29.5 million to enforce a non smoking ban?

Question

Did the government go on a special 'how to waste tax payers money' course? Do you think that they will make anywhere near 29.5 million in fines?

Not so sure it will save on hospital bills seeing as the smokers that quit won't have to pay the huge taxes on the cigarettes. They will only get sick and die some other way.

Answer 1

Not off of me, I quit 6 months ago.

Hell, the US government is spending that much in just 2 hours of being in Iraq.

Answer 2

What an absolute waste of money.

There is a council in Scotland, that employs 2 full timers, checking on smokers. I"m informed that their salaries are in the region of £23,000 p/a and so far between them they have issued 4 "cautions". Not particularly cost effective.

This new ruling will police itself, as you can bet your last £ (if Gordon has left you any that is) that any non smokers in the vicinity will soon inform the authorities, and will be itching to make a name for themselves by giving evidence or taking photos.

It would have been better in my view, for each establishment to be given the option to "greatly" improve ventilation in an area of the Pub designated purely for smoking.

The Landlords could then decide if they wanted to spend the extra money or not.

I live in Exeter and Witherspoons opened a new totally non smoking pub. As this seemed to be successful the chairman introduced non smoking in the full chain. Within days, taking were well down and the policy was quickly reversed.

We now have the scenario where landlords are building outside areas, where smokers can go in all weathers, and of course they will be heated by these infamous "patio heaters" , so much for Global Warming.

Anyway, end of rant, have a good day.

Answer 3

It will probably save money in the long run on hospital bills.

I'm dubious about the non-smoking laws, I think it should be up to the establishment, if posted conspicuously "We allow smoking here" is posted outside or something. But what the heck, as a non-smoker, I'll take it.

Answer 4

UK government can afford it with all the money they get from taxing cigarettes! And yes, it is worth it. I'm a diabetic nurse and ciggy smoking and diabetes combined is a real death knell. I also hate the litter they cause around the hospital entrance! Why can't they put their packets in the bin like anyone else? From April this year it will be ILLEGAL to smoke in hospital entrances!

Answer 5

i very much doubt they will make that on fines but if it prevents non-smokers from getting diseases from 'passive smoking' then the government will in fact be saving money on cancer treatments etc. also by banning smoking in public places smokers will get pretty peed off with having to go outside for a smoke, therefore cutting down, which can only be a good thing.

Answer 6

It's all down to bully boy tactics. I wish they'd spend that sort of money on real crime prevention or on providing our armed services with the equipment they need when they are sent out to fight Blair's illegal wars.

Answer 7

They have no chance of Policing it in my opinion.

To many rebels, If they fine me ill tell them to stick it where the sun dont shine.

Good luck UK goverment, because youll certainley need it.

Answer 8

if some one tells you not to do some think you do it, the government know this,that's why they tell you to stop smoking.

Answer 9

the councillors needs to create jobs for their families and friends

Answer 10

it makes you want to fume.