Posted By Stuart Nagle
Well. I'm please I managed to inject some more thought into the debate, It's often quite amusing being able to take the 'devils Advocate' position, and see the response of others to a certain view or a disposition.
Obviously the numbered scenarios in my response were intended to be rediculous, I thought some may even have a giggle - it sometimes does you good to have a laugh you know - and there is scientific evididence for that, but obvously I was wrong, as by some of the responses I was actually taken seriously... Are you for real!!
Motor racing on the public highway. I don't, and I think it is a poor comparison in relation to something that is only practiced in specific places and on specific occassions, as opposed to something that is 'Public' - and by the way they do race in some places on the public highway - a certain principality jumps immediately to mind!!
Reports... yes I have actually read most of them already, the words 'generally', it appears', there is some (very little) evidence to suggest', little evidence' small in comparrison' and so on and so on exemplify the content of most of the reports. I do notice however that no one appears to mention reports with alternate views, those stating that there is actually no positive evidence that also have scientific backing!!
As a smoker, I really do appreciate the objections of non-smokers (no really), my wife does not smoke nor do my children (18 and 21), and, for example, I do not smoke in my car if carrying non smoking passengers - regardless of the length of journey, and long haul flights are no dicomfort to me either, unlike some colleagues I know who have shares I think in nicotine patches for such air passages.... Smoking does not really bnother me. I should give it up I suppose, But I do really enjoy the occassional ciggy!!
In such circumstances I abide by and have respect for the wishes of non smokers, I do however smoke in public houses, where there is no bar on smoking (such as there is in the restaurant sections), and I have only once been asked to desist in such a place, and I objected!! mainly because the person who asked was so rude in doing so - I was at the bar (1 of only two other customers in the bar at the time) and the person and his wife sat directly next to us. I pointed out that about 10 metres of bar space and some 20 tables were available... but no, he wanted to occupy the space right next to me!! Well, sorry, I did not find this acceptable myself!!!
refomed Whores...hum!!! I don't think I would use that term, perhap tobacco celebate person would be more accommodating...!!
Urinating in swimming pools being the same as smoking in public? I don't think the two quite go... Urine is sterile, and smoking in public may or may may not be in the company of others. Do you mean a blanket smoking ban outside of private residences (i.e. in the public domain). No of course you don't I'm just being faceuous, just don't see the two as comparible really...bit like racing cars!!
Tollerence, yes, all for it - ON BOTH SIDES. Unfortunately, all debates on this subject always seem to be a little loaded as most respondents jumping on the band-waggon tend, 'it appears', to be from the ban-em or shoot-em brigade... i.e those who have an axe to grind - into the nearest smoker it seems if presented with any opportunity.
I think I should finish my second 'diatribe' or bitter critical attack, by stating what I Really think:
1) there are already bans on smoking on all forms of public transport - good, I have no objection.
2) There should be a ban on smoking in the workplace - I don't although I am a smoker - If I want a smoke I go where I will not effect anyopne else (usually outside - in the open air) is this 'in public?
3) There are already bans on smoking in most places of public entertainment (cinemas, theatres etc). Good, I don't mind.
4) There are bans on smoking in most all areas of leisure centres. Good, I can't smoke whilst swimming in urine and the sweat of weight training would mean that my ciggy's would go out if I tried it in the Gym, which I don't.
The bar in the centre is also non smoking, but has smoking area (reference the Leed University Student Bar details above!!)
It would appear that the only places I can actually smoke are now very limited:
a) in own home
b) on the street/in a public place
c) in my car
d) in a public house
e) in a designated 'smoking area'
and thats about it. Finally, it is interesting to note the law in respect of public houses, it goes something like that you accept the fact, by using the place, the risks associated with in, similar to a public highway, and the right to pass and repass, limited only by obstructions that are either natural or legal.
It will be interesting to watch the Irish situation develop, and see what happens. Many local pubs, regardless of the improved licencing hours ect, would I believe have a real problem if smokers were effective excluded, and whilst many may argue this is not the case, the Leeds Student Bar does provide some insight into this. In addition, I can add from personal experience, that non-smoking only bars and restaurants, once very new and trendy, also have not taken off as was thought they would? Why, I have no idea, I would have thought that by all the comments of the non smoking lobby, they would have been full to bursting, not apparently not so!!
Lets see where we go from here...
Stuart
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