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topic of the week  No smoke without fineWednesday, 15 February 2006 Looks like we've got a year or so left of smoky bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants, as MPs have now voted to ban smoking in public places by summer 2007. A welcome step forward or a step too far? Have your say in our newsblog! As everyone knows, there was widespread criticism over what some considered to be a half-hearted and unenforceable ban on smoking in just those places that served food... did a packet of peanuts count as food? MPs were yesterday given a choice of a total ban, a ban excluding members-only clubs and a ban that also excluded venues that did not serve food (follow that double negative if you can!). The vote was an overwhelming 200 vote margin for a total ban. The ban is likely to provoke mixed feelings from both customers and venues alike... health issues and the general unpleasantness of smoky environments versus the freedom to smoke when out drinking or clubbing. There are obvious fears that this may also lead to loss of trade for some establishments as customers may opt to stay at home to smoke. Venues that are able to provide outside smoking areas may be put at an advantage, although many cities in the UK now have street drinking bans which might mean leaving friends guarding half finished drinks inside in order to go out for a smoke... The ban covers all workplaces with the exception of those places that are deemed as 'home' to individuals (some care homes, barracks etc). The UK joins a growing list of countries with an outright ban, including Ireland, Norway and Italy. Australia and the USA have localised city enforcements in place which vary in the level of smoking restriction. Many cities in the UK, such as Brighton, Liverpool and Manchester, had already been proposing the phasing in of smoking restrictions and bans, regardless of the outcome of this House of Commons decision. your commentspage 1 | page 2  said by Giggly I can understand why people would want the ban, but as a smoker I find this all a bit harsh. What's wrong with well ventilated smoking areas rather than a total ban? I smoke more when I drink, as do many other people, so a total ban could really put people off the idea of going to the pub. In the summer it won't be so bad to pop outside for a ciggie, but in the winter I think we will see a lot less people in pubs and clubs.  said by Samwell I visited a friend in Ireland about a month after they'd introduced the ban over there. No-one had a bad word to say about it... although admittedly the bars and clubs that I went to tended to have outside areas where people could go for a quick smoke.  said by James Damn, I'm going to have to give up... it's just a beer's too wet without one... And if I give up, what's going to go with my double vodka as I watch the Davina Workout Video that Huw's just bought me...?  said by Star_Twister As a smoker I too think a total ban is a bit harsh - but what gets my back up is the politicians again telling us what we can and can't do - yet they have no ban in the House of Commons members club because it is exempt from health and safety legislation!  said by toffeebottom Having being in Canada for a month in 2004, I have to say it was bloody freezing having to go outside for a ciggie. It's a total ban over there also, so you even have to go out in minus 40 to have a quick puff.. ( ciggie that is :P )  said by spackie I come from Canada and the laws which will be in place in the UK are similar to the Canadian legislation. There is no smoking in any bars, restaurants, public places. The ban is being extended to outside the bars as well  said by Funk_U I totally agree with a ban for a number of reasons.  said by Michael Got to be good hasn't it? Good for the non smokers, and good for the smokers that will save money, get healthier, and perhaps give it up altogether as was said earlier. If we were meant to smoke we'd have chimneys on our heads - it's horrible!  said by Gorgeous I'll have to say even though I am a smoker who on a night out manages to get through about 50 cigs, I am warming to the idea of banning it when I am out, because maybe then, just then, I'll be able to walk into a shop and not ask them for 20 Marlboro menthol, and then again put money in the vending machine later on in the night for more. One day... I'll only be pissed off about it for a little while I think. page 1 | page 2 |
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Stonewall
said by Brightoncub
on Wednesday, 15 February 2006, 11:19am
I think it's a brilliant move. I'm a smoker and know that there will be a lot like me that will give up due to this.
Also very brave that britain is leading ahead of what are thought of as more progressive countries in Europe.