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Rethink plea on no-smoking law (From York Press)
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Rethink plea on no-smoking law
11:41am Wednesday 25th July 2007
Now that the smoking ban has been in place for a few weeks, let me unashamedly give you a smoker's perspective.
This ban has common sense at the heart of it. Of course smoking is bad for you, every smoker, apart from young smokers in denial, will tell you that.
And, of course, people should be-free to enjoy smoke-free facilities wherever they choose. But equally, we smokers should have a place.
From a purely personal perspective, I have always enjoyed visiting pubs. In recent years as someone with a demanding job and a family I have valued the sanctity of the pub.
Mostly anonymous, I would enjoy a pint at the end of the day with the company of the paper and a cigarette - a quiet space between work and home, when pubs are largely empty. I can't do that now - it's been taken away. Surely we could have compromised a bit.
The Government talks about health hazards, but sends teenage boys to Iraq. It talks about the cost of health services, but lets equity fat cats pay derisory levels of tax.
We have been sold a pup on this smoking ban - the relentless rain has served to show that smokers are now staying away. For goodness sake, let us have some common sense and allow proper smoking facilities - away from the main area, but please do not force us to stand in the rain just because a bus shelter or alleyway happens to be more then 50 per cent covered over.
Like the Dangerous Dogs Act, this legislation is ill-conceived and improperly executed. Surely we can do better than this John Wright, Lindley Street, York.
* WELL, 25 days into the English smoking ban and all my fears have been realised.
Patios and terraces, where once families could enjoy themselves, and, weather permitting we could eat al fresco or enjoy a drink in the evening sun, are now inundated with smokers and overfilled smelly ashtrays.
Don't blame the smokers, this is not their choice at all.
Why, oh why, were public houses not allowed to set aside a room inside for smokers?
Congratulations to all concerned.
Brian Ballentine, Postern Close, York.
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