What is stopping britain bringing in an anti smoking ban as per Ireland.

[nedflanders]

As polls show the majority of us want one? PS. What about a news poll on the issue AB editor?

[BenDToy]

I also wonder where are all these non-smoking pubs. Given that there seems to be a view that a ban would be popular, why are publicans not taking the initiative and banning smking now. If it is such a good idea they will be turning away customers in their droves - yeah right. A ban would decimate the industry - studio 49 take note! I am a non-smoker, but in favour of choice. If you don't want to be subjected to smoke, don't go to places where you will be. In this day and age, I can't think of anywhere you are forced to. Also without the billions in tobacco duty, taxes would rise. And don't trot out the one about the savings on health care. This is a complete fallacy. People will get ill and die whether they smoke or not. Why should it cost more to treat a smoker? You could argue that by dying earlier they save us money in pensions, care costs in old age and other health care.

[BenDToy]

Why can't I post answers any more?

[Oi! Stalker!]

It annoys me that "family" pubs that allow smoking allow children around smokers. We have had to miss out on heavy drinking sessions in such pubs because I won't subject my friends to children like that!

[gazzawazza]

As Inci says, no smoking areas are a joke. I was in a cafe yesterday where the "no smoking" area was less than 30% of the dining area. Smoke drifts over and ruins the chance of having a smoke-free meal. I've also been in eating places where the people on the next table light up and purposely blow their smoke away from their own table so their family/friends don't have to suffer the disgusting atmosphere. Where do they blow it? straight into somebody else's face

I've been in pubs which have air-conditioning to prevent the problem but try to get some of the bar staff to turn them on and you get that "Here's another f***ing clean air freak" look. Many barstaff step out from behind the bar for a fag break and stand at the hinged counter section blowing their smoke bag over behind the bar. I've actually seen smokers asking for the air-conditioning to be turned off! Why?!! Because it ruins the smokey atmosphere they like.

And don't say that most smokers are considerate of others' feelings because they aren't. If they were they would voluntarily go outside to smoke and would have been for doing so for years. Many times I have pointed out (politely) that people are smoking in "no smoking" areas and have been told in no uncertain terms to "f**k off and get a life" or some other variation on this theme, almost as if "choosing" to smoke was some bold adventure to be embarked upon, living close to the edge etc. etc.

Andy mentioned watching yourself in the mirror, well I wonder just how many people would smoke if they knew what they really smell like.

[nedflanders]

BenD "If you don't want to be subjected to smoke, don't go to places where you will be" EH ? You wouldn't have a social life if this was the case. So why should non smokers miss out on a social life because of smokers ? As for taxes we are not asking and wouldn't expect people to smoke less just don't subject people who want a healthy lifestyle to it.

[BenDToy]

Ned. You missed my point. If non-smoking venues would be so popular, why aren't they springing up all over the place? Why do we need legislation to control what should be controllable by market forces? If a place has less smoke in it, non smokers should go there. And there will be less smoke, and so on...! Where are all the campaigns to make individual pubs etc non smoking? I am trying to understand why it is not self policing. If a pub has a reputation for fights breaking out, eventually the only people who go there are looking for a fight.

[gazzawazza]

And as if to emphasise what I said earlier, there's just been a radio text/phone-in/discussion item on our local radio 05/04/04. One person texted a message saying amongst other things, "I deliberately light up in pubs or restaurants where I know non-smokers are going to disapprove... ...If they don't like it, TOUGH, I make it my business to blow smoke their way... ...If they complain or I see them looking uncomfortable well good, it only increases my enjoyment and determination to smoke near them... ...I'm a smoker and I will smoke wherever I damn well choose... ...I have the right etc. etc... What a nice considerate person he sounds.

[cbrown1980]

Nothing is stopping them, they are bringing it in, well in scotland anyway.