England will introduce a smoking ban in July, what do you think about it?

Answer 1

Bring it on

Answer 2

As an ex-smoker I'm quite pleased because it will take away even more of the temptation to light up when out or start again - its hard enough giving up. Also now I don't smoke the smell on my clothes does irritate me after a night out so I'd be glad to get shot of that. I do think its bad that the state should dictate when and where people can do things which are perfectly legal. I hate drunken yobs gobbing / throwing up on the high street but no-one's discussing a ban on drinking, its whatever suits the powers that be so presumably they're all non-smokers.

Answer 3

VERY angry. For two main reasons:

Firstly, it would have been nice to give pubs/clubs the option to decide whether THEY want to be non-smoking or not. So then you would have both 'smoking' pubs and 'non-smoking' pubs so everyone would be happy. You know, like a COMPROMISE?! But no, that would be too fair now, wouldn't it?!

But the thing that really makes me the most FURIOUS is the appalling hypocrisy of the government. Did you know that the only place it will be legal to smoke next July is the House of Commons bar? So basically this law does not apply to those who made it! We must do as they say, not as they do!!!

I am sick of these b*stards interfering in my life and telling me how to live!

Answer 4

You would have been better asking an accurate question, namely that England will introduce a smoking ban IN PUBLIC PLACES in July 2007.Doesn't sound quite as dramatic now does it?
Scotland introduced a similar ban, and this from a country whose inhabitants start smoking when they finish breast feeding. No riots, no financial slumps, people have got on with it, adjusted to it.Smokers still smoke, non smokers can enjoy a pint without having to inhale 20 cigarettes whilst doing so.

Answer 5

I am still trying to work out if they are so bad for everyones health why are they still making them. The only answer I can find is that this country in particular makes so much money from smokers like myself from the taxes they charge. If we all give up buying fags then it is logical that Income Tax and Stealth Taxes will rise enormously for everyone. Ex smokers will be able to afford to pay these extras taxes from the money saved on ciggies but non-smokers will find it will bite a huge wack of their income each year, so it should help with the pollution problem cos there will be fewer flights as holidays abroad will once again be the luxury of the wealthy only.

Answer 6

what right does the government have to tell landlords that they must stop people smoking. surely in a market driven economy if non smoking bars are wanted they will be opened and likewise for smoking. just another example of this bloody government trying to rule are lives completely.

Why not go the whole hog and completely ban smoking? tax perhaps. which more than covers the cost to the NHS, etc of smokers. as contrary to government propaganda not all diseases are linked to smoking, when you consider the harmful fumes traffic emits

Answer 7

I live in Guernsey and we had a smoking ban introduced earlier this year - it is illegal to smoke in public places and workplaces. I don't smoke and it's great going into the restaurant and not having somebody sitting next to you lighting up a ciggie. I do feel its a shame that you can't smoke in pubs - drinking and smoking in pubs have always gone together and as a result, the 'working man's pub' is disappearing in Guernsey which is a shame for the older generation who enjoy a pint and ciggie. On the whole though, the ban seems to be working OK.

Answer 8

I think it is about time. I smoked for a long time and gave up 4 years ago, doesn't bother me other people smoking, but I hate the fact I stink of fags after a night out. It will be nice to be able to go to a pub/restaurant and have a meal without worrying about the kids and passive smoking. I suffer from asthma (another reason for giving up smoking) and it will be a welcome relief to have smoke free public places after the ban.

Bring it on!!

Answer 9

Bloody awful. A complete curtailment of freedom. There is no reason why pubs could not have separate bars for smokers and non-smokers. As for the staff, (passive smoking) - there is always some risk in a job. I am a Security Officer in a Criminal Courthouse - should I insist that everyone is handcuffed before appearing on the premises, in case someone kicks off and I get hit?

Non-smoking control freaks should ask themselves - who will be the next scapegoat? It could be an activity that they enjoy, yet has marginal effect on the rest of us.

I will be looking to ban the following

1. Bass boxes in cars.
2. Parties in peoples houses - why should I put up with the noise and the bad behaviour
3. Litter bugs.
4. Chewing gum. It looks revolting when people are chewing it and the gum spat on to the ground sticks to my shoes and gets tramped into my carpets.
5. The driving of cars after 23.00 and before 07.00 - the noise wakes me up.
6. Abortion on the NHS - why should I pay for other peoples mistakes and irresponsibility.
7. Take-away food - causes unsightly litter.
8. Barbecues. The stench gives me asthma
9. Cheap perfume - that triggers my asthma too.
10. Dog-walkers - I am sick of dog-poo in the street, and why should I have to tramp dog-pee into my home?
11. Children in supermarkets - they get in my way.
12. People attending supermarkets without a shopping list - they are disorganised, bimble about the aisles in a feast of indecision, thus wasting my time.
13. People standing on pavements. They get in my way. Keep moving, and walk on the left!

Etc...

See what I mean about scapegoats

Answer 10

Please refer to my answer to your other, almost identical question. I would add, however, that having read your other respondents answers, it is as I thought, that it is mainly women who have kick started this banning mentality because they are obsessed with their clothes smelling. So, because of that, we all have to stop smoking. You let them in and then they want to change the rules. I remember this same whinging many years ago, long before talk of banning smoking. When they ban alcohol, perhaps they will regret not being a little more tolerant.

Answer 11

The ban starts in Wales on 2 April 2007. I can't wait for it to start. There is a total smoking ban in New York and it's fantastic for non-smokers. Every bar there is full of fresh air. I couldn't believe it! Bring it on!