What do you think of the introduction of a Smoking Ban in England?

Question

As a smoker living in Scotland I haven't really felt any impact of the Smoking Ban. I'm going out as much and pubs have adapted covered areas outside for smokers. The only place I miss it is in restuarants as I love a cigarette after a meal.

Some people have argued that making older people stand out in the rain when they're at things like Bingo is only going to put a bigger strain on the NHS and people have argued that a lot of smokers are staying home, thus exposing their children to more smoke than usual.

All in all I'm a smoker who's happy with the ban and it certainly hasn't made me consider stopping....and I don't need a lecture on why I should, I'm perfectly aware of that. Are you looking forward to the ban or not?

Answer 1

I think the smoking ban is just the first step, then they will come for the social drinker , who to the health police disgusts exceeds there four pints of beer per week allowance on a saturday afternoon alone perhaps!. Then being overweight will be targetted by them controlling perhaps with state rationing what you can eat per week. The real problem is the health pollice god like assumption that they should control your life to suit there view of how it should be lived. I.E boringly like theres

Answer 2

This is just another way of forcing what the government want in the long run onto private individuals. That, of course is the money you would have spent on fags. How do they do this, they gather around all those non smoking belly aches to back them in their venture.
I agree, people who do not smoke have rights but...I do smoke and so do I. Rather than a complete ban, the government should have been getting clubs/pubs and restraunts to "clean up" their own act by "providing" a space such as a smokers lounge, for people who do smoke. Ah but then if you are still spending your dosh on fags, you wont be putting it into the government coffers will you. Perhaps that is what this is all about and very little to do with health but then even if it does, all of us smokers hve also contributed towards medical assistance from out of our wage packets.

~v~

Answer 3

We`ve had the smoking ban in Scotland since March 06', and yes the pubs seem less busier, its because all the smokers are outside, its fine in the winter, just make sure you`ve got a jacket on, the pubs I go to have all either got canopies or good strong gazebos erected outside that create shelter in the winter and shade in the summer, one even has a tv and a patio heaters in the partially covered beer garden.

Answer 4

good point about the NHS there. I'm not fussed about it to be fair, i quit smoking at new year and i've just managed a month. it's been quite easy apart from when i went to the pub and all my friends were smoking. however i think the ban is being brought in in Manchester where i live, in July, so at least i'll be ready for it when it happens, unlike my friends!

I do think it's silly saying we can't smoke outside like at a bus stop or whatever, where's the logic in that, the smoke just goes into the atmosphere and wouldn't effect anyone. i can understand in pubs/restaurants but outside...it's rediculous.

Good question though...

Answer 5

I'm (now) an ex-smoker who welcomes the ban. The ban was the final straw for me wanting to give up, as I hate the thought of being inconvenienced for the sake of a vice which isn't doing my health any favours.

The reaction from the pro smoking lobby has also reinforced my desire to quit as it highlighted, if nothing else, the grip that nicotine addiction has over people.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not being the typical ex-smoker here and having a pop at anyone. I'm just glad that it highlighted how irrational an addiction can make people.

Answer 6

I think it is one of the best decisions this government has made, being able to go out and not breathe in 2nd hand smoke in pubs and restaurants will be a joy.

It is long overdue that non-smokers get some protection from smoking.

Here in Wales the ban is due to take effect from April.

Answer 7

I sympathise with the no smokers here, but i can not imagine going out for a pint and no ***!! In the workplace will be hell as i need a *** to calm down at times!! No i can't say i agree with it from a smokers point of view. Dont even think this would be an issue if it wasn't for the tobacco smuggling going on!!

Answer 8

would you like to see some one spit into your drinking water?
that is how I feel about public smoking.
I agree that standing out in the rain is a poor option but there has to be a better way than to subject innocent people to second hand smoke.
you have rights as a smoker and i respect them..in the end the non smokers will probably get their way as the majority rules and I believe that the non-smokers will eventually be in the majority. I too smoked for over 21 years and i got married and since she was a non smoker i gave into her request ...love makes you do stuff like this..lol....smoke em if you got em...have one on me mate

Answer 9

As a non-smoker I am definitely looking forward to the ban. I went to a no smoking pub the other day it was so nice to not wind up coughing my guts up (smoke really makes me cough badly!) and not to stink of smoke when I got home. I had a much nicer experience in the no smoking pub so bring on the ban!

Answer 10

The only positive thing I can say is it may encourage me to give up, which is great.

But I still think it is very draconian and controlling of them - they should have gone for a compromise situation where pubs/clubs could CHOOSE if they wanted to be non-smoking or not. But no, that would be far too fair now wouldn't it.

I agree that non-smokers have the right not to inhale other people's smoke if they don't want to. But equally, smokers should have the right to go somewhere to light up if they want to!