Smoking Ban Today?

Mr E

I can't imagine this going through, but....

Health Minister Micheál Martin has reportedly brought forward new regulations to ban smoking in all pubs, restaurants and workplaces.

Mr Martin is expected to announce the move later today at the launch of a report highlighting the effects of passive smoking in the workplace.

The report, compiled on behalf of the Office of Tobacco Control and the Health and Safety Authority, says tobacco smoke is a serious carcinogenic which can also cause heart disease and respiratory tract infections.

http://breaking.examiner.ie/2003/01/30/story86312.html

I'll be interested to see how it pans out. I'd love to see it, but I don't think he'll get away with a ban in all pubs.

- Dave.

ykt0di9url7bc3

It could be on the spot fines....(more money in the coffiers)

The older pubs will probably just ignore it - but nightclubs and busy pubs will fall in line unless its over-looked by the local Gardaì

Its a good thing and it maybe a long time until it happens unless Zero-Tolerence is enforced.....

[I honestly cant see my Mother going to the 'local' with her 20 B&H....]

What about cigars...is it just regulated to ciggarettes or are all forms of tobacco banned from public places??

Snaga

Its not just cigarettes, its all forms of "smoking". Bit of a pointless exercise if it isnt.

Stark

i'd love to see cigarettes banned from pubs, fed up of waking up after a night out stinking of cigarette smoke, plus the inconsiderate people who burn you with their cigarettes in crowded pubs :mad:

eth0_

I bloody hate smoking. Can't stand the smell and coming home with your clothes stinking of tobacco is just infuriating. I definitely think smoking should be banned in public areas.

Wook

just for the sake of it ...
I never owned a car in my life , yet i inhale exhaust air every day..
I pay for roads, safety and everything that comes with it.
Should i not be allowed a sum of money from everyone else that poluted my air ?

Wook

Originally posted by eth0_
I bloody hate smoking. Can't stand the smell and coming home with your clothes stinking of tobacco is just infuriating. I definitely think smoking should be banned in public areas.

since when did you became such a moral loving girl ?!
just keep following the horde...

Stark

just for the sake of it ...
I never owned a car in my life , yet i inhale exhaust air every day..
I pay for roads, safety and everything that comes with it.
Should i not be allowed a sum of money from everyone else that poluted my air ?

couldn't agree more

elexes

ye heard about that this morning looks like its going to be tuff to enforce tho .

also rember hearing about that last year but they said there was going to have to be air conditioning in the pubs and clubs and if they had it they would be allowed to have smoking area's or somthn like that .

Stark

Air-conditioning in pubs/clubs, that'll be the day. Too good for us cattle.

Samba

I welcome it as I'll be taking the long and harsh road of no smoking as of Monday.

Cork

i'd love to see cigarettes banned from pubs, fed up of waking up after a night out stinking of cigarette smoke, plus the inconsiderate people who burn you with their cigarettes in crowded pubs

It is about time that they are banned. How people work in such an environment is crazy. Smokers can do as much damage to themselves as they like but they can smoke their weed elsewhere.

Wook

when smoking is done for , let's do Alcohol !!
bad for the health of anyone cought in a road accident, fights, relations, unwanted childeren etc etc etc... while we are at it , let's just ban anything that is bad for our health and can influence other people along the way ?! any suggestions ?

Meh

Originally posted by Wook
when smoking is done for , let's do Alcohol !!

The difference is that you can drink a pint of beer without affecting me negatively. If we're both sitting in the pub, and you're smoking a cigarette, there's no way for me to avoid breathing your smoke short of wearing an oxygen mask.

I fully support your right to destroy your own health, but I draw the line when you want to give me lung cancer as well.

MrPudding

Originally posted by Wook
when smoking is done for , let's do Alcohol !!
bad for the health of anyone cought in a road accident, fights, relations, unwanted childeren etc etc etc... while we are at it , let's just ban anything that is bad for our health and can influence other people along the way ?! any suggestions ?

I think you are missing the point. This is not to protect smokers from something that is bad for their health. This is to protect people who work in an enviroment where they have to inhale other peoples smoke thereby increasing, by as much as 30%, the likelyhood that they will develop lung cancer. This does not even take into account other illnesses that can be caused by passive smoke inhalation.

Drinking and drinking, to a certain extent, is illegal it does not need to be banned, as it already is. Getting drunk and hitting someone is also illegal so those 2 examples you have given are pretty pointless.

A government has a resposibility to protect people who cannot nessecarily protect themselves.

will skill III

if i hear another whinger talking about their clothes smelling of smoke yadayadayada.... if u dont want to go to a pub, dont go!! the trouble with the situation here is that pubs still arent deregulated; if they were, at least some publicans would open up non-smoking pubs because the market would demand it; as for staff passive smoking issues, its simple: staff must sign a disclaimer before commencing employment which states that they understand the dangers of passive smoking; if they're not happy they shouldn't bother working there. Nobody absolutely MUST work in a pub, its not the eighties anymore, and there are other jobs..and the kids argument is simple: all kinds of other "environmental factors" make a pub an unsuitable place for minors, not just passive smoking (language is one that comes immediately to mind)

Mr. Fancypants

Well, it looks like it will happen......In January 2004.


http://www.rte.ie/news/2003/0130/smoking.html

Sir Digby Chicken Caesar

so..what you are saying here is that people who don't smoke should go to certain pubs.. and smokers should go to the rest? .. marvellous idea! cos I don't go out to have a good time with my friends, I go out to get plastered, and I don't give a rats arse where I do it, or who I do it with! :rolleyes:

I go out to drink with friends, they go out to drink with me (and others, I presume.. I'm great and all but.. ), should we be seperated because they want a fag and I don't? they can just go outside, smoke away, and come back in.. *Shrug* it isn't THAT big a deal!
granted, it's an inconvenience, but so is getting a lungful of stale smoke every time you take a breath, or having eyes stung with smoke when you walk through the bar... at least they are less likely to die form it unless they stop in the middle of the road to light up and get run down

and also

just for the sake of it ...
I never owned a car in my life , yet i inhale exhaust air every day..
I pay for roads, safety and everything that comes with it.
Should i not be allowed a sum of money from everyone else that poluted my air ?

ever used the bus?

Wook

the bus in Ireland ? hahaha , don't make me laugh

Beruthiel

Originally posted by Wook
the bus in Ireland ? hahaha , don't make me laugh

fags and joints!!

I am a smoker
I have never smoked on a bus, I can manage to wait till I get off the bus for that - however I like my ciggie with a drink, I will be very upset if I am not allowed to smoke anywhere, why can we not have some pubs were us smokers can go and not be treated like lepers? why an all out ban, surley it could have been organized that there are smoke free pubs for those who don't smoke and some which are smoker friendly

eth0_

Originally posted by Wook
since when did you became such a moral loving girl ?!
just keep following the horde...

I didn't, and remember I am an ex smoker. But I think it's a disgusting thing to be in a pub/club and inhale other peoples smoke, it can make me for one feel physically sick at times.

I'm not following the moral majority, it is my personal preference that I want to have to sit in a cloud of smoke when I go out...

Dustaz

Originally posted by will skill III
at least some publicans would open up non-smoking pubs because the market would demand it

There is no market for non-smoking pubs. Ask the publicans who already tried.


I cant believe this topic is back on the agenda and making me angry again.

"lets not bother with air conditioning, or smoking sections or even trying for some sort of middle ground. **** em, its not like the millions of tax euros they contribute to the exchequor matters"

Dustaz

gosh im really angry now.

Everyone in government whos tried to tackle this has shied away from the real decision.

Ban Smoking outright.

Its kills smokers. It kills non-smokers. It has no beneficial effects.

If the governemt wants to offer me tax-sticks fine, but they can let me ****ing smoke them in the envoiroment that i paid to smoke them in.

If this comes across as selfish, i know it is. Cant help it, sorry.

And before the ex-"smokers" come out of the woodwork, 15 years of smoking habits are a little harder to break than the odd ciggie behind the bike sheds.

G

I like my ciggie with a drink, I will be very upset if I am not allowed to smoke anywhere, why can we not have some pubs were us smokers can go and not be treated like lepers?

lol. I'm a smoker too. I want to give up though for health and cost etc. For me, when I've tried to give up in the past, it's down the pub that it's hardest to resist the urge to light up.

But if smoking was banned in pubs you wouldn't have to look at other heads puffing away around you when you're trying to quit. Niceone.

Right, that's a grand excuse to keep smoking for one more year

Mercury_Tilt

This post has been deleted.

John2002

Originally posted by Dustaz
gosh im really angry now.

Everyone in government whos tried to tackle this has shied away from the real decision.

Ban Smoking outright.

This would be in an ideal situation but I think doing this would simply fuel the market in illegal cigarrette smuggling, which would create a lot of issues.

domeara01

take it from me when i say that if the vintners dont agree with it, it wont happen.

this country is becoming a clone of america.

domeara01

Originally posted by Dustaz
Ban Smoking outright.

what are you ****in crazy.
nobody can do that atall.
do you see another country where smoking is banned outright,
it cannot be done because there are members of the government who smoke so therefore it would be hypocracy.
full stop,

Meh

Originally posted by domeara01
do you see another country where smoking is banned outright,

Actually, Bhutan is going to ban tobacco smoking. Be interesting to see how that works out for them...

RainyDay

take it from me when i say that if the vintners dont agree with it, it wont happen.

The nay-sayers are amazingly creative in finding reasons for objecting to this, but it's really wishful thinking on their part. This will happen - remember all the fuss from the bronchritic oul grannies when they banned smoking at the bingo a few years ago? I haven't heard of too many bingo halls going out of business as a result of the ban.

The sheer selfishness of smokers is almost incredible. They see personal liberty issues in the restriction of their right to pollute my air, and expect the state to fund any attempt they might consider making to kick the habit.

Well, I'm an oxygen addict. I'm addicted to breathing fresh air. Take your pollution outside (& don't drop your butts 'cos you'll be fined 100 quid).

Michael Collins

Originally posted by RainyDay
The sheer selfishness of smokers is almost incredible. They see personal liberty issues in the restriction of their right to pollute my air, and expect the state to fund any attempt they might consider making to kick the habit.

Exactly.

Not to mention they want the state to fund any medical treatment if/when they develop lung cancer - taking up vital bed space that could be used for people who got ill through no active decision of their own - like passive smoking for example...

No no this is a very good thing. The sooner it's banned the better, however I doubt it'll be easy. Tbh I couldn't believe it when I read the newspaper this morning, for once our government are doing the right thing. Well done!

ZeFrog

Originally posted by G
lol. I'm a smoker too. I want to give up though for health and cost etc. For me, when I've tried to give up in the past, it's down the pub that it's hardest to resist the urge to light up.

But if smoking was banned in pubs you wouldn't have to look at other heads puffing away around you when you're trying to quit. Niceone.

Right, that's a grand excuse to keep smoking for one more year

That s another prb with smoking: it s frustrating because even when you are making an effort not to smoke, you still get the (filthy) smoke from others. And this is true even in the street!, not only in pubs.

I am an ex-smoker too.

Fags are good for nothing : it s not enjoyable, it's not relaxing, it s simply extra tax you pay, it makes you sick so slowly that you realize it when it s too late, etc ..

I think it s amazing that some people get angry at the idea of this new law being applicable next year : people prefer to get angry to protect their vice but in my opinion there are other reasons to be angry for, for ex : the outrageous cost of life, things that are really important for a living (house, food, insurance, and .. ok, beer! )

Sorry lads but I made the effort to stop smoking. I am not asking you to do the same , but if the law passes, I ll be more than happy ! Ireland will have something to be proud of cause no other country in EU will have that.


This can help, u can find this book anywhere, it s cheap and there are a few pages to read. This is serious help, not a fake.

Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking (Penguin Health Care and Fitness) by Allen Carr
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0140277633/ref=sr_aps_books_1_1/202-1732834-6648663

Drunk pirate

Bout' time. I despise smoking. People shouldn't have to suffer over other peoples habbits. If people don't like it they souldn't be smoking in the first place.:p

kaimera

pity we gotta wait till Jan 12 months before tis implemented.

Yet still the smokers bitch about being discriminated against when tis they that is killing those around them.

Think about this,

how many people in our hospitals today are there due to smoking related illnesses??

take them away and we're somewhere on the road to sorting out the hospital waiting problems.

Victor

Originally posted by ZeFrog
it s simply extra tax you pay

I prefer to see it as a user charge, like bus fares (and to think of it bus fares are more expensive).

Dustaz

Originally posted by Kaimera

take them away and we're somewhere on the road to sorting out the hospital waiting problems.

Take them and all the other 'filthy' smokers and youll suddenly find youll be paying a lot more for drink and petrol.


I wonder how many of the people shouting BAD BAD BAD from the rooftops would be the first people to be all in favour of smoke cafes, amsterdam style.

kaimera

Originally posted by Dustaz
I wonder how many of the people shouting BAD BAD BAD from the rooftops would be the first people to be all in favour of smoke cafes, amsterdam style.

Well, seeing as how it is being used in trials for terminally ill patients here in Ireland, what would be wrong with them?

Btw, I wouldn't stop in them

Dustaz

Originally posted by Kaimera
Well, seeing as how it is being used in trials for terminally ill patients here in Ireland, what would be wrong with them?

Tobacco is? How interesting.

I assume you mean that thc is in use for trials. They dont just give people a lump of hash, a few rizla and a pouch and shout "skin up brudder" you know

lordsippa

Personally, I don't smoke but I really think that completely ostracising smokers is stupid. Perhaps a much more expensive licence so allow smoking in a pub? But yeah... in fairness, having to go outside to smoke isn't too bad is it?

It's when the government ban smoking on the street if you're a certain distance from a shop front that I'll join in in the whole bombing of the Dail <there is a certain line where civil liberties get overly infringed on>.

On a semi-related note, the reasons for America not banning smoking outright <and hence why we won't> is because of the tobacco producers and tax. They're not only subsidised by the government but because they provide employment the government <American government> are afraid to shut them down. They also export so much from America that it'd be stupid for the americans to completely ban smoking. Here in Ireland, I doubt the no-smoking law will catch on. Hell just look at dope laws here! A circle of friends and i even smoked a joint across the road from a garda <we didn't notice him at first> and he just looked away and walked off. Dead on, but hardly a sign of the governments hard stance against mild drugs.

But yeah, alcohol DOES a lot more damage than smoking. Maybe not quite as terrifying <cancer is a hell of a lot more scary>, but maybe the decision makers should try to prevent youth alcoholism more than stopping some people enforcing tumors upon themselves <as i said, I don't smoke cigarettes and I know what I'm getting myself into with what I do do>.

My 2c. Probably best to ignore me. I'm in a rambling sorta mood. Hope this all made sense.

Macker

Jebus........I hate whingers .do smokers puke in the streets .......do we stab people because we're full of smoke.......do we spill smokes over your clothes in a night club


Macker

Karl Hungus

Yeah Macker!!!

Because, as we all know, every stabbing that happens in the world is because of beer! And I sure as hell never go home with my clothes/hair stinking to death of smoke which can last for a couple of days even. No, it's unheard of! Because it's quite clear that drink causes most of the stink, and often times I got a smell of BEER in my ****ing HAIR that lasts for days, even after washing.

And for someone who hates whingers, you seem to be doing a fair bit of whinging there yourself.

ZeFrog

yes let s cut the fags for a few days (even a few hours) and we ll see who s a winhger



Also, as said previously, I am curious to see how really it s gonna work. When a gang from Finglas is smoking, or, the old man in the corner smoking for 30 years etc, who s gonna tell them not to ?.
We all know how busy irish pub can get in Dublin (sometimes 20 - 30 mn to get a drink) , so who s gonna stop that man over there to lit a fag ?
Maybe they ll hire more bouncers (?)

Well they can start by getting rid of those cig. machines, that'll be a start.

I think this law is a good thing because a lot of people want to stop smoking but they 'can t' because they also like to socialize etc.
Already in this forum we can read that people will stop smoking next Jan.:)

daveirl

This post has been deleted.

pclancy

i smoke about 20 a day and when im out on the beer for a night you can probably double or triple that. I love smoking whn i drink and its something id seriously miss if that privalage was taken away from me. However, you cannot compare smoking to anything else as regards the effect it has on other people. Get hammered on drink or drugs and you wont harm anyone else (unless you do it to the extreme!) but light a fag and you're putting someone else unfairly under the sames risks you take every time you light a fag. I dont think anyone should have to breath passive smoke if they dont want to, i think non smokers are perfectly entitled to kick up a fuss. I remember when I was a kid going into pubs and sitting their with tears in my eyes from the smoke and not being able to breath. I imagine its the same for non smokers who go into a pub now.

Smoke if you will as i do but dont expect other people to sit their and take the chances with health that you or me are taking- that just aint fair. Its tough **** but hey thats life. Maybe they'll have outside smoking sections or somthing i dunno but i do think the move by the government is a good one for the general health of the population with the added bonus of filling their coffers.

pclancy

oh yeah and i think they should ban it as they have done, remove fag machines and bump the price up to a tenner for 20. That would help people quit more then any ot those patches or other ****e. Id definatly stop it they cost that much and **** it, its for my own good.

Cabaal

First thing they need to do is stop this crap of having a smoking area and a none smoking area in a restaurant in the same room,
Like there's some kind of invisable wall in the place!

Personally I can't wait for the day that smoking isllegal in pubs and restaurants.

daveirl

This post has been deleted.

ZeFrog

I suppose you re right, we have to start somewhere anyway

btw, have you seen what smokers say for their own defense ?

'yes but car fumes are dangerous too' => so, is it a good reason to have to breath cigarette smoke on top of that ?!

'drinking is a prb, people puke , they re dangerous etc' => Ho that s ok to smoke then ...

etc ..
(I think I wouldn t want to miss prime time (or whatever the tv prg will be) when they ll confront smokers with non smokers )

So because other prbs exist, why banning cigarette: that s their logic.

Well, if it s not living in denial what is it ?
I was the same not so long ago, don t try to fool me lads

Cabaal

Originally posted by Dustaz
There is no market for non-smoking pubs. Ask the publicans who already tried.

I'd have to disagree, I've never even heard or seen a smoke free pub.

I'd go to a smoke free pub if one was around so would many of the people I know.

Cabaal

Originally posted by ZeFrog
btw, have you seen what smokers say for their own defense ?

To be honest, I don't think they have much of a defense

Its a stinking disgusting habbit.

Any ex-smokers I know hate the bloody thing's.

My dad smoked 60+ a day and he gave up but continued to work in a pub for 20 more years.

So if he could give them up anyone can.

MrPudding

Originally posted by Macker
do we spill smokes over your clothes in a night club
Macker

Clubs and bars exist to sell alcohol. You cannot reasonably expect to go to a nightclub or bar and not have people comsuming alcohol. Clubs, bars and restaurants on the other hand are not there to allow people to smoke and to harm the health of others.

To make a comparison between someone having beer spilt on them in a place thats sole purpose of being is to sell beer and someone who inhales smoke from other peoples fags is pathetic. If you get beer on your clothes get your mother to wash them for you. The ill effects of passive smoke inhalation are not quite so easy to get rid of.