Since 1st July 2007, England has been "Smokefree" according to the law. "Virtually all enclosed places and workplaces in England" are now required to be smoke-free. This includes churches, by the way. Just in case you fancied popping into one and claiming sanctuary. Although as a non-smoker and mother of an asthmatic, I have appreciated smoke-free workplaces, and transport, I just feel that the way this law is to be enforced is an example of creeping fascism or extreme socialism, however you want to describe increasing state intervention into our private lives. There is even a telephone number for you to report a breach of the law. Big Brother anyone?
Yet the only difference I have noticed, is the increasing number of smokers in the streets. I keep almost literally bumping into them as I walk round town going shopping, to the bank etc. They are not allowed to hover in doorways and so move slowly around the pavements (sidewalks). I have never felt so like lighting up myself - and blowing the smoke into the face of any passing politician.
Oh, and in case you don't understand English - worry not:The individuals leaflet is also available in the following translated versions and formats below:
Easy read version (PDF, 522KB)
japaneseboats
20 Comments
I do get your point about the smokers being in the streets - perhaps theres a designated spot they could have outside these public places that would make it easier for them to do what they must.
i used to smoke socially at university but realized it was hurting my health and my abilities to swim/jog etc. i hope others quit too.
One - banning smoking IN bars has simply transferred the risk from the bar staff to the door staff (and the public walking past), who have to manage the increased crowd outside the bar with drinks and ciggies, usually on the sidewalk.
Two - smoking has become more social, not less. At least half the people outside are not smokers or smoking, but rather thave gone out there to talk to people who are. Away from the loud music and crowded room, you can actually have a conversation, so it's now a social gathering space.
note I'm a smoker, and I'm all in favour of non smoking in bars etc, they were vile when you could smoke in there, both when i didn't smoke and when i started again, but the reasons govt's have done this don't match the outcomes they have(n't) achevied.
And next, what you can THINK? My point entirely, LBC - thanks for the link.
Actually it has already happened in Japan where the salaryman, the worker, is more or less indentured to a company for life. Has to obey all the company rules and can't leave because no other company would employ such a disloyal worker. Although this 'hold' over workers has lessened in recent years, apparently many workers prefer the old system as it absolves them from responsibility for their lives. Not something most people living in western so-called 'free' societies would willingly agree to you might suppose? Not when presented with the stark choice perhaps, but when it is part of a stealthy programme of laws interfering with the private life of the citizen whether at home work or at leisure, under the auspices of being for our safety or security, then I question how many decisions are being left to individual choice.
this is a difficult issue but I'd prefer not to have the 'right' to overwork (under threat) get an industrial injury (for which there is no adequate compensation, in the vast majority of the small number of suits here that are won, derisory damages are awarded, worse, actually, than US Workers' Comp.), and end up on the scrap-heap. I'd also like companies not to have the 'choice' of flouting Health and Safety laws -- either simply because they know the HSE is small and weak or because they can, in low wage cities, make workers sign waivers (e.g. Rowntrees, York, RSI, some years ago). And I'd like restaurant and bar workers to have a 'choice' not to work in smoky atmospheres -- a genuine choice, not a 'if you don't like it, get out' choice.
I'm in two minds about a total 'enclosed public spaces' ban, when I gave up smoking I told myself I'd never be as nasty to smokers as non-smokers had been to me, and I've managed to stick to that. But I was really lucky, I went, fast, from being an apparent addict to someone who has no real desire to smoke, many former smokers find it a lot more difficult and bans help them.
(The Weyco policy is appalling.)
http://www.smokingbanwales.co.uk/english/
Ditto, Amen, and Hallelujah! Preach it, brother!!!
Just one caveat -- its not quite as clear-cut for me when we're talking about behaviors that truly affect other people against their will. In this particular case, people still have a choice. I say -- don't take it away.
Hey you know AdGuy always gets the last word! ;)