Smoking ban

[lnr]

Lots of people are talking about the UK plan to totally ban smoking in enclosed public places which was voted through yesterday evening. Most of my friends list who have commented seem keen, though some have reservations. I'm curious as to what those who've not said anything yet feel. Do propogate this as widely as you like. Personally I think it's a good move, though I would have been as happy with the amendment which allowed smoking in private clubs. I do think a total ban in pubs is an excellent step. And no, I don't smoke, though I have in the past been in the "Well... a bit " category. - oh yeah and just to add I am still occasionally tempted if I'm out with one of the few friends who smoke. [Poll #673518]

Comments

[knell.livejournal.com]

The government does a lot of telling private businesses what they "have to do", a lot of which is in the interest of health and safety. Mine owners have a statutory duty to protect their employees from dangerous fumes which may present a health hazard, after all.

Without legislative activity in this area we'd still have four-year-old kids crawling around under running mill looms and workplace accident statistics which would make anyone used to things as they've been since government started involving itself in these areas turn green.

Most things like this have come about after industries have been warned and given a chance to clean up their act, and haven't because ultimately it might cut into the bottom line. Publicans have had many years to fit efficient smoke extractors (you can really tell when a pub has'em) to avoid exposure to second hand smoke, but most haven't even bothered to install an extractor fan.