Smokin!

Originally Posted by mysteryjimbo

Its my business when i go to public places is it not?

Pubs/clubs/restaruants are NOT public places. They are private property open to the public for business. What they choose to allow on their property should be their business and theirs alone.

Why should the minority suffer for the majorities intollerance? As motorcyclists this is something we should empathise with.

And if smoking is in the minority, and is viewed with as much contempt by the majority as you suggest, surely pubs/clubs/restaruants will become non-smoking of their own accord? In fact, I think this is a route thats already being taken, most notably by Weatherspoons. I think the ban was completely unecessary as eventually most places would end up non-smoking by choice. If things had been left the way they were, non-smokers would have been happy because most places would end up being non-smoking, and smokers would be happy because there would still be places they could go for a smoke and a pint. But no, the government couldnt resist yet another opertunity to medle where they have no business.

For the record, I'm actualy a non-smoker, and view smoking as a disgusting. I just feel my personal prejudices dont warrant removing other peoples liberty just because it offends me.

Originally Posted by Flamin_Squirrel

Why should the minority suffer for the majorities intollerance? As motorcyclists this is something we should empathise with.

A minority that has little or no effect on the health of the general public.

Originally Posted by Flamin_Squirrel

For the record, I'm actualy a non-smoker,

You fibbin' little rodent

Originally Posted by Flamin_Squirrel

And if smoking is in the minority, and is viewed with as much contempt by the majority as you suggest, surely pubs/clubs/restaruants will become non-smoking of their own accord? In fact, I think this is a route thats already being taken, most notably by Weatherspoons. I think the ban was completely unecessary as eventually most places would end up non-smoking by choice. If things had been left the way they were, non-smokers would have been happy because most places would end up being non-smoking, and smokers would be happy because there would still be places they could go for a smoke and a pint. But no, the government couldnt resist yet another opertunity to medle where they have no business.

Jordan, as allways your arguments have solid grounds. But consider this:

I think the dilema is because a large number of non smokers don't currently frequent pubs/clubs/bars because of the smoke (I certainly don't and many friends feel the same). Therefore that means that the majority of those that do, could well be smokers. Businesses then take the view that as their customers are largely smokers, they don't want to take the risk by banning smoking because it may ailenate their current customers, making it hard for them to step forward.

I understand your point in saying that the "Government couldnt resist yet another opertunity to medle where they have no business" but personally I feel it is for the greater good. I watched both my parents die of smoking related illnesses, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

.

Originally Posted by Jelster

Jordan, as allways your arguments have solid grounds. But consider this:

I think the dilema is because a large number of non smokers don't currently frequent pubs/clubs/bars because of the smoke (I certainly don't and many friends feel the same). Therefore that means that the majority of those that do, could well be smokers. Businesses then take the view that as their customers are largely smokers, they don't want to take the risk by banning smoking because it may ailenate their current customers, making it hard for them to step forward.

I understand your point in saying that the "Government couldnt resist yet another opertunity to medle where they have no business" but personally I feel it is for the greater good. I watched both my parents die of smoking related illnesses, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

.

Being the cynical person I am, I dont feel the government has the slightest interest in the greater good, and do think they had other options than an outright ban (perhaps Northys smoking licence idea could have been a viable alternative).

Your point about non smokers simply not going to pubs is certainly an important one though.

[timwilky]

Originally Posted by Flamin_Squirrel

Being the cynical person I am, I dont feel the government has the slightest interest in the greater good, and do think they had other options than an outright ban (perhaps Northys smoking licence idea could have been a viable alternative).

Your point about non smokers simply not going to pubs is certainly an important one though.

Not going to pubs because of the smoke is a fact. One of my locals is far too smoky that we will not go in. Suprisingly the landlord is a non smoker and still he has to be cajoled into turning on the useless filters and moans if we open windows so we just don't go. Main problem though is the bar staff, they slope off every 10 minutes for a cig, come back and pull your beer. As soon as you lift the glass you can smell where their smoky hands have been on the glass.