They'll be back
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 I have just done an interview with BBC Radio Leicester. A councillor in Coalville wants to ban smoking in the centre of town. Nothing new there - councillors in Barnsley and Birmingham have proposed similar measures. In each case there was an outcry, their ideas were made to look preposterous, and they were quietly dropped.
Expect similar stories in future, though. Although there is no immediate threat that smoking could be banned in town and city centres, that's because the anti-smoking industry has yet to adopt and get behind the idea. What we're seeing is the advance guard testing public opinion. To paraphrase Arnie, "They'll be back."
PS. We invited the councillor who proposed a smoking ban in Birmingham city centre to speak in a debate at The Freedom Zone next week. He declined.
Reader Comments (6)
Well done yet again, Simon: but why do these Little Corporals always scurry away when offered the chance of a good, old-fashioned 'debate' (cf the Global Warming Alarmists) ?
Mmmm - have to think about that one !
I trust at any rate that THIS is the sort of bloody nonsense that David Cameron has in mind when he speaks of Public Sector Reform ?
Yes, Martin, of course he does....................;-)
This is just the problem, isn't it Simon? It won't happen just yet, but I am sure it will unless we can do anything to get the current ban amended. There are already the signs up in hospital, council and GP car parks and grounds - although I have to admit I totally ignore these as, in my opinion, this is all public property, I have paid towards it from my taxes, therefore I have partial ownership and it is out in the open air! So far no-one has said anything!
When I was doing a CBT course at our local Psychiatric Day Hospital, they were happy for the smokers to go just outside for a smoke during the break, or, indeed, if they felt the need at any point during the course, as they realise it can help to calm and difuse situations and well as it being beneficial to many people who suffer from stress, depression, anxiety and other related issues.
It scares me silly that this will come in eventually as I am already isolated by the current ban, something which is very negative for people suffering depression - it is too easy for us to shut ourselves away and we need encouragement to get out and about, but nowadays there is no pleasure in going out and I just don't feel comfortable, so stay at home. As I say, this has other issues, which adversely affects my depressive state, including weight gain, due to comfort eating because I am staying in.
If they bring in no smoking in town centres it will not stop there, it will soon be anywhere outside and by then I doubt I will be in a fit state to be able to continue working. Another fine idea by our local and national government that will backfire in their faces, but due to their thick skins, they won't realise it!
It is about time we had some real, honest, sensible and uncorruptible people in both national and local government - but I won't hold my breath waiting!
I received this email reply today.
The non smoking on the street issue was only an informal discussion at NWLDC cabinet.
This was picked up by a Mercury reporter and by the BBC
No policy decision has as yet been taken.
I have raised the issue with my director as I've been contacted by numerous people within NW Leicestershire.
This will be researched and a report prepared for me in due course.
Nicholas
-----Original Message-----
From: NICHOLAS RUSHTON [mailto:NICHOLAS.RUSHTON@nwleicestershire.gov.uk]
Sent: 23 September 2008 15:13
To: Mr. N. J. Rushton
Subject: FW: Cigarette ends
Lyn,
Do not worry too much about town centre smoking bans or, even worse, restrictions on all outdoor smoking. The current pub and cafe bans work because smokers do not want to see licensees lose their livelihood. And that is the real threat of this lousy legislation. In the open air they can only fine us, not threaten anyone else. If we all ignore it then it cannot work. 10,000,000 of us clogging up the courts to dispute our £60 fines could be fun.
Grumpybutterfly
Thanks for that Grumpybutterfly.
I am off to Majorca tonight, sadly only for 10 days, but at least it will be 10 days of relative freedom and being able to smoke where I want!
Lyn. Have a good time. Treat every day as the best ever, let time stand still, and just enjoy the moment.