policy has ruled that the government workers at federal buildings who are found to be desirous of cigarette break will have to take a stroll before they light up.

The regulation was published last week in the Federal Register by the General Services Administration. In the words of the regulation, any type of smoking in the courtyards of federal buildings, or within 25 feet of doorways and air intake ducts is prohibited and there shall be no smoking rooms in federal buildings hereafter. What is more dreadful is that the guiding principle will be implemented within the next six months. There is no doubt that the government employees are panicked and are apprehensive of the curtailment of their liberties.

But a large section of people, may be the majority, is happy over this initiative of the federal government. In their words, the earlier executive order signed by President Bill Clinton in 1997 prohibiting smoking in federal buildings but not in designated areas was deceptive and imperfect as well.

It is agreed that both smoking and secondhand smoke are harmful to human health and should not be done. But this also brings before us a good question. Can this be the best way to stop addiction to cigarettes? Smoking to many is the finest way of relaxation and they will go on doing that come what may. A large section of the youngsters is prone to smoking in spite of repeated admonitions. Has the federal government thought of them? A mere official prohibition can’t solve the crisis. The government workers may do the same and try to use the loopholes. Is the government concerned of this factor?