Are you looking forward to it? Do smokers see it as an opportunity to pack them in, or just an inconvenience? Your views please, from both non-smokers and smokers viewpoints!
2006-11-11 04:42:56 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Personally I can't wait. I spent fifty odd years smoking, and can now understand how my kids must have suffered in the back of the car. I cannot understand how a whole family sitting on the next table too me would all light up as soon as they had finished eating, Bloody ignorant lot, not bothering about us or their youngster in the pushchair. We have overcome that one now, we always go in after we know they will have gone. Poor child has got it all the time though. I know ex smokers are the biggest moaners, but I can also see why, I wouldn't smoke in a restaurant or cafe. I gave up after getting up to answer the phone, the answerphone cut in before I made it. My mate thought I had been running, but I had only just got off the couch.When I heard the recording, I sounded like an asthmatic elephant. I gave up ( for the 4th time) the end of August '88 and not stopped moaning since.
I gave up the bottle around the same time, I went to pay for some materials and my hand was shaking so much I couldn't sign a cheque. I made the excuse I had almost knocked someone over.
I'm so good, I start church soon!!!!!!!!
Doubt it will stop many smoking, and this government know it.
2006-11-11 07:38:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hiya, im a non smoker living in Ireland, and we have had a total smoking ban in public areas for several years now. At first there was an outcry from pub owners, saying that smokers would stop coming into pubs, and they would lose money. What has happened is; pubs now have outdoor smoking areas, with lighting and patio heaters; it's wonderful to be able to go for a meal and not have someone light up at the next table while you are eating. In general, it's been very positive. Most smokers will tell you they are pleased with the effects too. you can sit in the pub all night and not have your good clothes stinking of stale ciggie smoke! The other side of the coin is that many a new romance has begun in these outdoor smoking areas! All the best flirting seems to happen out there. Already, doctors are saying they can see a small reduction in the effects of passive smoking. Some people gave up smoking when the ban came in. Some people stayed away from pubs for a while, but they are gradually coming back. The air is so clean everywhere you go now, that when you walk into a place where people are smoking, you just want to run!! Hey I hope it goes well for all you guys. We can all benefit from it long term.
2006-11-11 04:58:50 · answer #2 · answered by marie m 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I smoke but I understand that smoking around kids and in areas where food is served is irresponsible so I don't do it.
It's not an opportunity to quit. Smokers in general are a pretty stubborn bunch and won't stop just because Tony Blair et al tells them to. I believe in pubs where food is not served, the ban should be discretionary based on the landlord/owner's wishes.
As for the effect of passive smoking on others, sure I understand concerns there too, but a non-smoking, binge-drinker can do for more damage to you in one night than I can and yet the government decides that a 24-drinking society is a good idea. What's behind that twisted logic then?
We apparently give kids asthma and cause pollution. What about the parents driving their kids around in 4 by 4s, belching out fumes all day long? Nope, apparently they're ok. We are denied operations and treatment even though the tax on cigarettes pays for the NHS.
Somehow, smokers have become social lepers with fewer rights than non-smokers.
Lastly, most smokers are addicts who would dearly love to stop. Maybe, instead of lambasting them at every opportunity, people should show a little empathy and give us a break.
2006-11-11 05:20:52 · answer #3 · answered by Katya-Zelen 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm an ex 20 a day man who is largely indiferent. I think governemts impose these things to show that they really care about our health without having to spend on health services and the bans in all places are a little OTT. They won't make anyone give up unless they want to.
On the other hand I don't see smokers as an oppressed minority. You can choose not to be a smoker - it's hard I know - but it's not in the same catagory as being in a particular racial or sexual minority. If you feel you are being discriminated against then either stop or smoke at home. Whichever way, stop whinging.
2006-11-11 05:58:35 · answer #4 · answered by mickyrisk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suppose there is both for and against for either smokers or non smokers
The obvious reasons for non smokers ie passive smoking etc
Against for non smokers will eventually be the increased tax they will pay
As a smoker I think eventually it will make me quit which can only be a good thing
Against - you can't teach an old dog new tricks - what about the social clubs etc - will these eventually close? A 80/90 year old smoker will not change his ways
If these clubs eventually close obviously this will result in job losses
2006-11-11 04:52:21 · answer #5 · answered by toon_tigger 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I quit smoking about three weeks ago, the main reason was because of cost - I heard there was going to be an extra £2 put onto a packet of cigarettes, meaning my brand will cost about £7.50 for 20 - making smoking more expensive than most illegal drugs!! I actually forgot about the ban so it did not influence my decision to quit.
I quit drinking two years ago so I dont go into pubs or clubs anyway and now, being a non-smoker and non-drinker, it doesnt bother me - but if the ban encourages more people to quit, then I think it is a good thing.
2006-11-11 05:09:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you any idea how much revenue the goverment gets on taxing cigarettes and tobacco .most cigs are nearly £5 a pack now and most of the price is tax. the goverment would make up the amount lost by putting up income tax so all you non smokers will only end up a lot worse off and want the ex smokers to start again.
2006-11-11 05:18:12 · answer #7 · answered by keny 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's already here in the UK. Scotland has had the Ban for a year. It caused alot of moaning from the hardcore smokers but on the whole it has been deemed a success, with widespread support from both smokers and non-smokers alike.
2006-11-11 04:52:50 · answer #8 · answered by Jimbobarino 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Thanks for the opportunity. I don't smoke but those who do will not be deterred from indulging just because the law says they can't in certain places. The way to force people is to ban the sale of tobacco products. It works so well for Class A drugs. The problem is that it is a free country and also the government does rely rather heavily on the tax revenues from the sale of tobacco. They would have to increase the tax on alcohol.sales of which, as you know, are falling due to the government's campaign to stop young people binge drinking.
2006-11-11 04:55:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
On much recent legislation in the west, I have been appalled.However, as a smoker who has experienced this ban in Ireland, I must confess that its only fair.
First off, it is unfair on the employees in such premises to have to accept passive smoking as a hazard of the job.
Second, if facilities are provided, it is barely an inconvenience.
And my prediction; in one years time, you will appreciate this new law as I have, rather begrudgingly!
Summary: its for the best really
2006-11-11 05:22:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋