Smokers in Soaps.

[anotheoldgit]

Now that there is a ban on smoking in public places, why do we not see smokers standing in groups outside the Rovers Return, the Queen Vic or the Wool Pack?

[squarebear]

I would think it's either because the script writers have made them non-smoking characters, or the storyline wouldn't gain anything from their placement outside the pub.

However, the scriptwriters could place them there say to witness a traffic accident or other such event.

[chazza]

The other week Liz and Deirdre sneaked out into the back yard for a smoke.

[HJT40]

I have wondered whether, as you are not allowed to smoke in work places, whether they are allowed to smoke in on a tv set?

[squarebear]

I wouldn't have thought there was enough room to smoke on TV set, especially the new flat screen types. :o)

[mattymatt123]

because its not politicaly correct to smoke, you ocasionaly see a smoker just to make it look normal

[redcrx]

wasnt there a complaint by the old bloke that the path outside his and Emily's was covered in fag butts??

[Ethel]

I only watch Coronation Street and you do see people smoking in the back yard of the pub and in the street at the front of the pub.

Also the taxi drivers go outside for a smoke.

[4getmenot]

You do, that mad biddy was complaining about all the fag butts on pavement outside rovers, in eastenders dot tried giving up when ban came in, and so did val in emmerdale and hey hollyoaks they dont smoke they are all perfect.

[Gromit]

It would be more authentic, but the soaps need to economical with theiir storytelling. You could clutter the stories up with all kinds of everyday minutai.

Why do they not get pestered on the phone by telesales?
Why do they not get doorstep callers wanting them to change their energy supplier?
Why do they never go for a cr@p?
Why are they never seen using AnswerBank?
When did a character last loan a Library book?

Along with huddling outside pubs, all the above add nothing to a storyline.

[4getmenot]

worse still why dont any of them go to the toilet, they must be bursting

[B00]

Plus I'd like a toddler Tracy, one that you send upstairs never to be seen for several years.

[gilliantico@]

One of the doctors on Casualty was Smoking in her office....Not Allowed I thought....
Gillian

[Octavius]

I think because a small sector of the viewing public take delight in writing to the BBC to complain about seeing smoking, drinking and violence � or even complain about the dress code of our News readers - on our screens as it encourages �normal� people to go and do these things. Thus forgetting there is a real world and real life outside of Soapland, where these things can be seen and experienced on a daily basis.

Having said that, I do believe there was a smoking crowd outside the Queen Vic in an episode a couple of weeks back, hardly gripping viewing though is it.

[beejaybee]

I`ve seen several people smoke outside the pub/taxi office/bookies/cafe/factory in Corrie. And the same in Enders

[Haggisdj]

I've seen people outside the door of the Queen Vic having a ciggie

[anotheoldgit]

Obviously I can't be paying full attention to the soaps, but then I must admit they do tend to send me to sleep at times.

[lankeela]

Nice one squarebear, I appreciated that even if no-one else did!