The Smoking Ban

lightload · Jun 21, 2007

The smoking ban comes into play soon, how is this going to affect you and your staff. Do you think it is right that this ban has been brought into the work place, or do you think there could have been another solution.

After reading a lot of newspapers about this and forums, people have said they would prefer to leave their job rather than not being able to smoke,

Does this ban not come under the Human Rights law? I am not a smoker so I do not have a problem of not being able to smoke but I do feel for the people within the work place who have to go through the day without having a cig.

RedEvo · Jun 21, 2007

We are well into the ban here in Scotland. IT ROCKS!!
d

Gillie · Jun 21, 2007

England is the last one to get it, so if it was against human rights act, which of course it aint, cos its against my human rights act to put up with smokers ... fraid you will just have to put up with it or be fined!!

Tough ... I get fined if I drink in a public place which is my bad habit ...

RedEvo · Jun 21, 2007

GillOak said:
England is the last one to get it, so if it was against human rights act, which of course it aint, cos its against my human rights act to put up with smokers ... fraid you will just have to put up with it or be fined!!

Tough ... I get fined if I drink in a public place which is my bad habit ...

I'll drink to that!

d

asonda · Jun 21, 2007

This ban, is an absolute F-ing pleasure, and I can't bleedin wait for it to come into action, I can't stand smoke full stop!

It's a good idea! I have a client, that has loads of staff, the smokers take the piss and use the fags as an excuse for a break, these are lazy twunks at their best. (not saying ALL smokers do that but I know more that do, then don't)

This client, is making a shelter up outside the building, just so smokers can go there and have a smoke! It's a luxury and dirty habit, smoking should be banned full stop, and made illegal...

Gillie · Jun 21, 2007

I'm just waiting for a smoker to head this way and say how hard done to they are etc etc etc, blah blah blah ....

Can I help it if they aint got any will power and a brain of their own??

Go on please .... someone come argue with me!!

miketombs · Jun 21, 2007

I used to work for a company where the office was a converted house, owned by the MD and right next door to where he lived. The boundary wall had been taken down, and in the mornings he would wander across, cigar in hand and followed by his dogs. No-one else smoked in the building, but he polluted everywhere except my office, because I told him that it was a filthy habit that I didn't want in my space. It shouldn't need a change in law, it should simply need common courtesy on the part of the nicotine addicts.

CarolineICE · Jun 21, 2007

Even though I am a smoker, it doesn't bother me either way. To be honest, as I have 2 small children, I don't get out that much anyway so the ban won't affect me.

Having said that, having a car that I use for business throws up all sorts of potential problems even though I own the car, it's not the property of my Company. I can't smoke whilst carrying passengers on my Company business. Fair enough, I wouldn't smoke anyway.But how is this enforcable? If I was stopped by police because I was smoking in MY CAR, I am hardly likely to admit I was using said car for Company business! How could they prove otherwise?

I think though that on the whole the smoking ban is a positive thing. Anyone that smokes knows that it is bad for them. That is a no brainer. Even though I don't smoke that much (maybe 5 a day) this might give me the impetus to stop which can only be a good thing!

Caroline

AlphOmega · Jun 21, 2007

This ban is disgraceful. Whats next banning unhealthy foods?

Surely if so many people were against smoking then most pubs would be non smoking anyway.

This is an infringement on human rights and freedom from the same country with other screwed up laws which enforce me to wear a crash helmet when riding my motorbike - it should be my choice.

Smudge · Jun 21, 2007

I'm an ex-smoker and I hate smoking, so bring it on!

Gillie · Jun 21, 2007

AlphOmega said:
This ban is disgraceful. Whats next banning unhealthy foods?

Surely if so many people were against smoking then most pubs would be non smoking anyway.

This is an infringement on human rights and freedom from the same country with other screwed up laws which enforce me to wear a crash helmet when riding my motorbike - it should be my choice.

But its my choice not to have you smoke around me, yet I never get asked! Mmmm works both ways!

AlphOmega · Jun 21, 2007

Its also your choice to stand near me!

**EDIT** Depends on the location to the above statement

Gillie · Jun 21, 2007

So why should my movements be restricted then?? Isnt that harming my human rights in having the ability to stand wherever I want as you seem to think you can??

asonda · Jun 21, 2007

Smokings bad for you, just quit! back in the good old days, there wasn't any of this, omg I'm so addicted, I need a billion nicotine patches...

Just stop smoking, and thats it, no more worries!

Smoking has become, a culturally acceptable dirty bad habit. about time the government did something to try and protect us, and to try and prevent you smokers!

CarolineICE · Jun 21, 2007

asonda said:
Smoking has become, a culturally acceptable dirty bad habit. about time the government did something to try and protect us, and to try and prevent you smokers!

I think that smoking is a culturally UNacceptable habit. I feel really embarrassed if I want to have a ciggie and hardly ever smoke in public. However I wish it was as easy as 'just giving up'. I've tried a few ways. My hubbie gave up via hypnosis a few years ago and I think I might try the same thing. It's a vile habit that kills. Even knowing that I smoke, but I do really want to give up. Making it more socially unacceptable makes me more determined to try.

Caroline

Pilfo · Jun 21, 2007

AlphOmega said:
Its also your choice to stand near me!

**EDIT** Depends on the location to the above statement

We don't have to stand near you...it can be smelt a mile off!

asonda · Jun 21, 2007

Good for you Caroline...Good for You. When I see people smoke, I don't think, ewww you dirty person, I think you poor person, Imagine what it could be doing for your health...

So keep trying girl! you'll get there!

Pilfo · Jun 21, 2007

asonda said:
Good for you Caroline...Good for You. When I see people smoke, I don't think, ewww you dirty person, I think you poor person, Imagine what it could be doing for your health...

So keep trying girl! you'll get there!

It's the kids I don't understand. Why do they start smoking at a young age (think it's cool and makes them look 'hard') knowing what we know nowadays?

Pilfo

CarolineICE · Jun 21, 2007

asonda said:
Good for you Caroline...Good for You. When I see people smoke, I don't think, ewww you dirty person, I think you poor person, Imagine what it could be doing for your health...

So keep trying girl! you'll get there!

Could you be my personal cigarette giver upper tutor please?!

And yes, I dread to think what I am doing to my health. I want to see my kids grow up but it is not easy! I also dread putting on weight, being irritable...etc....all bad excuses!

Gillie · Jun 21, 2007

Caroline, pathetic excuses!

asonda · Jun 21, 2007

Ofcourse I could!

This is a good tip, Somebody I knew smoked, (no he's still alive, just lost contact), he had forgot to put his nicotine patch on in the morning before work, so he cut up a square of sellotape, and stuck it where he'd normally put his patch, the mind thought he had a patch on, didn't have a craving all day....

That then allowed him to get off the patches, for a full smoke free recovery!

CarolineICE · Jun 21, 2007

GillOak said:
Caroline, pathetic excuses!

I agree! But you sound like my Mum!

I know all the implications...to my health, finance etc etc but I still do it! Why?

(said in a small voice in fear of being ridiculed...I do enjoy it!....sorry!)

CarolineICE · Jun 21, 2007

asonda said:
Ofcourse I could!

This is a good tip, Somebody I knew smoked, (no he's still alive, just lost contact), he had forgot to put his nicotine patch on in the morning before work, so he cut up a square of sellotape, and stuck it where he'd normally put his patch, the mind thought he had a patch on, didn't have a craving all day....

That then allowed him to get off the patches, for a full smoke free recovery!

Ha! A friend of mine who smoked more in a day than the average man in a month used to wear two full strength nicotine patches and still smoke over 40 a day, apparently they liked the hit! That is extreme I know.

To be honest I like to think that I could give up through sheer will power but I have to have a switch in my brain that says ' Caroline you silly bint, give up!' Even though my husband says this on a daily basis! I'm not that bad though, I am sure I am not the only one here who smokes!

asonda · Jun 21, 2007

no but I bet your in a minority

CarolineICE · Jun 21, 2007

asonda said:
no but I bet your in a minority

Absolutely, which is why the smoking ban is a good thing if it can encourage more people to give up by making it socially unacceptable. I am for it. Wish me luck!

Cornish Steve · Jun 21, 2007

I've never smoked, I hate smoking, and I hate the smell that lingers in hotel rooms etc. I am pleased that the Marriott hotel chain now has a complete ban on smoking in all its hotels. As a frequent traveller, they gain more of my custom.

However....

The smoking ban is a worrying trend. There's a balance between the rights of the individual and the role of government imposing its views on society. Communist governments, for example, dictate not only what behaviour is acceptable but also what views are. Clearly, that oversteps the bounds.

I have no problem with private companies, such as the Marriott hotel chain, imposing a smoking ban for its properties. Restaurants, pubs, theatres, trains, taxis, football stadiums, etc. are free to do the same. Depending on their clientele, they'll win some business and lose some. Neither do I have a problem with employers banning smoking in the workplace; employees can choose to work there or not. It's quite another matter for the government to decide what's best for us. While I may be in the minority, I disagree strongly.

This thread is revealing. If you don't smoke, you agree with the ban; if you do smoke, you disagree with the ban (although there are exceptions). What does that tell me? The rights of individuals are becoming subservient to majority opinion. And majority opinion, over time, can be manipulated by government and the media. It's a slippery slope, folks, and it doesn't lead to Utopia.

Bans by the government sound just fine until they affect something that you particularly enjoy. Should a majority, who happen to differ from you in their opinions, be allowed to get their way and force you to stop? "But it's good for you..."!

asonda · Jun 21, 2007

Steve, why do you always have to write posts that make me think!

It's true, but the thing is, Smoking is bad for someones health, so in this case, I think it's right that the government is putting in measures, If they were banning something that didn't matter, I'm sure it would be a different outcome in relation to opinions!

CarolineICE · Jun 21, 2007

Steve,

As ever you give a balanced view and I agree in part with what you are saying. However as an intelligent person who is a smoker (a disparity already!) I feel that by making my bad habit unacceptable in todays society then it will make me more likely to give up. I don't like smoking, I enjoy it. I can see the harm that it can do but I still do it. Why? I don't know.I don't oppose the ban but I can see where the Human Rights argument comes into play. However, what I don't understand is how anyone can stand up for smokers as all the evidence is stacked against those who smoke!

Cornish Steve · Jun 21, 2007

asonda said:
It's true, but the thing is, Smoking is bad for someones health, so in this case, I think it's right that the government is putting in measures,

No more hamburgers - not good for you. No more beer - not good for you. No more doughnuts - not good for you. No more fast cars - not good for you. No more motorcycles - not good for you. No more sunbathing - not good for you. No more video games - not good for you. No more Emmerdale - not good for you. Need I go on?

What's next? No more Political Party X - not good for us. No more criticism of public figures by the media - not good for us. No more talk radio programs - not good for us....

asonda · Jun 21, 2007

People that stand up for them, are general people who don't like what they hear...it's like people being told the truth, but they just don't want to hear it, so they fight back...

Tin · Jun 21, 2007

asonda said:
Steve, why do you always have to write posts that make me think!

Because he's very good at that. Good post Steve

Cornish Steve · Jun 21, 2007

CarolineICE said:
what I don't understand is how anyone can stand up for smokers as all the evidence is stacked against those who smoke!

I don't stand up for smoking; I hate the practice. I do, however, stand up for the right of individuals to choose to smoke. They know the harm it can do, but that's true of many things in life. I don't stand up for couch potatoes; however, I do stand up for the right of any individual not to exercise. The health implications are again clear, but it's their choice.

...as long as the habit concerned doesn't unduly affect my rights as an individual! And, for smoking, that is an issue.

What about the bus driver today in the US? He stopped the bus and asked two lesbians to get off because they were kissing passionately in front of all the passengers. For sure, I can imagine that some people, especially with young children, may have been upset. Did the behaviour of the girls infringe on the rights of others? Was the bus driver infringing on their rights (which is how it was ruled)? These are not easy questions to answer.

asonda · Jun 21, 2007

goldctrsteve said:
No more hamburgers - not good for you. No more beer - not good for you. No more fast cars - not good for you. No more sunbathing - not good for you. No more video games - not good for you. No more Emmerdale - not good for you. Need I go on?

What's next? No more Political Party X - not good for us. No more criticism of public figures by the media - not good for us....

No more beer - I wouldn't care, as it is a health risk... I'm young, never been involved in drinking, and don't intend to start! ofcouse that is my view though!

Those instances though are different than Smoking though, Smoking is an addiction, and as an addiction people don't want to just stop! which is why interference here is a good thing!

asonda · Jun 21, 2007

If you drink beer, you drink beer, if you drink lots your an alcoholic!

If you smoke lots or not much, your a smoker......but beer to turns into an addiction at the alcoholism stage..and thats where they get help.

Smoking, is an addiction from the start...

Cornish Steve · Jun 21, 2007

Bringing this back to the topic of business, we can most definitely adapt to the latest trends in society. A good example is the current obsession about all things green. The example of Marriott hotels banning smoking is another. Is there a case to be made for a restaurant or a football stadium banning the drinking of alcohol?

asonda · Jun 21, 2007

Alcohol is a depressent, therefore causes anger with football hooligans, which cause those massive fights! There's one for you!

To be honest, Alcohol, Smoking, should be banned completely, we know we shouldn't do it as a society but still do, and many want to stop, banning it completely then doesn't let us have that cheeky smoke, or get plastered and start fighting at fottie matches!

Rhyl Lightworks · Jun 22, 2007

First let me declare an interest that I am a smoker, albeit not a proud one. It would be easy to blame the tobacco companies for my addiction, and although I think they must accept part of the guilt, I accept that the bulk of the blame lies with me. My partner is a counsellor with an organisation helping people with drug and alcohol addiction. He tells me that it is easier to give up say heroin than nicotine, and alcohol addiction is on a par with nicotine, but probably causes more harm in society. For historical reasons, we ban certain drugs, tolerate nicotine and, it seems to me, positively encourage alcohol consumption. If we were starting from scratch today, it would be logical to ban or allow all three. I do not see the logic of a ban on smoking in public places, but no action at all on alcohol.
As usual, governments have pussy-footed around the problem. If they made tobacco illegal altogether, it would force the majority of smokers, including myself, to stop smoking. It would simply be too much trouble and too risky to seek out supplies on the black market. True there would be a black market, as there is with drugs, but smoking would be a much reduced pastime. It may even have a beneficial effect, in inducing young people to rebel by taking to tobacco, rather than other drugs. I would certainly prefer a child of mine to be a tobacco user than say a heroin user. By allowing cigarettes to be still legally available, people like me will continue to use them in our own homes, and hiding in corners.
Could it be that governments are afraid of the outcry from tobacco companies and newsagents? A rhetorical question, I fear.
And as for alcohol - it seems that it is so deeply ingrained in our culture, no-one is ever going to have the courage to do anything about it. How depressing (pardon the pun).
Barrie

Coding Monkey · Jun 22, 2007

Steve, imagine now if a new drug was released with half the properties that are present in cigarettes. The drug would probably struggle to get behind even a hypothetical, let alone put into serious testing to go on to be sold to the public. It damages your health. It damages the health of those around you. It has addictive chemicals within it, which have mind altering effects. Drinking beer, doesn't by default have an impact on people standing close to you; neither does eating a hamburger. I choose to be a vegetarian, and have no problem if anyone wishes to go to McDonalds. But, I cannot choose to have a physical dislike for smoking.

Supposedly 600,000 people have pledged to give up smoking on the 1st July. If even half of those people do that, and as a result live longer, how is the ban a bad thing? I already have friends who have recently given up just before the 1st July, as a result.

goldctrsteve said:
Bans by the government sound just fine until they affect something that you particularly enjoy. Should a majority, who happen to differ from you in their opinions, be allowed to get their way and force you to stop? "But it's good for you..."!

There's a distinct difference between the enjoyment of one, to the detriment of the other; and in this case, the majority. I'm sure some people enjoy child abuse too.

Deleted member 3454 · Jun 22, 2007

I am looking forward to the smoking ban - I'm a non-smoking (never even tried one) asthma sufferer. I'd like to see the ban go even further - no smoking in any public place, just limited to private houses!

Ten years ago I had a job I loved - the only reason I left was that the company went bust. I was in a minority of non-smokers - 2 non-smokers and 6 smokers - and the office building stank, my clothes stank, my hair stank. I needed my inhaler a lot more while I worked there.

I hate going out for a meal or a drink and coming home stinking like an ashtray and with a tight chest - sometimes I've had to leave social events early because the cigarette smoke inflames my asthma.

Even walking in town and people puff their cigarette smoke in my face - it's disgusting.

weddingcrafter · Jun 22, 2007

I fully support the smoking ban.

But I am as irritated as hell about the rule which says I now need to display a no smoking poster (of a specified size - how much did they pay someone to decide THAT) in my premises. Its a 600sq ft office for Pete's sake and no-one has ever been allowed to smoke in it.

Rant over.

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