| Product: |
Should smoking be banned in public places? |
| Date: |
07.08.07 (611 review reads) |
| Rating: |
 |
Advantages: From a non-smokers point of view, great
Disadvantages: From a smokers point of view...well not too much of a problem
When the smoking ban kicked in on July 1st 2007, it would be fair to say that the majority of the country were in favour of it coming into place, myself and many of my peers included. Now, just over one month on, has it really made that much of an effect on the county?
The ban imposed that all 'enclosed' public places and workplaces were to stop people smoking in them - this varied from no smoking in pubs, clubs and restaurants, to public transport (which was invariably in place beforehand anyway) to smoking rooms on employee premises. Managers, landlords and restauranteers were all legally obliged to stop people smoking or suffer a large fine fished out by the government.
From a non-smokers point of view, I couldn't be happier. Sure, the majority of restaurants previously had non-smoking areas for those eating, to ensure a comfortable environment to enjoy their food in, and a number of workplaces made employees smoke outside the premises. But now pubs have them, the age-old scent of smoke has begun to disappear, which I had no problem with beforehand I must point out, to your clothes no longer having the unwanted stench of tobacco smoke when you get in after a night out.
Of course, the health benefits are the most important part of this, or so it is hoped. Passive smoking, although impossible to become extinct, will soon become far less significant and worrying for those non-smokers - perhaps, it is hoped, that those unwilling to venture to pubs or restaurants with smokers in before now doing so.
That's where the argument goes on further - many businesses said that they may lose income and customers because of the ban, but from my work experience this summer at a couple of radio stations - one in Derby and one in Swindon, during the time when the ban was about to come into place, I spoke to many landlords and bar managers, who all felt there would be little or no change whatsoever to the money they made, because those who were insistent not to smoke outside and therefore not go there anymore, would be replaced by those who previously wouldn't go in. Many also told me they had spent some money to accommodate smokers - such as large umbrellas for beer gardens and patio heaters - facilities that may not truely show their significance until the winter months, despite the lousy weather we've had recently!!
Of course, the Government have said that patio heaters could be the latest 'thing' to contribute to the whole benign subject of global warming...it would appear once the Government get their way on one thing, e.g the smoking ban, they're insistant that there's another problem occuring from it, e.g patio heaters to accommodate smokers. We the public, can never win it appears!
During my work experience, I also spoke to loads commuters out on the streets - from a survey we conducted, 80% of people agreed with the ban coming in for restaurants, but only 65% did for pubs - many arguing it's one of those 'quintessential' British things that many enjoy, and with it's demise proving that Britain is becoming more and more a part of the EU culture than it's own. But that's a discussion for Governmental alignments in reality, so lest we move on!
A few friends of mine that are smokers don't particularly seem to care about the ban. The majority of pubs nearby have facilities to cater for them, and it can be a half-decent social environment to chat to people.
So, in full, has the smoking ban effected the country that much? Yes, the ambience of many places has improved from the somewhat over-bearing smell of smoke that was there before. But have smokers and businesses significantly suffered? Many critics had previously claimed that some pubs or clubs may need to shut and trade would be taken away...however, it would appear that that is all just hot air! Some uptight smokers may appeal that why should they have to make way for the majority...but surely they must not only be aware of the overall health benefits but that it's just going to be more pleasant for everyone.
So should smoking have been banned in public places? Of course, because after it's all been said and done, the benefits clearly outweigh the inconveniences...lets just hope people realise that.
Summary: Overrated...it really hasn't affected trade and smokers all that much
|
|
