Every coffeeshop I have been to has a smoking corner. The cigarette smoke never fails to drift to the non smoking corner. Just because a smoking corner is established, customers will be safe from the harmful effects from secondhand smoke? It is clearly not the case. The inefficacy of the smoking corner is further exacerbated by smokers smoking just outside the coffeeshops. Some of these smokers are stall owners, some are customers. Children, families all go to coffeeshops. We cannot even enjoy a meal without breathing in toxic fumes. Did you know that cigarette smoke contains more than 7000 dangerous chemicals? Smoking can cause cancer in almost every part of the body.

Why do we have to cater to smokers? Must we accept this? Smokers can choose to harm their own health, but they do not have the right to cause harm to others who did not choose this. Why does Singapore cater to smokers, even installing a smoking lounge in Changi airport for their 'needs'? Yes, this certainly keeps other travellers from breathing in the smoke, but having a room for smoking is just a signal that smoking is condoned. Instead, more should be done to rehabilitate smokers and protect the health of all citizens. Current measures in place for people who are already smokers are a national hotline and centre which helps willing smokers to quit, packaging design on cigarette packets that depict the health consequences of smoking as well as advertisements encouraging smokers to quit. Firstly, the hotline centre. It is a good initiative, however, many smokers are unwilling to quit. This results in few people being rehabilitated, hence the number of smokers are not dwindling. Next, the packaging design. This is the most redundant measure as it clearly does not deter smokers from purchasing and smoking. Thirdly, the advertisements are not strong deterrents either, they are not memorable, nor eye-catching to hold anyone's attention.

The situation is admittedly difficult to resolve. However, small steps cultivate a healthier nation. The ban on smoking in coffeeshops will be a good step forward to eliminating smoking in Singapore. No more smoking corners and also, no smoking within 5 metres of a coffeeshop. This change can seem tremendous to smokers since they have always been used to smoking in these areas. However, it is time smokers realise that Singapore does not operate for them. It operates for all citizens. Smokers are not special. They bring detriment to society, affecting everyone. We must protect our welfare today. If you are a smoker, quit now.