Is this the thin end of the wedge?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.telegraph....ll-public-places.html

So one council is considering banning smoking in all public places, is this one more measure to control our freedom of choice?

I am not a smoker myself but I find it rather strange that a ban such as this can be placed on an act that is not in itself illegal.

/// Stony Stratford Councillor Paul Bartlett, who is leading the campaign, said: "When you walk through the high street in any town, smoke is in your face and harming you and any children there. ///

If this is so, why is Councillor Bartlett also not leading a campaign to ban the internal combustion engine from the high street, after all isn't that the largest pollutant on our streets?

Councillor Bartlett also stated:

/// "Smokers then get their butt, which is full of saliva, and chuck it on the floor. It costs millions to clear street rubbish.” ///

There is already anti-litter laws in force which covers all forms of litter, cigarette buts are the least form of litter.

As regards the amount of germ carrying saliva they contain, shouldn't the filthy habits of spitting and also the spitting out chewing gum, be of more concern?

[Ankou]

i'd put that down to prices and the economical downturn, lack of jobs, lack of beer money.

[DrFilth]

from the telegraph an old report

http://www.telegraph....ars-that-emptied.html

[Ankou]

yes, as you say, an old report.

[DrFilth]

you can put expensive perfume on a bad egg to make it smell nice
but inside the egg still stinks

http://www.euroclinix...-smoking-ban-226.html

[Ankou]

i think you are flogging a dead horse with me really

[DrFilth]

would never flog an animal, humans yes

follow me said the blind man but the blind man walked behind

[Ankou]

i'd also put it down to cheaper alcohol available from supermarkets etc. the pubs need to bring themselves up to date or move with the times. if their sole base of income is so reliant on the smoking populus, then quite frankly they deserve to have an epiphany of the business kind.

[anotheoldgit]

McMouse

/// These tables are now taken up by smokers and passing pedestrians have to run the gauntlet of passive smoking. I have respiratory problems and just one whiff of smoke sends me into a coughing fit.///

Why shouldn't the smokers sit outside, you could always meet your friends inside.

I think you are going a little over the top when you refer to 'running the gauntlet' what about walking on the other side of the road or pick a different route?

I am also allergic to some strong perfumes, these give me a headache and make me physically sick, should we also have a ban on women wearing perfume?

This smoking hysteria has gone too far, all this talk about smoking kills you is all wrong, smoking CAN kill you but then that hasn't the same dramatic effect has it?

Because eating and drinking for example can also kill you, but one wouldn't say they kill you.

[Ankou]

i'd say the same about women wearing burkha's.

[grffindoor2011]

I stopped smoking some time ago. All that will happen is that smoking will be driven underground, thousands will get a criminal record - Ultimately though we all will be paying more tax in some form because there are less smokers.