Public Smoking

[JQL]

As smoking is such a contentious issue, let's see what the forum thinks on this.

[CG Effect]

My dad says its all aload of rubbish about smoking being harful. He's 61 now a year ago he went for a flu jab at the hospital they said he better have a chest x-ray because they could hear him breathing down the corridor. He got told from the tests hes got the lungs of an 80 yr old and is now on medication for the rest of his life.

[CG Effect]

Thats cos he smoked everyday im always missing something out.

[RockLinks]

Smokers have the choice to smoke, unfortunatley us non smokers dont have a choice when it comes to breathing in other peoples smoke and thats wrong!

[Rob Holmes]

I started smoking at 14 and from 18 onwards I smoked 40 a day. I gave up nearly 10 years ago (I'm 33 to save you doing the sums).

My point is that I still want one most days. Either I've got a weak/addictive nature (which I don't think so or I wouldn't have managed to stop for nearly 10 years) or if is a very very addictive and powerful substance.

I would like to see the sale of cigarettes banned in the UK. It is a harmful drug and I don't know of any medicinal purposes.

<gets off soap box>

Rob

[Ozzy]

The thing is, if smoking was brought into the UK these days it would be outlawed because its a drug, and even more addictive than many class A and B drugs. The government cannot outlaw it now because it is so popular that by doing so would drive the supply of cigarrettes under ground into a black market - so they make a shed load of cash on taxes on them instead!

I used to smoke, my step-dad started me and my brother when I was 6 and my brother was 4. We smoked until we were in our twenties, and now I have stopped and my brother still smokes. Its a terrible habbit, and since stopping I can now enjoy my food and my sense of smell is much better - I can now smell the stench of it on other people.
That said, I still want a fag now and again, and there is nothing worse than an ex-smoker as a smoke critic ;)

[Webstuff]

6?? Christ, that can't have been the greatest start to life - though would you say your business drive developed from constantly trying to make enough money to buy cigarrettes? Glad to hear you gave up!

I have nothing against people doing more-or-less anything to themselves, but I for one hate breathing in tar and smoke because the person sitting next to me has no will power ;). I think one of the biggest problems is the effort that tobacco companies put into target younger smokers, and whilst I don't agree with banning smoking completely, I think advertising should be made illegal.

[Romperstomper]

I gave up smoking again two weeks ago and it has been relatively easy this time. Previous attempts have lasted about a year before I have returned to the dreaded weed. this time it'll be permanent as I'm going to buy a new car with the money I'm saving.

I agree with the idea that smoking should not be allowed in enclosed public spaces. Suggesting that smoking should be banned in all public places is a tad extreme methinks.

[Alpha]

and there is nothing worse than an ex-smoker as a smoke critic Wink

Yes there is.....................ME.

I have never smoked (Apart from being forced to breathe other smokers fumes) I detest the smell and detest even more the individuals that argue for the right to smoke anywhere they choose as a 'Human right' and to hell with the rights of anyone who doesnt apart from the right to not go where there are smokers.

Gets off soap box, dusts self down and exits stage left.

[Ozzy]

Yep, OK, you're right Alan there is someone worse than an ex-smoker ;)

[Eagle]

I'd love to see the state of the NHS if they banned the sale of cigarettes. It would be on its knees in a matter of weeks.

I'm happy to continue paying for your healthcare. ;) :wink:

[Alpha]

I'd love to see the state of the NHS if they banned the sale of cigarettes. It would be on its knees in a matter of weeks.

Another falacy which is just a weak attempt at justification by those that smoke.

The truth of the matter is more like Junior doctors would not work such long hours that they make mistakes through tiredness, all those that give up smoking would have more disposable income and more time to spend it therefore the treasury would still get its taxes from all the other purchases. The life expectancy would increase thereby allowing people to retire later and put more money into retirement when it eventually happens thereby relieving some pressure on the big black pensions hole.

Nice try but no cigar :D

[Ozzy]

Ok, where would Formula 1 get all its sponsorship money from? :)

[Webstuff]

Oil companies? And don't forget, we're not talking about banning alcohol here. No better way to advertise spirits than on the side of a car travelling at over 100mph...

[Rob Holmes]

I'd love to see the state of the NHS if they banned the sale of cigarettes. It would be on its knees in a matter of weeks.

ROTFL - I am speechless.

I'd love to see the state of the NHS 10 years after smoking was banned - they would be in alot better state!

Rob

[epiphany]

Anyone who smokes should be made to pay for their medical bill when they need it. Harsh but hey :)

There should only be one option in your poll, YES!

[CG Effect]

I thaught cigs advertising was already banned in uk sport.