Does anyone else think the smoking ban is wrong?

Question

It is a cultural thing and a PERSONAL CHOICE to smoke. I don't think there is anything wrong with having non-smoking pubs and smoking ones in the country, but banning all smoking pubs is wrong in my opinion. The government shouldn't be able to control this kind of thing. Nor should they have to. It is a person's choice whether to smoke, or go to a smoking pub. What next, no one allowed to cough near anyone else? Fatty food completely banned?

I'm aware of the problem of second hand smoke, by the way. But there are many decent non-smoking pubs or pubs with non-smoking areas out there.

And, I'm sorry, but if you're going to pubs all the time you're not a puritan health freak anyway. People should stop being so scared to die, we're all going to die of SOMETHING.

And what about banning all cars as well? Exhaust fumes aren't good for us either...

Answer 1

no and Im looking forward to the ban.

Why should a non smoker be subject to breathing in smoke? Its completely different to "fatty foods" - if you eat fatty foods it is only causing damage to yourself.

It is proven that passive smoking causes damage so why should others have to put up with it.

Its a PERSONAL CHOICE not to smoke.

So you are saying that people who don't smoke shouldn't have social lives then? I think not, oh and its not about being a puritan health freak either.

Do it in your own home but dont inflict it on the rest of us

Answer 2

I am a smoker and agree with most of the ban yes it is choice and even though it isn't law at the moment, where you can smoke in pubs it hasn't stopped those who don't smoke going there has it and it hasn't stopped them in the past. I think that there should be a room like many years ago called a smoke room where you can smoke, I have to stop and when I do and go out with friends that do smoke I will go outside with them. It is a matter of respect for others I as a smoker cannot stand where they have been put out on the floor and left, if someone official calls at my house I ask if they mind if they say they do then I won't smoke if it is a friend then it is different. It all comes down to respect, manners and choice. It is a pity that smokers and non smokers cannot behave like this surely there are things about non smokers which I don't like but I wouldn't put my views down there neck.

Answer 3

I'm a smoker, i won't say i'm over the moon by the ban but i think it's not a bad thing at all. Not being able to smoke in pubs will work in my favour and in the favour of other smokers, we will puff less and save money! :) And i can understand it's not fair on non-smokers to be surrounded by smoke and the horrible smell every time they go out for a drink.
I just read in the paper today though about a council investigating into a private house since their next door neighbour complained about the smell of the cigarettes reaching their house too... What do you think of that? Looks these people might be banned from smoking in their OWN house!?
And by the way, since you mentionned "coughing near anyone else" i have actually read about a campaign project talking about fining people using public transports with viruses. Now i don't know how this would work out....
Best thing to do is to go and live in the jungle he he :)

Answer 4

I am in agreement with you. I used to smoke but I quit 2 years ago. I think it's ridiculous that it's going to be banned everywhere. Surely they should have smoking pubs and no smoking pubs. Then people can make a choice as to where they wish to eat or drink. What kind of fascist state are we going to live in if all our choices are taken away. All these whingers who say it should defiantely be banned everywhere need to get a life. If you don't want to breathe smoke don't go to a smoking pub it would be that simple. Time would be better spent trying to sort out the awful public transport system which would lead to fewer cars and better air quality in the cities. Personally I would choose to go to the non smoking pub as I dont smoke and it makes me feel sick if I am eating but it should be up to individual to choose. You could argue that smokers clog up the NHS but thats crap. They die earlier don't claim pensions as they are in a box and they pay a fortune on tax for the fags. Live and let live is what I say. If no harm is being done stop moaning!!

Answer 5

Why are smokers more important than non-smokers? Why is your choice, which makes life unpleasant for almost everyone, supersede the rights of people who don't smoke or are made ill by it?
Smokers will adapt - really, if they cannot go without a cigarette for a few hours, that really is bad.
As for fatty food - well, you'd be the first to complain if you had to live over a chip shop!
And for those people who mention taxes - do you really want to profit from a substance that is proven to kill people?
As for those who call for smoking or non-smoking pubs, I am a non-smoker through choice and in later years, my asthma. I have friends who smoke. So we always have to sit in the "smoking" section. It never occurs to my friends to ask me where I want to sit - they're so desperate for a *** that they're inconsiderate. Mixed groups would be split up. It is much more straightforward just to say "no smoking" - you can last a couple of hours without a ***.

Answer 6

I don't want to be near anyone that smokes, outside or inside. Too often smokers ruin my enjoyment at a restaurant, and I find the habit offencive and selfish - Oh I wish I could conjure up offencive farts so that I could retaliate

Roll on July 1st.

As for freedom ? - I want the freedom not to be polluted by smokers. Anyone who still smokes nowadays has to be in denial - just how many wake up calls do they need ?

Answer 7

I live in Scotland where the ban started last March
all the smokers just go outside for a smoke - they dont relay bother about it.
one problem I have noticed is when you are watching big football match and the half time whistle is blown - every smoker then goes outside - potential flash point when different supporters meet.

Answer 8

It's not a matter of smoking is bad for you.....it's a matter of...the government is taking away your personal right and freedoms! Non smokers need to take heed and support smokers on this. Why? Because...who will support YOU when they take away something YOU like to do?? I'm not kidding here folks. Just you wait and see. They are already making eating places cook with oil that has no trans fat.....right? So, when are they going to make people stop drinking...or watching TV....or owning certain types of vehicles??? And the list could go on and on. Ya'll need to stop and think about what you support and don't support. One day it will be YOUR turn...and just who do you think will back you??

Answer 9

Are those of you in favor of the government deciding what is best for you also in favor of the government stepping in to protect you from the smoke generated from wood stoves. outdoor grills and campfires? Should they also be banned? How about drinking coffee, listening to the radio or talking while driving? How about banning marshmallow fluff, tag and volleyball in schools? How about banning perfumes and scented soap? All of the above have been considered for banning and some have actually been banned . Laws are being passed at a mad rate. It seems anything is fair game if it is in the name of health, safety or for the children.
Please be careful how much control you want the government to have in your life to protect you from the dangers of living.

Answer 10

im a smoker, and havent put the new laws to test yet, as we are still allowed to smoke in our pubs, but cant smoke in some restaurants. i must admit that when im eating out i do not like anybody smoking near me while i am eating my meal, but thenmaybe thats me being selfish because i chose to smoke after my meal. yes alot of smokers are selfish to the non smokers, but i feel if more places make desicated areas for the smokers then when its raing and windy outside it may just spur people on to quit