The time has arrived for State College to enact a smoking ban in all public places, including bars and restaurants.

The time for inconsiderate smokers to infringe on everyone's fresh air must end.

For those smokers who feel the need to light up, take it outside and let us breathe.

The benefits of a local smoking ban within the borough are more than many can even imagine.

A 1998 study by the University of California-San Francisco concluded that after bars became smoke free, bartenders and other employees reported measurable health improvements and fewer breathing problems.

I guess there are more people interested in socializing and eating in a fresh and clean atmosphere.

The most refreshing news suggests that air tests found particles in bars associated with smoking dropped 83 percent after smoke-free policies were implemented.

And finally, much to the surprise of many, bars and restaurants that have enacted their own smoking bans have seen improved working conditions, healthier social atmospheres, and most importantly, an increase in guest counts and sales.

As a non-smoker and an employee of a restaurant that allows smoking, I can't stress any more the need for a local smoking ban.

The surgeon general warned about the health hazards smoking causes to everyone, so why haven't we taken the 50-year-old advice?

If a smoking ban were enacted, the health benefits of everyone would be greatly impacted.

Do me a favor and take your smoke outside.

Do a favor for yourself and put out that cigarette.