EDITORIAL:

It’s understandable that a proposed ban on smoking in public places in Newport Beach might prompt some to think, “Don’t we have more pressing issues to consider?”

Yes, we have a global economic meltdown that has touched virtually all of us and will likely continue to do so for years.

But, sorry, Mayor Ed Selich, it’s not a “waste of time.”

The serious health implications of smoking should always command our attention. Many experts have concluded nicotine is the most addictive drug. Go ahead, ask any smoker and they’ll tell you the same thing. In fact, most smokers want to quit and those of us who are smoke-free are rooting for them to kick the habit.

We all know it causes cancer, emphysema and a host of other problems. And studies show second-hand smoke is also deadly, meaning even if you don’t smoke, cigarettes could still pose a risk to you. It’s why California banned indoor smoking a decade ago.

And we’re not even calculating the cost of these health problems on the taxpayers.

So it’s worthwhile to consider a ban on outdoor smoking. Just how far to take it, though, is open to question.

“When it’s bothering me, I get up and get out of the way,” Selich said.

True enough. If you’re at a park and someone’s smoking it’s not difficult to just walk away. But if you’re eating at a restaurant patio it’s not as easy to escape those smoky tendrils.

Councilman Mike Henn also makes a good point that it’s worth factoring in the question of littering when making a decision. And while council members are on that subject, they might also consider the dangers of wildfires from careless smokers who toss a butt into brush

Anything we can do to cut down on smoking is a good thing. We encourage the council to give this issue strong consideration. Don’t flick it off like a discarded cigarette.