New Smoking Legislation

Gordon · 08-11-2002 10:58AM

ok ok ok Beruthiel is allowed to smoke inside but nobody else.

Beruthiel · 08-11-2002 11:09AM

Originally posted by Gordon
ok ok ok Beruthiel is allowed to smoke inside but nobody else.

ah, thanks Gordie, I'm taking you off my list of "People I love to Hate"

People would have said similar things when smoking at the office was first banned!

I don't believe it's the same thing daveirl
I never liked people smoking in the office, I prefer a smoking ban in this environment, it also stops me from smoking too much - however, when I'm drinking, I love to relax and have a smoke

STaN · 08-11-2002 11:11AM

ban, or dedicated smokers area. If i want to smoke i would, but i dont want too...

... but i dont really to have to smoke involuntarely when i go out

Karl Hungus · 08-11-2002 08:37PM

You know, I'm reading this thread, and I'm prety appaled at some of the responses.

A lot of people are saying "Oh, I find it so annoying."
I really don't think thats any kind of reason whatsoever.

I was recently at the doctors about problems with my throat/lungs. Many times I'd be coughing up massive globs of brown phlem, and my throat would be generally like I've been gargling with razorblades. This is all from being around smokers.

I've not been out to a pub, or a club since I went to Dublin last month. I can't go out, because if I do, I'll be coughing up big huge piles of phlem, and my throat will usually be sore as hell for the next few days afterwards. And I'm told this is going to get progressively worse if I keep going to smokey places like pubs.

I dont smoke. I dont want to smoke. But why on earth should I have to suffer because of other peoples habits!?!? I generally get out of breath very quickly. And I'm only ****ing 20!

Now this would be grand if I did smoke. If I did, I could accept that this is something I'm doing to myself. But it's not, and I'm not.

When I try and ask people not to smoke near me as I've got problems, I usually get brushed off with "Oh, if you started smoking you wouldn't be annoyed by it."
I seriously feel like punching people who tell me that!!!

I could go on like this for a while.
But I wont.

I say: Total Ban.

Stephen · 08-11-2002 09:52PM

I'm all for a total ban on smoking. I rarely go to a pub these days, as the smoke makes my eyes water and my throat sore. In some real smoky pubs it can be physically sickening. Smokers can fu<k off outside for a smoke if they need it so badly, like they do in the workplace with their breaks every 10 minutes.

(ffs)

My da has been smoking for about 25 years now, and has tried quitting lots of times, but never managed it. He has practically no sense of smell, a dulled taste and he's always coughing.

Fu<k it, make smokes a tenner a pack and ban 'em in all public places. I'd like to see similar restrictions on smoking here like they have in California.

<end rant>

Muirthile · 08-11-2002 09:53PM

If you want to smoke, go stick your head up a chimney and let the rest of us breathe.

Dustaz · 08-11-2002 10:35PM

Why dont we have smoking pubs and non smoking pubs. That would sort it out.
you guys could enjoy your smoke-free air and we could enjoy our whinge-free zone

Ive always thought that a total ban on the sale of cigarettes is the only way to go. Pity the kindly government who care so much about us make far too much money on them to have the balls to do it. Until they DO ban them, they can let me smoke them in pubs.

Another thing that suprises me is that nearly without exeption, all my friends smoke. I never thought there was anything strange about that at all untill i saw the poll results in the last poll on these boards (very similar results). I just couldnt believe that in such a large group there was so many non smokers. Maybe its a generational thing. Actually, i hope it is because the conservative older generation are much better placed to continue this particular status quo which suits me fine.

Blade · 08-11-2002 11:32PM

Originally posted by Dustaz
Ive always thought that a total ban on the sale of cigarettes is the only way to go. Pity the kindly government who care so much about us make far too much money on them to have the balls to do it. Until they DO ban them, they can let me smoke them in pubs.

Would you rather the black marketeers got all the revenue from smokers? Not trying to be smart but can you imagine the consequences!

Originally posted by Dustaz
I just couldnt believe that in such a large group there was so many non smokers.

I wouldn't say it was all non smokers who voted in favour of a ban.

Dustaz · 09-11-2002 12:39AM

Originally posted by Blade
Would you rather the black marketeers got all the revenue from smokers? Not trying to be smart but can you imagine the consequences!

Aha, but My Idea (tm) sorts that. Govt bans public sale of smokes, all advertising of any kind and assumes control of legal cigarettes. All smokers register as smokers and purchase thier fags from a govt outlet.

For a few years black market would be a problem, and of course there would be ways round it, but i honestly think it would be the best course of action. Tobacco, unlike alcohol and most proscribed drugs, does not have a hugely pleasant side effects. I reckon prohibition would stand a better chance with this drug than any other.

sceptre · 09-11-2002 01:36AM

Originally posted by Dustaz
Aha, but My Idea (tm) sorts that. Govt bans public sale of smokes, all advertising of any kind and assumes control of legal cigarettes. All smokers register as smokers and purchase thier fags from a govt outlet.

Could be the salvation of rural post offices:D

I'm torn between actually thinking it's a Very Good Idea and the last part reminding me of the USSR.

Mossy Monk · 09-11-2002 01:39AM

i am all against this. banning when food is being served is fair enough but outside of food serving times it is ridiculous. give the non smokers their own little room because any pub i go into there is always more smokers that non smokers. our minister for health is an idiot on a power trip

daveirl · 09-11-2002 01:55AM

This post has been deleted.

Muirthile · 09-11-2002 02:17AM

Originally posted by Mossy Monk
any pub i go into there is always more smokers that non smokers.

Probably because the non-smokers can't stand the smoke, therefore pubs are losing a source of revenue.

RainyDay · 09-11-2002 10:37AM

Segregated areas or smoking-only pubs won't work - Where there is a 'group' outing, the default choice will be for one where smokers are permitted. So non-smokers will be expected to either put up with risk of cancer or just not go - or else risk the opprobrium of their peers by standing up for themselves & argueing for a non-smoking venue.

The ban in food-serving areas is a pretty clever first step. This will introduce the concept of non-smoking areas/times in pubs. It's just a short step onwards to a total ban in pubs in a few years time.

I'm uplifted to see the 70%-plus vote in favour of the ban. The tide is changing!

Corega · 09-11-2002 01:12PM

Ba$tards, government ba$tards. I smoke, I have done for the past 6 years, I don't intend to give up, I have been whinged at by people in pub's, but usually they shut the hell up when I stare them out. Disgraceful tbh, and there will be protests. Me and Dustaz will be outside the Dail on Monday in a picket protest if anyone wants to join us...........

Mossy Monk · 09-11-2002 05:23PM

Originally posted by daveirl
why?

food and fag smoke don't belong together. having a fag while drinking a pint though is normal for smokers. this will be an infringement on human rights if a total ban is introduced

Originally posted by Muirthile
Probably because the non-smokers can't stand the smoke, therefore pubs are losing a source of revenue.

if the pub is jammed i really don't think they are losing too much revenue

Muirthile · 09-11-2002 05:53PM

Originally posted by Mossy Monk
if the pub is jammed i really don't think they are losing too much revenue

But that's beside the point. If the majority of people in a pub are smokers when the majority of the population are non-smokers, then there's something wrong there.
Why should non-smokers be oppressed by mobile public health hazards (i.e. smokers

)?

Mr E · 09-11-2002 05:58PM

Originally posted by Mossy Monk
This will be an infringement on human rights if a total ban is introduced...

Bollox to that, monk. Its an infrigement on MY human rights if I get lung cancer in a few years from passive smoking. I don't want to sound like a "whining maggot" ((c) Bill Hicks

), but I like going to the pub. But I hate smelling like a bloody ashtray at the end of the night. Plus the added bonus of lung cancer when I'm 40? When I don't even smoke?

Wow... where do I sign up? Your ideas intrigue me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.

<grumble grumble...>

- Dave.

Dustaz · 09-11-2002 08:20PM

I take it all of you "whining maggots" will be going to finland this year on holidays where its dark 22 hours of the day to avoid getting skin cancer from the nasty sun.

I also take it that you dont use mobile phones, eat certain types of frozen yoghurts, any diet drink containing neutrasweet (most of them) or take drugs of any kind. There are many ways to get cancer and yes, passive smoking adds to that risk, however, i highly doubt its top of the list of everyones worries.

Dustaz · 09-11-2002 08:22PM

Originally posted by sceptre

I'm torn between actually thinking it's a Very Good Idea and the last part reminding me of the USSR.

It wouldnt nessecarily have to be Govt outlets. It could be any controlled source, like a chemist for example. Think of it like the morphine programme, You get a prescription and thats your lot.

Mr E · 09-11-2002 09:20PM

Originally posted by Dustaz
I take it all of you "whining maggots" will be going to finland this year on holidays where its dark 22 hours of the day to avoid getting skin cancer from the nasty sun.

I can use sunblock to help prevent skin cancer. I can refuse to eat/drink certain foodstuffs. Do I have to wear an oxygen mask when I go to the pub? Or just stop going to the pub altogether?

Look, I don't want to get into a flame war. The hazards of passive smoking are widely publicised and proven. But in a 'pub culture' such as Ireland, going to the pub and having to deal with cigarette smoke go hand in hand. At least now we can eat without the lingering haze of cigarette smoke.

I don't think a total ban on smoking in bars is going to happen any time soon. Like you said, Dustaz, it has been tried (in Ireland) and it didn't work. I wonder if the push for a more concerted national effort happened, would it have any more success than the brave publican in Galway?

We're a few years away from that, but Micheál Martin's legislation is a good move in the right direction.

Improved air conditioning is a great idea. If its used. I was in Cloughessey's in Limerick last weekend. It was quite pleasant in there about 10:30 when I arrived -- because they had air conditioning on. But for some inexplicable reason, they decided to turn it off about 11. By 11:15 I needed indoor foglights. I left at 11:30.

I believe that the people on Boards represent a good cross-section of the youth of Ireland, predominantly (correct me if I'm wrong) the 18 to 35 age bracket. The way this poll has gone (massively in favour of a total ban) is a pretty bloody good indication of how people feel about the issue.

The tide is turning, whether you like it or not.

- Dave.

Muirthile · 09-11-2002 10:13PM

Originally posted by TmB
I don't think a total ban on smoking in bars is going to happen any time soon. Like you said, Dustaz, it has been tried (in Ireland) and it didn't work.

It didn't work because it was only one pub.

I wonder if the push for a more concerted national effort happened, would it have any more success than the brave publican in Galway?

With a total ban in all pubs, are people going to stop going to pubs just because they can't smoke there? I don't think so.

I believe that the people on Boards represent a good cross-section of the youth of Ireland, predominantly (correct me if I'm wrong) the 18 to 35 age bracket. The way this poll has gone (massively in favour of a total ban) is a pretty bloody good indication of how people feel about the issue.

The tide is turning, whether you like it or not.

There's a certain inevitability about a total ban.

Dustaz · 09-11-2002 11:43PM

Originally posted by TmB

Look, I don't want to get into a flame war.

Neither do I, im not getting at anyone personally, just being a grumpy oppressed smoker

The hazards of passive smoking are widely publicised and proven.

I know they are publicised, but Ive never bothered looking. Are they conclusivly proven? Not arguing, just dont know.

Improved air conditioning is a great idea. If its used....By 11:15 I needed indoor foglights. I left at 11:30.

I believe that the people on Boards represent a good cross-section of the youth of Ireland, predominantly (correct me if I'm wrong) the 18 to 35 age bracket. The way this poll has gone (massively in favour of a total ban) is a pretty bloody good indication of how people feel about the issue.

Id take issue with that actually. These boards are not a broad cross section of the population. They are a fairly broad cross section of the internet using population. Its not quite the same thing. Like i said previously nearly all of my friends smoke. If im in a pub with 10 or 15 friends, 8-13 of them would be smokers. If i go to a lan party, i find that im one of only a few smokers there. I have no idea what the difference is, but i dont choose my friends on whether they smoke or not.

Whether in the majority or not, i think that this bill will run into the same problems that its predecessor did. There has got to be a gradual change. Enforced air conditioning, smoking sections THEN a ban.

To be honest, i dont have a problem with a complete ban in restaurants. It would probably suit restauranteurs as well, since it would probably mean a quicker turnover in tables. In Italy, i got used to nipping out for a fag before the meal (no jokes:P ). However, in LA i could not get used to not being able to smoke all night in a pub.

[famous last words]
Dont know what im worried about anyway, we wont see no smoking in pubs for a good few years yet.
Im willing to bet on that too

[/famous last words]

Lafortezza · 10-11-2002 03:39AM

If there was a total ban on smoking and it was the choice of the publican to decide if his pub was non-smoking or smoking which do you think he/she would choose?

In any group of 3+ punters, whether you're talking students, 20s, 30s or fogies, there's bound to be at least one smoker,
if they approach a pub see a non-smoking sign on the window, they'll turn away and go to a smoking pub...
Publican has lost custom, prob not gonna be happy about that

This might not be a problem in Temple bar, or on weekend nights but how about the early evening trade, when you want to get people in for a pint or two, then hope they stay for the night, like we've all done.

I agree completely with the views of the non-smokers wanting a smoker free atmosphere, but I can't see publicans wanting to risk losing any customers (unless its mandatory and enforced by govt)

Best solution is divide up pubs into non-smoking and smoking sections, but even this isn't perfect...can u imagine bouncers herding people round a pub/club cos they crossed the smoking border?

Riamfada · 10-11-2002 03:53AM

shag off wit yer discrimination. MR Martin is a moran as we have seen in his donegal speech. If im not smoking around you or near you and my smoke has no effect on you whats it of your business?

RainyDay · 10-11-2002 11:26AM

shag off wit yer discrimination. ... If im not smoking around you or near you and my smoke has no effect on you whats it of your business?

This is just so typical. Non-smokers have had to put with the foul, carcinogenic smoke for ever, and the first steps towards sensible regulation elicits this 'considered' response.

This is clearly an issue that requires cultural change - the assumption that non-smokers should sit quietly in their corners and just 'put up with it' has to change.

Grimes - What if I'm your best friend, or your hot date, or the new guy in your workplace. Think of the scenarios where I haven't particularly chosen to be in your company - e.g. an office group outing. Why should I have to put up with your 2nd hand smoke, risking my health. Once you're smoking in a public area, your smoke effects me.

The tide is turning - I'm hooked on oxygen.

Muirthile · 10-11-2002 01:19PM

Originally posted by lafortezza
If there was a total ban on smoking and it was the choice of the publican to decide if his pub was non-smoking or smoking which do you think he/she would choose?

Well that wouldn't be a total ban, now would it?

....unless its mandatory and enforced by govt

That's what a total ban means.

Best solution is divide up pubs into non-smoking and smoking sections,

I've lost count of the number of times I've been a "non-smoking section" only to have smoke from the smoking section make it's way over to me. Smoke doesn't recognise borders.

kaimera · 10-11-2002 03:10PM

effects of passive smoking on adults

Around 150 bar workers in Ireland will die every year from ill health caused by passive smoking. That is according to a leading US health expert, who based his prediction on the level of environmental smoke in Irish bars.

The leading American health physicist, James Repace, said that working or relaxing in a smoky environment, such as a bar, poses grave health risks. Many non-smokers suffer from the diseases of active smoking, when they inhale toxic chemicals such as arsenic, benzene and vinyl chloride from second-hand smoke.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that second-hand smoke is a known human carcinogen. Spouses of smokers run a 24% risk of developing lung cancer, and workers in the hospitality industry - including bar workers - are at high risk.

Dr Repace, who is in Ireland for a seminar organised by the Office of Tobacco Control, said that a Western Health Board study on the levels of smoke in bars showed that approximately 150 bar workers a year in Ireland will die from ill health caused by environmental tobacco smoke.

Dr Michael Boland of the Office of Tobacco Control said all workers who were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke on a regular basis in their workplace should be concerned. Smoke-free workplaces should be the norm, he said.

Being a barman...I'm at considerable risk so ban them all together.

The Government has again been urged to ban smoking in public places after the publication of international figures showing passive smoking to be a major cause of cancer.

The damage caused has been deemed so serious by a world health body that it has been given the highest classification of a group 1 carcinogen.

http://www.nevdgp.org.au/geninf/heart_f/docs/ppt2.htm

mirv · 10-11-2002 06:10PM

What happened to the idea of a decent air conditioning system? I'm sure it'll still be stuffy and uncomfortable even if smoking is banned outright, and with their income, the expense is hardly an excuse.

Seraphina · 11-11-2002 10:50PM

publicans really couldn't give a crap about air conditioning. people aren't going to stop coming to a certain pub because of bad/non-existant air conditioning so why are they going to bother with the expense? non smoking sections dont work, all non smokers out there know that, so the only way is a total ban. unfortunately thats probably never going to happen.

New Smoking Legislation

Comments