Web Forum: No smoke...

Sep 29 2009 by Andrew Jackson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE smoking ban has led to a fall in the number of heart attacks by about 10%, according to a Government study.

Tigger picked up on this and wondered what the Forum users’ thoughts were: “Seems like the smoking ban has given us, and particularly non-smokers, a real and tangible health benefit,’’ he says.

“Do those opposing the ban have any comment to support their argument?

“I hope the next step is to stop those inconsiderate smokers from lingering within two foot of the bar door. They are both in the way, usually look in amazement at anyone trying to squeeze past them and create a fog of smoke just outside.”

Otis showed concern: “I always feel sympathy for the little groups outside the pub door. It makes me think of the homeless under the railway arches or the photos of the early suffragettes clinging together for support.

“Sad when a hobby once considered glamorous by children watching movies becomes an uncontrollable addiction to adults.”

sassylady41 was nonplussed: “I am a smoker, but can honestly say it doesn’t bother me that I have to go outside as I have been doing that for years at home, but I think it’s a great shame that so many pubs have had to close because of it.

“The problem is a lot of pubs have not got the room outside for a smoking area so people have no choice but to congregate around the entrance of the pub.”

TommyDGNR8wasn’t over impressed with the stats: “I recall similar claims shortly after the Scottish and Irish bans were introduced which were discredited once the data was reviewed – there’s a lot of ‘seeing what we want to see’ in the data that goes on with politically hot stuff like health and the environment.”

Albert fumed: “Just had an afternoon in Blackpool, a surprising number of hotels and bed and breakfast’s were offering rooms where smoking is allowed, also some bars have terrace space where you can smoke.

“Add this to the fact that it’s Honley feast week so the town was host to the population of Glasgow, most of whom were smoking.”