Opinion essay - Paula Merchan

Option 1:

When I was younger, I was very used to see tobacco and alcohol close to me, and I’ve never thought of them as dangerous substances. Some time after, I discovered that tobacco, caffeine and alcohol are considered “legal drugs”, and I was kinda shocked when I learnt this, because I’ve always considered drugs substances like cocaine, weed… 

I have different opinions on whether they should be banned or not, because I don’t think that alcohol and tobacco damage our health in the same way.

I think that tobacco should be banned everywhere. I’m not talking about outlawing it completely, but if people wants to smoke, they should do it at home. Many people have respiratory issues, including myself, and second-hand smoke is very dangerous. Sadly, most smokers don’t realise that they’re harming people around them. Also, I hate when I’m eating outside and someone starts to smoke. My food tastes like an ashtray.

On the other hand, I think that alcohol should be more regulated than it actually is. People who are responsible and know where their limits are, are perfectly fine. But then there’s people who surpass their own capacities and end up drunk. Those people are the reason to ban alcohol.

To sum up, tobacco should be banned in every public space, including streets, and alcohol should be more regulated. For example, drinks with more than a 40% of alcohol volume (40º), should only be served in restaurants and costumers should only have a limited number of drinks.