Full Smoking Ban?

[sp1814]

Should the UK follow New Zealand's lead and work towards a full smoking ban?

I think it's a very brave move, and personally I'd be all for it.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/09/new-zealand-to-ban-smoking-for-next-generation-in-bid-to-outlaw-habit-by-2025

[ToraToraTora]

spice: "I don't like cabbage, ttt, but I wouldn't stop you eating it." - yes but me eating cabbage won't affect you will it? I don't go around ramming cabbage leaves down the throats of all those in the vicinity do I?

[Khandro]

Sitting in the morning outside a café on a Paris boulevard with a bowl of coffee and a Gauloise cigarette, you can't beat it. Or what about when you come out of the sea after a swim, towel yourself down and light up a cigarette, ahhh! anyone who ever smoked will know what I mean.
All these years gone & I still sometimes miss it,

After all these years, I still miss it.

[ToraToraTora]

spice: "you must be one of the only so-called conservatives who keeps demanding more state intervention in peoples' lives. " - where have i ever advocated state intervention in peoples lives? For what it's worth I don't advocate banning smoking, I'd just make it prohibitively expensive.

[ToraToraTora]

khandro, yes I suppose there must be some attraction.

[Spicerack]

Sitting at the railway station with a ticket for your destination.
That was the thought that kept me smoking whenever I weakened.
(Yes, I know the ***s have even stopped that)
So now, it's just a hill to die on.
I'll never give in to the thick *** Nazis.

[ToraToraTora]

//I'll never give in to the thick *** Nazis. // - well Godwin has finally put in an appearance on this thread. If you want to poison yourself with hundreds of toxic chemicals fine, I don't want to inhale your disgusting residue. The 2007 ban was the most wonderful thing to happen for us non smokers, shame it was necessary.

[Spicerack]

//- where have i ever advocated state intervention in peoples lives?//

Mmm, apart from Covid, smoking, drugs and anything else that you don't do/like nothing springs to mind.
So I'll withdraw that remark.

[ToraToraTora]

"I'll never give in to the thick *** Nazis. " - lets see who's the thickest, someone who would filter 100s of toxic chemicals through their lungs or someone who tries to prevent that? mmmmm! tough one!

[sp1814]

Spicerack

Surely there are some interventions that as a society we should welcome?

For instance - the state lays down rules for the amount of alcohol you can drink before you can drive.

Surely weaning the population off tobacco is good for the entire nation? A fitter, healthier nation of people less reliant on the NHS, fewer days lost to sickness, prevention of serious diseases...

[MusicalN]

No way.

[ToraToraTora]

spicerack: 11:06, show me some examples? I have ever advocated banning smoking and I rail against the government's Covid restrictions almost daily.

[Spicerack]

Well that's just where you're wrong, ttt.
I invoked Godwin's Law on the previous page.
So I win, end of.

[naomi24]

I wish people here would stop with the Godwin's Law thing. It doesn't make them look smart. It's a nonsense designed to silence dissent - nothing more.

[naomi24]

//the state lays down rules for the amount of alcohol you can drink before you can drive. //

That's to a common sense law that protects society as a whole. It's not an individual thing.

[Spicerack]

' A fitter, healthier nation of people less reliant on the NHS, fewer days lost to sickness, prevention of serious diseases...'

Spoken like a full blown eugenicist, Sp.

[ToraToraTora]

it's funny the lengths that smokers will go to defend their disgusting habit isn't it.

[Togo]

I gave up smoking 3 years ago after enjoying it for most of my life. I care not either way whether there is a total ban on smoking. I do however reflect that the totalitarians do not stop. When they succeed in forcing their views and preferences on us in one aspect, they are bound to move onto another "cause". Perhaps they will demand the banning of keeping cats and dogs in captivity, or unhealthy food outlets being allowed to poison the populace, or the riding of motor bikes on, the grounds of noise and atmosphere pollution and the dangers caused to us all. Maybe sailing will be outlawed(expect for urgent channel crossings). Or the sale of alcohol in line with other stimulants and drugs. The list is endless for the zealot ... all they need to flourish is a weak point in the armour of tolerance and respect.

[ToraToraTora]

Togo, the thing is that smoking is unique in that it directly effects all those around you. That's the problem it inflicts itself indiscriminately on those in the vicinity whether they like it or not, that has always been my objection.

[Spicerack]

Brilliant post, Togo. (you surprised me, ;-))
Another BA coming your way, I suspect.

[naomi24]

TTT, //it's funny the lengths that smokers will go to defend their disgusting habit isn't it. //

I don't smoke - but I do value personal freedom. Don't you?