smoking ban

[sunflower68]

Anyone got any feelings on this? I think it will be odd for a while. A bit sad for the oldsters whose only real social connection might be a pint and a fag in the pub.

Pubs are going to suffer. Surely they will now have to build smokers their own 'outhouses' complying, of course, to health and safety rules and regs.

It's a good thing for the population as a whole. How times have changed! It's not long ago I remember smoking being allowed on buses, trains and planes.

[rogerthomas]

It's about the only sensible thing that this sham of a government has done in nearly eight years in power.

[Steve_Luts]

Can't wait - fed up of my clothes stinking of smoke on a night out. Why should a minority - and it is a minority - impose their smoke on the majority?

From a smokers point of view, Eire has adapted to it fine - go to most pubs in Dublin and they get round it by having outdoor covered areas with patio heaters, where you can smoke. A whole new subculture has arisen of smokers standing outside and chatting, when inside they would ignore each other!

[sp1814]

I smoke and shouldn't because other than the ciggies I live a ridiculously heathly lifestyle (I'm at work at the moment, and will be off for my daily four mile run/35 minute gym session in a few minutes).

I welcome the ban. It will be the final kick in the pants to help me give up the weed.

[Lonnie]

I'm an ex smoker, and overall, its a good thing, although I think it should be upto private clubs to make their own decision, also, now this has been brought in, maybe they can start to do something about the drug problem.

[libertie]

I too am an ex-smoker and also welcome the ban. Here in Scotland the ban comes into force at the end of March so as you can imagine there is a lot of chat about it! Interestingly though a well known pub chain which also sells food made their premises smoke free several months ago and what a pleasure it is to sit there and have a drink....they do have a nice patio area outside complete with heaters...although I have to say that occasionally they seem to be having a better time outside than in! There is a wee bit of confusion though if you travel by bus, some bus shelters are going to be smoking areas and some are not..depends on whether they are 75% enclosed or not..there's also going to be a �50 penalty on the spot fine if you smoke in one when you shoul'nt!!

[kick3m0n]

it's a great idea. Long term it'll save lives and dramatically cut the number of smokers very quickly after enforcement (Ireland is a great example of this). I live in Scotland and am really looking forward to being able to go to pubs etc without ending up stinking of fags. Don't really care if pubs suffer to be honest. We've got plenty of those as it is, couldn't care less if some closed, maybe that'll have a knock on effect to our hideous drink culture too. It's a win-win situation!!

[Supernick]

On the one hand I'll be healthier, enjoy my nights out more, won't have clothes that stink of smoke, and fingers crossed any girls I might meet won't have been smoking, which is always a bonus. On the other hand, anything that persuades me to do less laundry can't be a good thing ;)

Even my friends who are smokers are relatively happy with this, as sp1814 says, they think it will be the final incentive to kick the habit. Most of thm are only 'social' smokers anyway.

[flip-flop]

Largely agree with the above.................however it does concern me slightly that our over nannying executive has banged another nail in the coffin (forgive the pun) of our individual freedoms.

[flip-flop]

Should it happen of course.

[sp1814]

I just clocked something - pubs that sell food will be excluded from the ban.

Every single pub I know in my local area sells food.

That smacks of a cop out to me. Personally, I think if a place sells food, there's an even greater incentive to instigate a ban. Who wants cigarette fumes hanging around whilst they're eating???

[andy-hughes]

The debate goes on - largely based on an individual's opinions of smoking as apleasure.

I am delighted - I think smoking looks ridiculous, smells dreadful, and is forced on everyone in the surrounding area.

Part of the reason for the decline in modern manners (respect as the band waggon jumpers like to call it) is people's inability to behave with the knowledge that they are not alone. This extends to talking loudly in cinemas, swearing in loud voices, and yes, smoking.

I am all for individual freedom, but as I've often said before, freedom of speech does not give you the right to shout 'Fire!' in a crowded theatre. Freedom to smoke does not entitle you to pollute the air and clothes of people around you.

I am gobsmacked that the vote went through - it goes to show that on a free vote, MP's will actually do what their constituants want - a lesson for us all.

[Goodsoulette]

Sp......Its the other way round. Pubs that sell food will ban smoking but those that dont wont ( ban).

I think its a great idea, I gave up smoking because I didnt want to die of lung cancer or heart disease, both of which look pretty uncomfortable to me. Despite the fact that I loved smoking, I still miss about it and dream of it, we are all better off we dont.

The pro-smoking loobiest to get on my nerves when they argue its infringing on their human rights. Well all I can say to that is by not smoking in public you arent killing others by making them breath your smoke.

Give up and good luck....

[sp1814]

Actually - I've made a decision...I'm not going to wait for the ban. I'm going to give up before then (date set for next week Wednesday...need to get some patches).

The way I look at it, I'll have more money each month to spend on other vices...such kebabs and chocolate digestives.

[caro_]

All this freedom of choice lark? I choose to frequent pubs etc where there is no smoking; you can't get into the no smoking areas in pubs where I live - too crowded.

This ban is excellent for me - it gives me MORE freedom of choice!

(Yes, I am an ex smoker - 30 a day; gave up overnight in 1988 and only stopped missing it after my first child was born 8 years ago - aren't we the worst type??)

[laurence2]

I,m delighted its being banned, the only drawback is waiting to the summer of 2007, As for pubs losing trade, SO WHAT, I don,t think this will effect most business as trains/planes etc have been non-smoking for years now and yet both are carrying record number of passengers.

Smokers are the most selfish people Ever, they were never bothered if you were eating, had children with you, their attitude was SO WHAT, i appreciate that their are a number of Smokers that respected peoples wishes not to smoke in front of non-smokers.

I must disagree with flip-flop tho, Ref: individual freedoms? What freedom did i have in smokey restraurants/pubs etc. I,ve every right to choose to go where i want to but was forced by these people to go else where.

[Loosehead]

Finally the governement get's something right, I can't wait. Why will it still take 18 months though? Let's start now and get this digusting habit out of our boozers.

Pubs may suffer in the short term but the experience in Ireland demonstrates that they don't suffer permanently. I've been to Ireland several times since their ban and it's a pleasure to be able to go out and not breath other peoples smoke and not reek of the stuff when you get home.

Good work all you MP's who saw sense, credit where it's due.

[Loosehead]

Goodsoulette/SP1814 there is no exemption for places that sell food, that was an option but the mp's went for a total ban in all places of work.

[undercovers]

its all enclosed areas not just places of work...

but a brilliant result and am really amazed that this govt has done something sensible for one... can't believe i am in agreement with labout on something important!!

bbc story on latest vote if you haven't seen the news this morning http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4714992.stm

[micko1962]

As a non-smoker, i think the whole thing is madness !!! why do the anti smoking lobby think they have the right to stop people having a smoke with their pint at the local ??

There will be one loser at the end of this and that is the public, who will now have to make up the losses in revenue recieved from those smokers in tax !!!!!

Lets see if they are so happy when theie tax starts to rise !!!

Scrap it now.