Wednesday
Oct242007
Signs of the times
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 
Smoking outside is now banned in and around play areas in Exeter. According to the local paper, "One hundred no smoking signs have been put up at 50 playgrounds in the city by the authority. The council believes the radical move is the next logical step following the nationwide banning of smoking in enclosed public spaces in July." The initiative, it says, is designed to protect children's health. Story HERE.
Reader Comments (2)
Are bans, with or without signs posted, in outdoor areas enforceable? So far I have taken no notice of them on the basis that if I cannot now smoke inside anywhere, apart from my own home, then I am damned if I am going to be stopped from smoking outside!
There are notices in the car parks around our council offices, which also includes residents living in the area, stating that the area is non smoking. Have to admit, when I go through there, as I did this morning, to the doctors, I make a point of lighting up and puffing away.
Does anyone know the actual legal stance on this?
There is no legal point to the no smoking in an open spaced environment, you can smoke anywhere that is not classed as an enclosed space by law. The likes of the Health authorities and council buildings and areas that are open areas cannot stop you smoking legally. They can only ask you to leave the premises as should the person who owns a pub or restuarant should be allowed to but cannot because of this illegal law.