Shops to be banned from displaying tobacco products

[Myriad2112]

For smokers, non-smokers or shopkeeper, I can't see how this useless piece of legislation can benifit anyone. Is this just another example of barking mad big brother propaganda?

[cazzz1975]

I think the moves are to ensure that future generations dont fall prey to smoking and the problems its brings along. unfortunately they have to use a softly softly approach to try to discourage use rather than ban it altogether

years ago people thought smoking was okay, just like using asbestos was okay.

[joggerjayne]

That's a bit tricky, mazie.

We are all products of our environments. Where I live, we have a lot of "scenes".

The music scene is brilliant ... vibrant and buzzy.

The gay scene is huge and jolly.

And ... yes, we also have a drugs scene.

You see it all the time. But people who smoke drugs here are not hiding behind a row of garages, wearing hoodies. They are leaning on the railings on the seafront, or standing outside the pubs.

And ... as long as you don't blow the smoke into the nearest policeman's face, or do it outside the local school, you're pretty much left alone. You won't find a van full of armed Vice Cops slapping the cuffs on you, as long as you have the decency to stamp it out when a Policeman cycles past.

Now, I'm not claiming that this is any sort of Utopia ... but it's not the worst place in Britain in which to live.

[whiskeryron]

jj /// You see it all the time. But people who smoke drugs here are not hiding behind a row of garages, wearing hoodies. They are leaning on the railings on the seafront, or standing outside the pubs.

And ... as long as you don't blow the smoke into the nearest policeman's face, or do it outside the local school, you're pretty much left alone. You won't find a van full of armed Vice Cops slapping the cuffs on you, as long as you have the decency to stamp it out when a Policeman cycles past. ///
all I can say is if they actually have policemen in Brighton They are not doing their job properly.Ron.

[DTCwordfan]

Should try down here then Jayne

Watched a police bust drug yesterday on a house next to a nice cafe I use for coffee.....they are apparently a very nice young couple. Believed to be only lighter drug usage....... In fact the police seem to be on a war against drugs in the Truro/Falmouth/Newquay area against both dealers and users (which I am not).

They are also out to stifle any youngster 'enjoyment' in Newquay this year from what is in the West Briton e-news today.....

Music scene not as hot as it could be - arts scene is good though

No gay scene really, pretty homophobic, ditto transvestism and crossdressing. In fact, we are years behind you folk up there in Brighton

[mazie]

I know JJ I was just trying to make a point here. We get this rammed down our throats and it's going to cost millions to impliment, yet the Government wont ban it due to the 10.5 Billion revenue they make from fags. If they truly want to stop youngster from smoking and having a healthier future they should ban it, and stop the sabre rattling

[joggerjayne]

Ron ...

Are the Police not doing their job?

Or is it a question of priorities?

And are we worried?

I want the Police to make sure that I'm not burgled, or raped.

I want them to make sure that old people are not attacked, and that prostitutes are not murdered.

I want them to make sure that children are not abducted.

If, while doing this, they have to turn a blind eye to someone sitting on the beach smoking something they shouldn't be ... well, I'm not going to lose any sleep over that.

[mazie]

spot on JJ

[bednobs]

boo, you can get the patches on prescription - £7 odd quid

[Old_Geezer]

Ah but it ought not be an either/or decision. It's a case of following up on whatever one can get on with at the time. The trouble with only concentrating on designated priorities is that important stuff which aren't considered priority doesn't just get delayed, it never gets done. One needs to spread resource over all tasks, just putting more on those considered to be the important tasks.

[B00]

Yeah but that means going to my doctor, and he's a to$$er, i only go to him if im dieing.

[mazie]

you dont have to see the doctor BOO, my Daughter saw the nurse. I think that's the usual practice

[bednobs]

no it dosen't. Your local stip moking service (nhs) will be able to give you the prescription. Ours are even in the local shopping centre. If you can't be bothered to go to your doc, then you can't moan about the price i'm afraid! (well, you can of course, but it makes your moan look silly)

[david51058]

The more smokers, the more tax they are paying, good for everyone!

[joggerjayne]

Old Geezer ...

I know you're right ... truly I do.

I just can't get worked up about it.

The students with their little packets of weed, and the dope smoking musicians, are just part of what happens here. If the rest of the country hates us, we're not too upset, because we don't want a huge influx of people ... it just forces up the house prices.

So, we'll just carry on, in our happy little way, while the grown up towns of Britain scowl down at us like we're some wayward youngest child.

But in terms of happy environments, a lot of places could take a leaf out of our book.

(maybe even a cannabis leaf, ha ha)

[jd_here]

Smoking is not illegal, but surely hiding them under the counter, taking away the rights of the smoker a choice, is. By the way, I am not a smoker!

[joko]

i find it hard to believe that anyone would choose a brand because of the packet...any more than you choose your teabags, chocolate or anything just for that reason

[bednobs]

how is not putting them on display going to be illegal?
thats like saying putting porno mags on the top shelf is against short people's human rights!

[Myriad2112]

Noooooo hiding them under the counter doesn't really take away the rights of the smoker. it will cost the retailers a small fortune but will have little to no effect on smokers and/or would be smokers.

[WShee9]

Seems to me that illegal "drugs"such as heroin,cannabis,cocaine etc are actively encouraged,yet legal "drugs" such as alcohol and ciggies are being made the scapegoats for all societys ills...

[redman41]

It will make it easier for the counterfeiters as they will not have to design any packaging and you could end up smoking any old crap that you can buy at some of these outdoor dodgy Market Stalls.