All light up in protest
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 
Late breakfast with Mark St John at the Troubadour, "the last 50s coffee house in Earls Court". Mark is manager of The Pretty Things whose protest song, 'All Light Up', featured on this blog and the Forest website when it was released last month.
'All Light Up' is part of a broader offensive in defence of civil liberties. Phil May, founder and lead singer of the band, came to our Revolt In Style dinner at The Savoy and we are currently discussing ways we can work together to highlight opposition to the smoking ban and other Big Government initiatives.
Top of our list is some form of protest at the Labour conference in Bournemouth in September. We know what we want to do - it's just a question of whether we can sort out the logistics. Watch this space.
Reader Comments (10)
Well Simon, thats 1 dinner, 1 lunch and 1 late breakfast according to the 3 blogs you have added today, seems like you are having a fantastic social life unlike the smokers who visit this site looking for leadership and support to do somthing about these laws imposed upon us.
I personally have promoted this site,feeling that sooner or later you would take a stance that smokers in their droves could support and follow, instead it seems like a diary of your social life, people log on here for support and direction, will Forest organise an event or protest (not beyond the pockets of everyday smokers) that we can get our teeth into and really set about making a change?
Alison, could not agree with you more, its time
we took a stance and protested, like you I expected forester to have arranged a get together so all the smokers can discuss and
make a stand against this silly law. We need
a leader and I know there will be many followers (hopefully not sheep, because we have too many in England already) I am British through and through, If the Scottish and Irish like being dictated to, I don't so come on all you GREAT BRITAINS stand up and fight.
I wished someone would organise a protest march for smokers. I have never taken part in any demonstaration but i would take part in this one come on lead us so that we smokers can be heard from all corners.
I have emailed Simon today as I have just had my first visit from the local authority for not displaying a"No Smoking" sign in my shop window. He is returning in 2 weeks and if I have not complied then it will be an instant fixed penalty. I can ill afford this but am making my own stand/protest in the only way I can until something bigger is organised. I have replied that I will appeal in court but actually dont have a clue if I can or not. In case I dont get any advice from Simon can anyone else direct me to a blog or site where I might understand the position in simple terms.I am sure there are others who feel a bit alone in this.
Wendy,
Haven't the smoke police advised you what will happen if you don't pay the fixed penalty? There's many a speeding driver who's got off on such a technicality. Further to Pat's comment, there is a protest march being organised in Somerset. Those who are fighting for the freedom2choose have details.
As for the initial comment, similar coments have been made time and time again since the ban came into force but Simon has not responded. I am now reluctant to suggest to other smokers that they come to the FOREST site because it appears that there is no campaign to get behind. Furthermore, they might mistakenly believe that no-one is fighting. If grassroots action is not what FOREST is about then fine, but I do wish that Simon would make this clear and point anti ban supporters who do want to take action in the right direction. There has been a feeling in some quarters that once the ban came in the battle had been lost but there is now more ammunition with which to retaliate: there are publicans taking a stance, there is concern about the civil disorder caused by large groups of people standing outside the pubs, complaints about noise and litter and reports are emerging of smoking related assaults. If this continues then who could possibly believe that the ban is a success other than the gullible who have swallowed the junk science and propaganda? Now is the time to strike while the iron is hot.
Pat - there has already been one protest march against the ban in Wells, Somerset and another is being organised in Glastonbury on 11th August at 12 noon. I think Simon featured the first one here (why not the Forest home page too I have no idea). The organiser is Paul Toole, who along with his partner Chris has attracted a good deal of media attention in the South West speaking out against the ban. Here are some clips of coverage so far:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqaySp9S48Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzg_u17YzgU
Just a quick response to the title above.
We are holding our second march here in Somerset.
We're all meeting in SILVER STREET CARPARK, GLASTONBURY on SAT AUG 11th at 12 NOON,
The march will take around one hour 20 mins. After which we will then go back to a pro-choice pub!!
If you'd like any further details please contact me directly on 01749 672747, 07885437854, 07722852224 or Email opposetheban@aol.com
Looking forward to meeting some of you.
Paul Toole
Good for you Paul, I will certainly put the word around and hopefully see you on 11th.
It's too far for me to travel (I live in the far North) but I wish you all the best and hope that you have masses of support, Paul.
Pat - no he didnt tell me, but I probably didnt give him a chance as I rather released my pent up feelings on him, had to go straight out of my shop into office for a smoke was so wound up.
Paul - Cant make it as working Saturdays but good for you I hope you get loads of support.