There’s no smoke

Feb 27 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WHEN the smoking ban came into operation last July, there was largely a smooth transition.

For far too long, workers in bars, restaurants and other public places had been subjected to the cigarette smoke created by others.

The change in the law meant their rights would, at long last, be protected, and there would be a vast health benefit to customers.

Goodwill has been in place as smokers throughout the Huddersfield area and beyond have taken on board their new responsibilities. But there are still some who flatly refuse to co-operate.

We hear today that 10 smokers who lit up in pubs have been fined by Kirklees health inspectors and that three landlords face prosecution.

It may seem a draconian action, but if people are choosing to ignore the rules and the repeated warnings, then the authorities must use whatever measures they are legally able to take to enforce the law.