Smoking Ban

[Kirkatronics]

I know it's an old subject, but i feel it makes a good discussional topic.

It was a few years a go now, even before i could legally drink, but i still remember goin to the pub with friends and having a ciggerette and a pint.

I personally think that smoking areas should be allowed aslong as its clear, and away from non smokers.

I atleast think it should be allowed in pubs, especially working mens clubs.

What are your views on this?

[Caris]

Can't believe I've just read that in 2010.

[MoogleViper]

This thread's really pointless. Discussions about drugs, fags and alcohol are pointless enough as it is, without centring it around an old topic.

[Iun]

I have to say, I think this is still a relevant topic.

As many other countries and cities - including Shanghai, are instituting smoking bans in public places, the difference to air quality and atmosphere is noticeable.

Case in point: when Mrs Iun and I revisited the homeland at Christmas, we were so wonderfully and pleasantly surprised that the smoking ban in restaurants was being properly implemented. When I left the UK, pubs were still full of that acrid blue smoke everywhere, and you left smelling like crap. In Shanghai, almost everyone smokes, and it shits up clothes, hair and your throat in all the pubs and restaurants.

I don't piss in your lungs, I don't want your second hand smoke in mine.

[mcj metroid]

didnt england bring the ban in after ireland?

Puzzled but I believe the ban should be there.

[Ronnie]

The ban is completely sensible.

If you can't relax/enjoy yourself at the pub with your mates without having a disgusting cigarette then you need a rethink of your social life.

[arab_freak]

There is nothing more disgusting than the sight, sound, and smell of a smoker. It is almost impossible to do a critical analysis of smokers because they practically satirize themselves.

[uəʌəsʎɐɾ]

Actually arab, there are a lot more things that are more disgusting, like your grandmother attempting to fellate a donkey whilst massaging feces and puke into a baby's eyeballs.

I'm a fan of E-Prime.

ANYWAYONTOPIC!

I am a smoker, but also a fan of the smoking ban -- to some extent.

There are many positives to the ban; not smelling of the stuff -- even as a smoker, there's a noticable difference between smelling of my own tobacco and smelling of 150 people's smoke.

I smoke less now that I have to forcibly get up and leave the room.

When I do go to the smoking area there are people there that I immediately have something in common with, that I can have a conversation with -- the social aspect of smoking prevails.

I don't get burnt by wailing cigarettes during gigs.

But there are negative aspects to the ban! *dun dun dunnn*

Some ridiculous places where there isn't really a reason to not smoke - train stations and bus stops. While it it a common sense or courtesy call to not blow smoke in the faces of nearby people, that an open-air train station doesn't cater at all for smokers is backwards. Many other countries do -- even if it's not a paper-based law, let the smokers go to the ends of the platform and smoke! I've had a couple of instances around the time the ban came into place where I had a conductor/train station employee traipse all the way up teh platform to see me at the VERY END of the station smoking to tell me to put it out because I am harming others, when I am so very clearly not.

Work vans, where it is illegal to smoke in a work vehicle with another employee in there, even if they are smokers, is ridiculous.

You aren't allowed to have 'smokers only' pubs/clubs. If a pub has a separate room (ventilationseparatetoo), then why aren't they allowed to instigate smoker's policies?

The thing about 'laws' is that they never regress, only plod on. Situations for smokers are only going to get worse rather than fairer.

People assume that smoking is worse than car pollution, which is silly. Since the smoking ban I've had more instances of members of the public accusing me of giving them cancer - either while i walk down the street, while I stand against a wall or -- what's worst! -- when sitting on a park bench miles away from them, where they walk all the way up to me ONLY TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE CANCER I HAVE APPARANTLY GIVEN THEM FOR WALKING UP TO ME...

But, after all this, I have to say if you wanted to make a thread/smoking thread you could've at least waited for something decent to arise in the news, as this is old news with nothing additional to any of the previous threads we've had. I'm just drunk.

[Paj!]

While I never really was able to "smell smoke" when everyone complained about it cause both my parents smoked and I was used to it, it's (the ban) only a good thing, really. People who smoke aren't having the right to smoke taken away, they just have to do it away from other people inside. Which is fair.

---

Arab, what you said was ridonkulus.

[Ashley]

But there are negative aspects to the ban! *dun dun dunnn*

Some ridiculous places where there isn't really a reason to not smoke - train stations and bus stops. While it it a common sense or courtesy call to not blow smoke in the faces of nearby people, that an open-air train station doesn't cater at all for smokers is backwards. Many other countries do -- even if it's not a paper-based law, let the smokers go to the ends of the platform and smoke! I've had a couple of instances around the time the ban came into place where I had a conductor/train station employee traipse all the way up teh platform to see me at the VERY END of the station smoking to tell me to put it out because I am harming others, when I am so very clearly not.

Work vans, where it is illegal to smoke in a work vehicle with another employee in there, even if they are smokers, is ridiculous.


I think, perhaps, the idea of a blanket ban at train stations is because if you say "okay you can smoke at the end" you're going to get people edging closer, particularly if its raining or something some people may be inclined to stand under the cover with everyone else. Lord knows there have been numerous times when I've been at a train station and people have smoked.

Furthermore if you say "its okay at an open-air station" it will only complicate things. Some people may then think (or play dumb) that its okay at any station. And what about mixes like I believe Sheffield is? The platforms are open-airish but there is cover (making it more akin to indoor) and obviously the main station part is indoor.

I think the work vehicle thing is to protect the condition of the vehicles. Work vehicles are often rented out (except work vans which I presume are flat out purchased and passed around). And I presume there's some public face aspect to it.

One thing that irks me is the pubs that come out onto streets and have their smoking section right outside the door. It doesn't really help as anyone leaving/entering the pub will get blasted with smoke, and anyone walking past will as well. It may not always be possible to have it elsewhere but, for example, there's a pub down the road that has a car parking space that's off the main street but still adjacent to the pub. Could have it there.

But umm yeah, smoking is ick :p But each their own.

qyHRdvJ6GDw

[Cube]

I like the smoking ban in pubs, and especially train stations and bus stops. It doesn't matter if they're open-air or not. I still have a coughing fit when someone near me is smoking. And a lot of people don't have the common sense or courtesy to smoke in the right areas.

[Shorty]

I'm happy that the ban's there from a personal standpoint, but to step back and observe it, it's a little sad that some basic human freedom has been lost. Remember when there were ash trays in the back of chairs on coaches? Or when the cigarette light on a plane actually spent some time not lit up? Heck, cartoon characters used to chew tobacco. It's almost weird now just to think that the world was ever like that.

But as I say, since I don't smoke it's certainly much nicer to be able to relax in a pub without suffering the smell of second hand smoke.

[Aimless]

Smoking is a ridiculous habit. In 50 years time people will look back and wonder how it ever got popular. Probably whilst doing something equally oddball, but still.

In any case, I don't see what anyone has to lose from smoking becoming a thing of past. The quicker we're through the transition phase the better for everyone.

[Eenuh]

The less people smoke the better. I honestly don't see the appeal in it.
My parents smoked all throughout my childhood (even when mom was pregnant of me, urgh) and I've always detested the smell. I'm happy they finally came to their senses years ago and quit.

But yeah, I hate the smell of smoke and I just can't stand it. Whenever I have to go past someone who is smoking, my throat starts itching and I can't help but cough. In school it's pretty bad; since they can't smoke inside, everyone huddles up right in front of the doors. So there's a huge group of smokers and you have to find your way to the doors through the smokescreen. I have to hold my breath every time. Blergh.

[Dazz]

I'm extremely happy that the ban is in effect. I'm asthmatic and when I used to go into restaurants, I had to eat a steak and someone else's smoke and then hearing their rattling cough and bringing up phlegm after every drag, it was disgusting! I also enjoy coming out of a pub and not stinking of smoke. There has been many times I started to choke because someone was inconsiderably smoking next to me and even when I did move, the smoke still got to me. I was so fed up of coughing and choking and now I very rarely do it and my asthma is almost gone. To be honest, if the smokers want to freeze to death outside because they want a drag on something that's killing them then it's their own fault, they shouldn't exactly bitch or moan because they want to smoke inside, they should be considerate of the people inside who want to eat or drink without inhaling their disgusting smoke.

So I'm glad! lol.

[Coolness Bears]

It's never really affected me. :)

*needs to get out more*

[Charlie]

Worst thing about smokers? If you pull one in a club and they taste of it. Bleeurgh.


As a non-smoker, I'm all for the ban in public places but I can definitely see where Jay is coming from. The law needs some common sense in it. Let places have separate indoor rooms for smokers. I know a lot of bars in Glasgow now have 'outside' smoking areas which are pretty much inside.

[MoogleViper]

As a non-smoker, I'm all for the ban in public places but I can definitely see where Jay is coming from. The law needs some common sense in it. Let places have separate indoor rooms for smokers. I know a lot of bars in Glasgow now have 'outside' smoking areas which are pretty much inside.

But (as Ash said with the train station) if you give people an inch they take a mile. You've just given an example of that with the "outside" smoking areas.

Also it would be much harder to police. Are the police really going to have to check the ventilation system in every pub? (going from what jay said)

[Shorty]

Smoking is a ridiculous habit. In 50 years time people will look back and wonder how it ever got popular.You think something that has been happening for thousands of years will stop in the next 50?

[EEVILMURRAY]

You think something that has been happening for thousands of years will stop in the next 50?
Here's hoping.

[Kirkatronics]

While I never really was able to "smell smoke" when everyone complained about it cause both my parents smoked and I was used to it, it's (the ban) only a good thing, really. People who smoke aren't having the right to smoke taken away, they just have to do it away from other people inside. Which is fair.

---

Arab, what you said was ridonkulus.They suddenly couldn't smoke where they could before. They had to go outside in the harsh weather conditions rather than have a room where they could go.

I'm happy that the ban's there from a personal standpoint, but to step back and observe it, it's a little sad that some basic human freedom has been lost. Remember when there were ash trays in the back of chairs on coaches? Or when the cigarette light on a plane actually spent some time not lit up? Heck, cartoon characters used to chew tobacco. It's almost weird now just to think that the world was ever like that.

But as I say, since I don't smoke it's certainly much nicer to be able to relax in a pub without suffering the smell of second hand smoke.We can't even have pictures of ciggerettes in the media now. Kids toys used to come with cigs and stuff like that.

Smoking is a ridiculous habit. In 50 years time people will look back and wonder how it ever got popular. Probably whilst doing something equally oddball, but still.

In any case, I don't see what anyone has to lose from smoking becoming a thing of past. The quicker we're through the transition phase the better for everyone.
You think something that has been happening for thousands of years will stop in the next 50?
This is what i was thinking, people are addicted.

It's never really affected me. :)

*needs to get out more*

You aren't old enough :) Im 20, and i only just caught it.

[Ashley]

Kids toys used to come with cigs and stuff like that.

I don't believe this.

And if so certainly not in about 50 years. And back then we used to be able to spank the receptionist on the arse and drink scotch at work. Things change :heh:

[Wesley]

Work vans, where it is illegal to smoke in a work vehicle with another employee in there, even if they are smokers, is ridiculous.

I'm sorry, but I've spent countess hours sat in either van or lorry being a drivers mate and having smoke shoved down my throat; even when the ban came into place.

It's not nice.

This was the whole point of the ban.

It wasn't to stop you smoking as such; it was to stop me having to breath that shit.

[Aimless]

You think something that has been happening for thousands of years will stop in the next 50?
Just look at the history of opium. Smoking may not entirely disappear in 50 years, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's at the point of near irrelevance.

Most people smoke because it was seen as the norm or a way of gaining acceptance, either amongst their friends or their family. The more marginalised smokers become, the less acceptable the act, the less likely it is that a new generation will take it up. They'll be too busy molesting each other via Internet 2.0 or something anyway.

[Coolness Bears]

I used to have a cuddly gorilla when I was like 7 that I bought which had a cigarette in its mouth. I was so disgusted with his habit that I cut the cigarrete out of his mouth and he was left with what looked like a buck tooth. :)

[soag]

The smoking ban was the best thing to ever happen at I am 110% in favor of it!!!!


I wish they would ban smoking in the street as well or even better just ban smoking altogether.

Disgusting habbit!

[Wesley]

I used to have a cuddly gorilla when I was like 7 that I bought which had a cigarette in its mouth. I was so disgusted with his habit that I cut the cigarrete out of his mouth and he was left with what looked like a buck tooth. :)

I just want to hug you sometimes.

[Mr_Odwin]

The smoking ban was the best thing to ever happen at I am 110% in favor of it!!!!


I wish they would ban smoking in the street as well or even better just ban smoking altogether.

Disgusting habbit!

But then they'll come after your booze for the same reasons, then what'll you say? I have had more problems with drunk people being annoying in public spaces (fighting in the street, vandalising walls, being abusive, etc) than with people smoking in similar situations.

[uəʌəsʎɐɾ]

I think, perhaps, the idea of a blanket ban at train stations is because if you say "okay you can smoke at the end" you're going to get people edging closer, particularly if its raining or something some people may be inclined to stand under the cover with everyone else. Lord knows there have been numerous times when I've been at a train station and people have smoked.

Furthermore if you say "its okay at an open-air station" it will only complicate things. Some people may then think (or play dumb) that its okay at any station. And what about mixes like I believe Sheffield is? The platforms are open-airish but there is cover (making it more akin to indoor) and obviously the main station part is indoor.
You're right with the inch/mile philosophy, which is why I think generally nowadays people will turn a blind eye to a smoker at the end of a platform, miles away from anyone else. When teh ban came into place the staff were ridiculous about it, hiking up the platform to cough in my face, tell me that if I want to kill them I'll have to pay £50 to try.

I don't really see how mixes like sheffield make a difference. Essentially, you should be allowed to smoke in a workplace if you are outdoors and away from the Nonnies.
I think the work vehicle thing is to protect the condition of the vehicles. Work vehicles are often rented out (except work vans which I presume are flat out purchased and passed around). And I presume there's some public face aspect to it.

I'm sorry, but I've spent countess hours sat in either van or lorry being a drivers mate and having smoke shoved down my throat; even when the ban came into place.
Then report them!!!!!1212!£qr

As wes points out, I guess most people ignore that aspect of the ban now!

One thing that irks me is the pubs that come out onto streets and have their smoking section right outside the door. It doesn't really help as anyone leaving/entering the pub will get blasted with smoke, and anyone walking past will as well. It may not always be possible to have it elsewhere but, for example, there's a pub down the road that has a car parking space that's off the main street but still adjacent to the pub. Could have it there.
Yeah walking through the clouds to get in/out of some pubs and clubs isn't ideal, and many places with bouncers ask you to walk along the road a bit. It's a shame, but truly a minor annoyance compared to before (and in my experience rarely as bad as you make out).

We will eventually be herded into public smoking areas, or assigned buildings where we're allowed to go in and smoke (like the old smoking areas at airports - possibly the scummiest, most depressing rooms in existence), but for now we smokers merely ask to be treated with a little reality - our smoke vs cars, etc.

They suddenly couldn't smoke where they could before. They had to go outside in the harsh weather conditions rather than have a room where they could go.
I think you'll find smokers have done it outdoors :P It's been a couple of years now since the ban, which means I've bared these 'harsh conditions' and... well it's not been that bad :P It's nice to take five minutes from the hustle, and get some quiet time and - seriously - a few drags on the fresh air around does wonders. Yes, it's balanced with grey cancer smoke, but still.



It's not nice.

This was the whole point of the ban.

It wasn't to stop you smoking as such; it was to stop me having to breath that shit.True. If someone wasn't happy with my smoking, especially a friend, I'd want them to say something to me. I'm sure none of my friends remember when I ask them "is it alright if I smoke?"

On the fliiipsiiiide- When I'm sitting outside my own house, or in the middle of a park reading a book, I don't deserve to have passers by berating me for being a murderous wretch. I'm forced away from the indoors and I don't get much in the way of thanks for it :P

(tl;dr - smoking ban is a great idea, but we need more common sense and communication!)

[Wesley]

Yeah but that's because of the way people consume alcohol... not the alcohol itself.

What I mean is you can have someone sat next to you with a horrible glass of bitter and it doesn't effect you...

But no matter what a person who is smoking is doing next to you, it's still going to effect you.

[Kirkatronics]

The smoking ban was the best thing to ever happen at I am 110% in favor of it!!!!


I wish they would ban smoking in the street as well or even better just ban smoking altogether.

Disgusting habbit!
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-66400482594017_2090_7631403


Also, does anyone recognize these?
http://www.sweetsncandy.co.uk/prodimages/chocig_l.jpg
http://www.hopeandgreenwood.co.uk/uploads/products/large/Chocolate%20Cigarettes%20LARGE.jpg
Theyre now crayons, its not much better than eating cigs.

[uəʌəsʎɐɾ]

Just look at the history of opium. Smoking may not entirely disappear in 50 years, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's at the point of near irrelevance.

Most people smoke because it was seen as the norm or a way of gaining acceptance, either amongst their friends or their family. The more marginalised smokers become, the less acceptable the act, the less likely it is that a new generation will take it up. They'll be too busy molesting each other via Internet 2.0 or something anyway.
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/images/charts/866.gif
in 30 years the number of smokers has effectively halved (and the amount of hatred towards smokers has increased tenfold), so it's believable.

But on a personal level, people don't have to be so darn mean to me about it.

*points to car fumes for a bit*

[S.C.G]

Obv the ban is a good thing, the world would be a very slightly better place without cigarettes but that isn't gonna happen because it's ingrained into our very culture sadly because it's that 'popular' and for that reason it won't die out.

Of course if cigarettes didn't exist then people would just get addicted to something else like caffiene or... idk... there would still be an addiction to something but it'd still be preferable to people smoking.

[arab_freak]

Actually arab, there are a lot more things that are more disgusting, like your grandmother attempting to fellate a donkey whilst massaging feces and puke into a baby's eyeballs.

Thanks for reaffirming how astute my statements are by lashing out at me with the rhetorical capabilities of a middle-school kid whilst puckering your lips to inhale a rolled up wad of skid marks wrapped around a tiny tobacco penis. We have you to thank for contributing to companies that do nothing for society except pull people down with their addictive habit that turns teeth yellow and lungs black. And before you say there are other industries that have similar effects on people, you have to acknowledge that compared to the tobacco companies their effect is decrepit. Also, their products and services don't employ the use of 4,000 carcinogenic chemicals.

Despite all the reasons people have to smoke, and despite all the so-called "benefits" of being one, I can never seem to find one credible reason to give some sense that bad habit. Every smoker I've talked to always gives me the bullshit "because I like it" excuse. And after I carefully explain to them how idiotic that kind of answer is they sob and tell me they have no clue as to why they can't even find enough motivation to quit, even if the well-being of themselves and others around them is reason enough. I don't get it. Why start smoking in the first place if you know this is how you'll feel about it later on?

And by the way, I don't hate smokers, I just get pissed off when I see them being inconsiderate of other people's health, like blowing smoke in their way or littering by throwing a cigarette on the floor instead of in a trash can and not putting it out properly. And I especially feel that way because I live in a country where a good majority of its trash is cigarette buds.

[MoogleViper]

It made me laugh the amount of smokers I heard say, about a year after the ban, "The numbers of smokers hasn't even decreased."

[Kirkatronics]

Thanks for reaffirming how astute my statements are by lashing out at me with the rhetorical capabilities of a middle-school kid whilst puckering your lips to inhale a rolled up wad of skid marks wrapped around a tiny tobacco penis. We have you to thank for contributing to companies that do nothing for society except pull people down with their addictive habit that turns teeth yellow and lungs black. And before you say there are other industries that have similar effects on people, you have to acknowledge that compared to the tobacco companies their effect is decrepit. Also, their products and services don't employ the use of 4,000 carcinogenic chemicals.

Despite all the reasons people have to smoke, and despite all the so-called "benefits" of being one, I can never seem to find one credible reason to give some sense that bad habit. Every smoker I've talked to always gives me the bullshit "because I like it" excuse. And after I carefully explain to them how idiotic that kind of answer is they sob and tell me they have no clue as to why they can't even find enough motivation to quit, even if the well-being of themselves and others around them is reason enough. I don't get it. Why start smoking in the first place if you know this is how you'll feel about it later on?

And by the way, I don't hate smokers, I just get pissed off when I see them being inconsiderate of other people's health, like blowing smoke in their way or littering by throwing a cigarette on the floor and not putting it out properly. And I especially feel that way because I live in a country where a good majority of its trash is cigarette buds.
Why do people eat heart glogginly bad food? Its because they like it.
Why do people skydive? Its because they like it.
Why do people do most things which are harmful? Its because they like them, who are you to decide whether its a good excuse or not?

It made me laugh the amount of smokers I heard say, about a year after the ban, "The numbers of smokers hasn't even decreased."
A big proportion quit as it wasn't as convenient now that they couldn't jsut spark up at the office, in the cafe, at the pub.
Who ever said that is a moron.

[MoogleViper]

A big proportion quit as it wasn't as convenient now that they couldn't jsut spark up at the office, in the cafe, at the pub.
Who ever said that is a moron.

But even if they hadn't decreased. It had been a year.

[EEVILMURRAY]

They had to go outside in the harsh weather conditions rather than have a room where they could go.
We will eventually be herded into public smoking areas, or assigned buildings where we're allowed to go in and smoke (like the old smoking areas at airports - possibly the scummiest, most depressing rooms in existence)
That's the sacrifice smokers make after being turned into Richmonds'* bitches.


*Insert brand of preference here.


I still wubz you though Jay.

[Eenuh]

Why do people eat heart glogginly bad food? Its because they like it.
Why do people skydive? Its because they like it.
Why do people do most things which are harmful? Its because they like them, who are you to decide whether its a good excuse or not?


Eating unhealthy doesn't really harm anyone but yourself. And skydiving doesn't hurt anyone at all, unless your parachute fails and you plummet on top of a person or something. =P

Smoking is harmful to other people as well, that's why it's looked down upon so much. Now I don't agree with people going up to smokers and calling them names though. But yeah I'm happy with this smoking ban stuff.

[Kirkatronics]

That's the sacrifice smokers make after being turned into Richmonds'* bitches.


*Insert brand of preference here.


I still wubz you though Jay.
When will it end though? First smoking, then drinking, then what?

[uəʌəsʎɐɾ]

Thanks for reaffirming how astute my statements are by lashing out at me with the rhetorical capabilities of a middle-school kid whilst puckering your lips to inhale a rolled up wad of skid marks wrapped around a tiny tobacco penis. We have you to thank for contributing to companies that do nothing for society except pull people down with their addictive habit that turns teeth yellow and lungs black. And before you say there are other industries that have similar effects on people, you have to acknowledge that compared to the tobacco companies their effect is decrepit. Also, their products and services don't employ the use of 4,000 carcinogenic chemicals.

Despite all the reasons people have to smoke, and despite all the so-called "benefits" of being one, I can never seem to find one credible reason to give some sense to a bad habit. Every smoker I've talked to always gives me the bullshit "because I like it" excuse. And after I carefully explain to them how idiotic that kind of answer is they sob and tell me they have no clue as to why they can't even find enough motivation to quit, even if the well-being of themselves and others around them is reason enough. I don't get it. Why start smoking in the first place if you know this is how you'll feel about it later on?

And by the way, I don't hate smokers, I just get pissed off when I see them being inconsiderate of other people's health, like blowing smoke in their way or littering by throwing a cigarette on the floor and not putting it out properly. And I especially feel that way because I live in a country where a good majority of its trash is cigarette buds.


-"Nothing more disgusting" was your statement, to which I 'lashed out' with an example of something that would be more disgusting. Your statement was overly dramatic, and troll-baiting rather than debating.

-You also have me to thank for the large investments in funding cancer research and the extra tax contributions that go towards medical treatment of people I've never even met. Money is the root, you can bury your wherever you please but you can't act sanctimonious because you give your cash to that fat suit, not this one.

-Smokers generally start through peer pressure, or are a by-product of being too drunk to think properly, or smoking lots of weed and wanting a 'high'.

-Habits are hard to quit. Tisthetruth.

-Cigarette smoke is not as harmful as exhaust fumes (I went there...), so you should be sure to be unable to comprehend why anyone drives, while you're at it.

-well-being is malleable, and changes with time. What people think is fantastic today may well be near-sin tomorrow.

-if we are generalising, then smoking is cool and gets you all the hot chicks

-cigarette butts are one of the primary sources of litter in the UK (don't know about the rest of the world). Outside my house there are dozens. I take a weird pride in it. Litter annoys people because it is ugly. People don't care about the actual damage.

-non-smokers are also inconsiderate. People who drive through puddles are inconsiderate. The bus driver who won't accept my note is inconsiderate. People who play their music loud, in cars or even headphones, are inconsiderate. Neighbours who stay up all night watching bollywood are inconsiderate. The council doing roadworks outside my house on a sunday morning.... bleh. It is hard for anyone to be fully considerate of others all the time. Because people think smoking is SO VERY VERY DANGEROUS they're more bothered than ever before.

There is no real argument. Smoking is bad. I get it. But it's not the worst. Deal.

[Shorty]

But then they'll come after your booze for the same reasons, then what'll you say? I have had more problems with drunk people being annoying in public spaces (fighting in the street, vandalising walls, being abusive, etc) than with people smoking in similar situations.Ah but now we're into a totally different, even bigger issue. I mean drinking is something I can't imagine us ever truly successfully combating.

It's one of those things that's so established that nobody really thinks twice about it. If alcohol was discovered today, it would hit the news as "some crazy new drug that, when ingested, causes slurred speech, loss of balance, loss of memory, severe headaches, loss of judgement and in extreme cases, addiction, liver damage etc". It would probably be considered a Class-A drug.

[Mr_Odwin]

Yeah but that's because of the way people consume alcohol... not the alcohol itself.

What I mean is you can have someone sat next to you with a horrible glass of bitter and it doesn't effect you...

But no matter what a person who is smoking is doing next to you, it's still going to effect you.

I was responding to soag's "ban it all together" line of thinking. I feel that sufficient distance has been put between me and smokers. Nothing more is needed really. The only issue remaining for me would be for the protection of kids with smoker parents.

So rather than banning smoking altogether (what soag was suggesting) the next social nuisance is booze. Far worse currently than smoking.

Ah but now we're into a totally different, even bigger issue. I mean drinking is something I can't imagine us ever truly successfully combating.

It's one of those things that's so established that nobody really thinks twice about it. If alcohol was discovered today, it would hit the news as "some crazy new drug that, when ingested, causes slurred speech, loss of balance, loss of memory, severe headaches, loss of judgement and in extreme cases, addiction, liver damage etc". It would probably be considered a Class-A drug.


Yeah, and I'm not seriously suggesting it go, but at the moment it's worse than smoking - because it now physically affects more nonnies (thanks jay) than smoking does, maybe.

[Kirkatronics]

Ah but now we're into a totally different, even bigger issue. I mean drinking is something I can't imagine us ever truly successfully combating.

It's one of those things that's so established that nobody really thinks twice about it. If alcohol was discovered today, it would hit the news as "some crazy new drug that, when ingested, causes slurred speech, loss of balance, loss of memory, severe headaches, loss of judgement and in extreme cases, addiction, liver damage etc". It would probably be considered a Class-A drug.
I think that 5-10 years ago people would have thought the same about smoking.
If you would have said to someone that in 5 years theere will be a ban on smoking in public places, you would have laughed at them.

Eating unhealthy doesn't really harm anyone but yourself. And skydiving doesn't hurt anyone at all, unless your parachute fails and you plummet on top of a person or something. =P

Smoking is harmful to other people as well, that's why it's looked down upon so much. Now I don't agree with people going up to smokers and calling them names though. But yeah I'm happy with this smoking ban stuff.
Ok, ill switch it to drinking then :)
That harms lots of people, a lot more than smoking does.

[nightwolf]

In some ways I'm very for the banning of something inside, the generally not coming home stinking of cigarettes, not nearly crying my eyes out in the place because my the smoke makes my eyes water so much. That kinda thing.

But I also have to admit, that when I go to places like corporation in sheffield, the smoking area is the best area to be in, because generally smokers are more friendly when out and about.

I like the way it is currently, not having it indoors, but it'd be nicer if smokers didn't have to smoke in the pouring rain and get some kinda area thats sheltered to smoke in, not really fair to be force outside in the rain over a habit..

[Jimbob]

It's remarkable that even today i hear smokers complain about having to go outside for a smoke. These same people want the ban lifted. Obviously, when the winter is upon us, the smokers really complain then because it is cold.

I for one, being a non-smoker believes this ban is beneficial to both the non-smokers and smokers. Even some smokers believe this beneficial as well.

Smokers: They don't have a smoke as often anymore, which in turn is healthier for them as well. My mates smoke and have effectively cut back by 1/2 of what they smoked. Before, they sparked up nearly every 1/2 a pint. Now, one mate smokes cigars (one going to the pub, 1/2 towards the end of the night and the other 1/2 on the way home). The other has a rollie per pint.

Non-Smokers: It is 10x more healthier for them inc me. We no longer have to breath in second hand smoke whilst enjoying our pints. Since this ban, my local has had a few new customers and customers have returned now that there are no more smokers inside.

[MoogleViper]

But then they'll come after your booze for the same reasons, then what'll you say? I have had more problems with drunk people being annoying in public spaces (fighting in the street, vandalising walls, being abusive, etc) than with people smoking in similar situations.

That's not too unlikely. The Alcohol industry has been going through the same pattern as the smoking did. I can't remember all of the details but for example in 1971 cigarettes contained health warnings (and these warnings became bigger in the 90s due to EU regulation). The alcohol industry have now put together a campaign to combat alcohol related problems including putting health warnings on alcohol. (Probably trying to show the government that they're responsible in an attempt to prevent going the same way as the tobacco industry.)

[EEVILMURRAY]

When will it end though? First smoking, then drinking, then what?
Lenina Huxley: Anything not good for you is bad, hence, illegal. Alcohol, caffeine, contact sports, meat . . .
John Spartan: Are you shitting me?
Computer: John Spartan, you are fined one credit for a violation of the verbal morality statute.
John Spartan: What the Hell is that?
Computer: John Spartan, you are fined one credit . . .
Lenina Huxley: Bad language, child play, gasoline, uneducational toys, and anything spicy. Abortion is also illegal. But, then again so is pregnancy, if you don't have a license.


Let's hope they don't make us use the three seashells.

[nightwolf]

Lenina Huxley: Anything not good for you is bad, hence, illegal. Alcohol, caffeine, contact sports, meat . . .
John Spartan: Are you shitting me?
Computer: John Spartan, you are fined one credit for a violation of the verbal morality statute.
John Spartan: What the Hell is that?
Computer: John Spartan, you are fined one credit . . .
Lenina Huxley: Bad language, child play, gasoline, uneducational toys, and anything spicy. Abortion is also illegal. But, then again so is pregnancy, if you don't have a license.


Let's hope they don't make us use the three seashells.

:hug:

I love that film. :love:

[Sheikah]

When will it end though? First smoking, then drinking, then what?
It won't happen with drinking because drinking within sensible limits is not dangerous, and research actually suggests some alcohol is actually beneficial compared to drinking none at all. Similarly, kitchen knives will never be banned, as they have a practical use. Food will never be banned, because we need it to live, and even fatty food is fine if eaten only occasionally as part of a healthy diet. The problem with these examples is the possibility of misuse, since people can make these become dangerous to their health, or to the health of other. People need to be better educated in order to not misuse these.

Smoking cannot be misused to damage your health - its primary and intended use causes damage itself, to both yourself and potentially others. There is no sensible limit to smoking; it is a nasty, foul habit that results in the second most common cause of death in men, behind cardiovascular-related diseases. And ironically, it plays a major part in the development of cardiovascular diseases, too.

Smokers will only back their habit should they not fall ill; should they be affected they'll realise what a silly mistake they've been making. Don't be chumpy.

[Daft]

We should encourage smoking. It's amazingly sociable.

[uəʌəsʎɐɾ]

Bad daft.

Smoking should not be glamorised or encouraged, because it is bad, but you shouldn't treat smokers with contempt because they've chosen to commit a slow suicide.

Sheikah;

There is now some intriguing new data suggesting that very low doses of nicotine can have dramatic effects in controlling the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome, a rare neurologic disorder characterized by physical tics and uncontrollable vocalizations which are often filled with obscenities.
http://www.accessexcellence.org/WN/SUA03/medical_tobacco.php

(although that's really only to do with nicotine, and the other 3,999 chemicals you smoke can't really help, I'm just wanting to say that there are some nice elements to smoking, they're just totally and utterly outweighed by the negatives. Plus I have a suspicion that research is all made by tobacco companies)

[Daft]

Bad daft.

Smoking should not be glamorised or encouraged, because it is bad, but you shouldn't treat smokers with contempt because they've chosen to commit a slow suicide.

No shit Sherlock.

[uəʌəsʎɐɾ]

Tongue smiley.

[Raining_again]

This topic is over-done, over-argued, and about 2 years too late...

Smokers have settled, non smokers are happier. Get over eeeeeeeeeeeet.


I would just love a smoke right now!

[danny]

and troll-baiting rather than debating.


Guess you took the bait then eh?

[soag]

But then they'll come after your booze for the same reasons, then what'll you say? I have had more problems with drunk people being annoying in public spaces (fighting in the street, vandalising walls, being abusive, etc) than with people smoking in similar situations.

If they need to ban drinking to make this country better that's fine by me, I very rarely drink anymore anyway : peace:

[Wesley]

Let's hope they don't make us use the three seashells.

I always wanted Sly to scream at someone to make them explain how the three seashells work.

I want to know...

[Fierce_LiNk]

I always wanted Sly to scream at someone to make them explain how the three seashells work.

I want to know...

Hahahah. You do not know how many hours of my life I have wasted trying to figure that one out. I just don't get it. :(

As for the smoking ban, I had a friend who cried when the ban came into place. She actually cried. "I want to smokeeeee." Shut the fuck up, woman. I don't think I had much sympathy for her that day.

I know it has been mentioned a fair bit, but I bluddy loathe that "smoker smell." A bloke trotted up the steps in Cardiff Station and stood right next to me on the platform once, and I had to move a few feet away before I couldn't smell him anymore. I didn't even bother trying to disguise what I was doing, because I was tired, it was early in the morning, and he fucking stank. I've been around smokers for a while, since some of my good friends smoke, and my Dad smokes, whilst my brother also smokes occassionally. But, that bloke was by quite some distance the worst smelling one I have ever encountered. I was almost physically sick.

Add to that the fact that there is a Brains Beer factory behind the station...meaning that if you stand on certain platforms, you can actually smell the stuff coming from there. Bluddy horrible. :(

[Ashley]

But then they'll come after your booze for the same reasons, then what'll you say? I have had more problems with drunk people being annoying in public spaces (fighting in the street, vandalising walls, being abusive, etc) than with people smoking in similar situations.

But then some people act anti-socially even when sober .... (http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1279/223/26/626600796/n626600796_2217071_1601.jpg)

[Raining_again]

But then some people act anti-socially even when sober .... (http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1279/223/26/626600796/n626600796_2217071_1601.jpg)

ooo burn!

I'd sooner see a ban in alcohol than a ban in smoking!

[ipaul]

Guess you took the bait then eh?

OH NO HE DIDN'T!


The smoking ban is overall quite good I think, but people treat smokers with such contempt that it annoys me. I don't even smoke. The busybodies who go 'OMG DON'T YOU KNOW HOW BAD THAT IS FOR YOU!!! YOUR SICK!!'. No. Murderers, Peadophiles and Republicans are sick, smokers are not.

[MoogleViper]

OH NO HE DIDN'T!


The smoking ban is overall quite good I think, but people treat smokers with such contempt that it annoys me. I don't even smoke. The busybodies who go 'OMG DON'T YOU KNOW HOW BAD THAT IS FOR YOU!!! YOUR SICK!!'. No. Murderers, Peadophiles and Republicans are sick, smokers are not.

But what if they had just thrown up? Then that would be their sick.

[ipaul]

But what if they had just thrown up? Then that would be their sick.

I believe you are being facetious.