These poll numbers were released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information."
51% Say More Government Regulation Likely To Help Reduce Smoking
Monday, June 12, 2009
Fifty-one percent (51%) of Americans say more government regulation of tobacco is at least somewhat likely to reduce the number of smokers in this country. That figure includes 18% who say it is very likely to do so.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% say more government regulation is not likely to reduce smoking in America.
Among smokers themselves, 48% say additional government control over tobacco is likely to reduce the number of smokers, but nearly as many (45%) say it is not.
Congress is in the final stages of approving legislation that gives the federal Food and Drug Administration greatly expanded control over the making and marketing of tobacco products. Supporters cite one estimate that the new regulations will help cut smoking by adults by two percent and youth smoking by 11 percent over the next 10 years. President 
Ninety-four percent (94%) of those who currently smoke say that, generally speaking, smokers are aware of the health dangers involved with their habit. Just one percent (1%) say smokers are not aware of those dangers.
Among all adults, 84% say smokers are conscious of the health risks form their use of tobacco. This finding is down from 91% in February 2007 but is roughly consistent with surveys since then. Just eight percent (8%) now disagree.
Still, only 25% of all adults believe the government should outlaw tobacco smoking. Sixty-five percent (65%) oppose making tobacco smoking illegal, down five points from a survey in December.
Smokers are even more adamant. Ninety-two percent (92%) say the government should not making smoking illegal. Only six percent (6%) of smokers support that move.
Nearly one-out-of-five Americans (18%) currently smoke cigarettes. Thirty-four percent (34%) don't smoke now, but they used to. Forty-seven percent (47%) have never smoked cigarettes.
Because Americans overwhelmingly believe that smokers know the health risks associated with their habit, 71% of U.S. voters say tobacco companies should not be held liable for health problems that current smokers develop.
An increasing number of states have banned smoking in public places like bars and restaurants , but 51% of Americans oppose a ban on smoking in all public air spaces , such as beaches and parks.
But 62% favor a ban on smoking in all public places .
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To view the original report, please use this link: Stick This In Your Pipe!