Stop smoking campaigns are taking different forms in different parts of the world. In the United States, there has been a heavy emphasis on the use of commercials, billboards and programs aimed at young children and adults. Many of these programs are funded by big tobacco companies as the result of a lawsuit lost by tobacco them. There have also been movements to make smoking illegal in bars, restaurants, malls and other indoor facilities. This is because of the well documented effects of second hand smoke on non-smokers.

Nowadays politics fight with tobacco producers. For example, in July smoking in prisons will be banned. But now, duty free tobacco production is under review. It includes cigarettes, cigars, flavored tobacco, lighter, etc.

The anti-smoking lobby group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) says the black-market is fuelled by tobacco brought in by international travelers and it should stop.

Statistics by group Action on Smoking and Health shows that US black market is full of counterfeit tobacco. Examination shows that it is brought by international travelers from duty free market in airports, rail stations and other types of vehicles.

Valley General Hospital campus is a smoke free from January 2011. Valley General the last hospital in Snohomish County which prohibited smoking completely.

“People will have to leave the campus if they want to smoke,” said Monica Sylte, hospital spokeswoman.

At present, the hospital prohibits smoking within 50 feet of hospital entrance; this is more limited than stipulated by the state law.

“Current smoking huts on the back side of the campus were pulled down as soon as the ban on smoking on hospital property takes effect,” Sylte stated.

Signs are being posted both inside the hospital and at entrances, telling visitors and incoming patients that they cannot smoke on the property, Sylte said.