From our own correspondent
Thursday, April 3, 2008 A reader from a far flung outpost of what used to be called the British Empire writes to say:
So far we are still able to smoke in our bars but those days are numbered. The [authorities] say it is in the interests of landlords and barworkers to ban smoking [even though] most of the bar staff here smoke.
We pointed out that in such a small community, if a smoke free bar was a viable business proposition, why had it not already happened? Needless to say, our views were politely listened to and then ignored.
About 60% of the adult population here smoke. To remove the opportunity to enjoy a cigar or a cigarette with a pint in a bar is to remove freedom of choice from a lot of people.
When the ban is brought in we expect to see many of our bars go down the toilet and more parties in private houses. Or we're going to have to find ourselves somewhere even more remote if we want to carry on smoking!
I haven't revealed the name of the place and there's a simple reason why. My correspondent fears (my emphasis) that his work permit won't be renewed or his application for permanent residency may be rejected if he complains publicly about a smoking ban. Seriously.
To me, that speaks volumes for the English-speaking world we currently inhabit. (And believe me, it's the English-speaking world - Australia, Canada, America, New Zealand, Ireland and the UK - that has led the war on tobacco.)
I'm not going to do some Churchillian number about the virtues of Empire. I accept there was a dark side (for commercial or other reasons). For me, however, the good far weighed the bad and the positive legacy included concepts such as democracy and freedom of speech.
Like the Empire, I guess they're history.
Reader Comments (2)
To the reader from a far flung outpost of what used to be called the British Empire, I have one thing to say.
Do not take it or accept it. Rebel against it right from the start and you will have a chance.
Look at the old country, which used to be called Great Britain, and how we capitulated.
Don't do as we did. Stand up for your rights now!
In the interests of landlords and barworkers do not allow such a law, otherwise they will be out of work, like far too many are in the UK.