Ethics

Tobacco or cigarette smoking has been one of the most controversial issues that have been widely debated in the society, especially in terms of its health and economic implications. Tobacco smoking is regarded as the leading caused of preventable death in the United States and also in other nations. Due to this, many people are against tobacco smoking because of the chronic illnesses that are brought about by this habit. On the other hand, the trade of tobacco is one of the leading industries in most countries, which substantially contribute to the revenue of most countries. In relation to this, the increasing number of cigarette smokers has also caused different establishments like bars and restaurants to allow indoor smoking, as it also entice smokers to patronize their business. However, the safety and health of employees working at bars and restaurants are believed to be at risk because of the adverse effects of second-hand smoke. Being the case, a couple of states in the U.S. have already passed a law that ban smoking in all enclosed workplaces, which includes bar and restaurants. In line with this, I will argue that based on the utilitarian principle of ethics the ban on smoking in bars and restaurants is unethical.

Based on the utilitarian principle of ethics, the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its utility in giving happiness or pleasure to the greatest number of people. The morality of an action based on this ethical perspective is dependent upon its outcome. Utilitarianism is also recognized as an ethical principle that gives importance to the greatest happiness principle because the utility to be maximized are often seen as happiness or pleasure of individuals (Johnson, 2004).  Applying the principle of utilitarianism in the ban of smoking in all enclosed workplaces is unethical because it is only advantageous to a limited number of people and the majority of individuals are not happy with the bill passed by New York lawmakers. The main objective of lawmakers in prohibiting smoking in bars and restaurants is to protect the health of employees who do not smoke. However, employees who do not smoke represent the minority of the people who go in bars and restaurants. Majority of the people who go in bars and restaurants that allow smoking are actually smokers themselves. In addition, customers have a freedom of choice on what kind of bars and restaurants they will go to. If a customer opted to choose a bar or restaurant that allow smoking it is because he or she is fine with it because if not they will simply go to a different establishment that prohibits smoking. As such, majority of the people who go in establishments that allow smoking are actually smokers themselves or they do not mind second-hand smoke (Sondock, 2003).

A potential employee that would work in a bar or restaurant is already informed of the necessary duties and responsibilities that he or she has before being hired and this also includes the necessary working environment that he or she needs to work in. Agreeing or disagreeing to work in bars or restaurants that allow smoking within the establishment is the prerogative of the employee. If he or she is worried about the adverse effect of second-hand smoke then, she should look for a different job (Boone Liberty Coalition, 2006). Furthermore, employees who do not smoke will also not be happy if they will lose their jobs because of the smoking ban implemented in New York City. Most bars and restaurants in New York are expressing their disapproval with the smoking ban because they are losing a lot of profit from their business. Most people chose they stay at home or have party in their respective houses because they can no longer smoke in bars and restaurants (New York bar owners protest against smoking ban, 2003). If this kind of situation continues, there is a great possibility that these businesses will close and the employees will lose their jobs. As a result, unemployment will also not result for the greater happiness of the employees.

The anti-smoking bill passed by New York lawmakers, specifically in bars and restaurants is unethical because it does not give happiness to the greatest number of people. The stakeholders in the bar and restaurant business, namely the owners, customers, and even the employees are place in a disadvantageous situation wherein they can actually lose their source of sustenance and entertainment. In this sense, the utility of happiness or pleasure is not maximized among the majority of the people.