Put Your Fag Out!

Crisis Talks with MPs

2008-04-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

The Shields Gazette reported that many social clubs in South Tyneside and elsewhere in the region have been suffering under the smoking ban.

Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn met with local club officials for an hour long meeting at the Elmfield Social Club in Hebburn, to debate the issue.

Club owners said they expected support from the government, as the club culture has rapidly been declining since the ban.

Mr Hepburn said: "I was pleased to meet with representatives from working men's clubs and took on board their concerns.

The MP is a member of one the clubs himself.

Beijing Bars Stay Strong

2008-04-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

Irish Health.com reported that the Chinese smoking ban will not include bars and restuarants.

Beijing had planned to ban or restrict smoking in most public places for the upcomming Olympics. However after Chinese restuarant owners voiced major concerns over the impact this would have on their business, the idea was rejected.

Bars and restaurants will instead have designated smoking areas.

Only hospitals, schools, sports venues, museums and government offices will be made designated no-smoking areas.

The Chinese are one of the worlds most enthusiastic smokers, making China a hotspot for tabacco organisations. Resistance to the proposed restrictions on smoking has been fierce.

More Prosecution Threats

2008-04-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

The Lancashire Evening Post reported how club manager, Donna Stevens, has been threatened with prosecution, if members at Fishwick Ramblers Working Men's Club, in Preston, light up again.

But Ms Stevens, boss of the Mornington Road club, defended herself, saying pubs and members clubs are being crippled by the July ban.

Preston Council said two people were issued with £50 fixed penalties since the ban came into force.

Jail Bars
Originally uploaded by Stephen Kropp

Russia Surrenders

2008-04-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

Cigarette seller, Moscow, 1 September 2007
Originally uploaded by urbanpostings

The Earth Times reported that Russia's lower house ratified the World Health Organization's convention against tobacco on Friday.

The 2003 WHO tobacco control convention aims to help national governments introduce smoking bans.

The head of Russia's State Duma healthcare committee, said the ratio of smokers in Russia is double as high as that of Western Europe.

Russia has never issued any anti tabacco legislation, and lawmakers are allowed to smoke freely in their offices, and the halls of government buildings. Remember those days?

Anti-tobacco campaigners blamed tobacco lobbyists for the slow move toward tobacco regulation in Russia, which has profited immensly from investments as companies face increasingly tough markets elsewhere.

The cabinet took the first step in January when it endorced a ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships.

Present law forbids radio, television and outdoor tobacco advertising, but glamourous smoking advertisements still fill the metro as well as magazines.

Russia only taxes tobacco producers 3% compared with some 50% in Western Europe, according to the WHO. A pack of Russia's cheapest cigarettes cost less than 30 US cents per pack.

Within a five year period, the WHO convention aims to ban smoking in public places.

Ban Blights Property Value

2008-04-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

24 Dash reported that a couple is claiming their house, the Old Lodge, which is situated next to a pub, has lost value since the smoking ban came into effect.

They are claiming £50,000 for the effect the ban has had on its value.

Neil and Rachel Mutter moved out of the one-bedroom property behind the Silverton Inn, in Silverton, Devon, because their house can only be reached via a partially covered yard beside the pub.

Pub owner, Shane Radmore has since turned the yard into a smoking area. The yard accumulates up to 15 people smoking throughout the pub's opening times and sometimes past midnight.

Mrs Mutter claims she moved out because of the noise, smell, cigarette butts, and smoke.

The Mutters bought the house in the summer of 2004 for £175,000, and often used the facilities at the pub. But when they tried to sell it for £185,000 they claimed they were unable to because of the situation which followed the smoking ban.

When they put the property on the market, estate agents told them they could raise no interest, with viewers having to negotiate smokers, furniture, noise and music.

Drivers Beware

2008-04-09T04:50:00.000-07:00

Holding a Cigarrette Out of a Car Window
Originally uploaded by e20ci

The Evening Telegraph announced that Kettering enforcers are targetting businesses and drivers, after finding that more than four in five motorists are breaking the law by smoking in company vehicles.

Last July's smoking legislatioin banned smoking in company cars, business vehicles and public transport, for drivers and passengers.

Last week Corby Council health improvement officers checked 100 vehicles at random and found 86 breaking the law.

From this week, anyone caught without signs will be ordered to pay a £200 fine which could, however, be dropped to £150 if paid within 15 days.

Sign of at least 70mm in diameter must be displayed in each compartment of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle can be fined, as well as the owner, if signs are not correct.

The law covers work vans, company cars and even private vehicles which are used more than half the time for work.

Taxis, mini-buses and other vehicles used by members of the public are included.

No Smoking in Cars with Kids

2008-04-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

The Orillia Packet and Times reported that local politicians in the borough of Orillia, in Ontario, Canada are supporting a proposed anti-smoking legislation which would ban smoking in automobiles when children under 16 are passengers.

If passed, the bill would mean amending the Smoke-Free Ontario Act.

There have been various complaints from people arguing the legislation would be a human rights violation.

The automobile ban could eventually lead to banning smoking in homes while children are present

Yet Another Pub Closure

2008-04-09T04:31:00.000-07:00

The Linconshire Echo reported that The Portland Arms, a Linconshire pub, will shut its doors by the end of the month.

Landlord Phil Seed says the pub has lost 50 per cent of its profits since the ban was introduced last July.

It is the fourth pub to close in just two months.

Landlords say a combination of the smoking ban, cheap alcohol deals in supermarkets and rising bills are causing many pubs to fall victim to closures.

Mr Seed,54, and his partner Annette Bannon,44, have not drawn a salary from the pub since November last year.

They both blame the nationwide smoking ban for the catastrophic fall in takings.

No Smoking OUTSIDE NHS Centers

2008-04-01T03:04:00.000-07:00

Hospital Smoke Ban
Originally uploaded by Ben Lemphers

The News Scotsman reported that a new smoking restriction, which is to come in next spring, will ban smoking on all NHS Lothian sites. People will not longer be permitted to smoke outside hospital buildings(as they do now), and will be forced to leave health board property altogether.

Unison, the public sector union, is worried that hospital staff will be left to clean up the mess when they are forced to tell stressed relatives and unhappy patients to move off the site.

Smokers at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, for example, must go to the other side of the perimeter wall along Old Dalkeith Road. Imagine being told to take a hike when you have just lost one of your parents?

NHS Lothian has not yet decided how the ban will be enforced, and this is precisely what staff are concerned about.

The health board plans to spend £40,000 erecting eight temporary smoking shelters, just one year ahead of the ban. Patients representatives said it was a waste of money.

Rolling Stone Bashes Ban!

2008-03-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

ROLLING STONES
Originally uploaded by Seeger Tour

Uncut revealed today, that The Rolling Stones' Guitarrist, Keith Richards, attcked the UK smoking legislation during an interview with the London based, Sun newspaper.

Richards had problems with the ban in August 2007, when he lit a cigarette on stage.

He described the ban:"draconian – socially, politically-correct bullshit".

Furthermore, he proudly admitted to regularly smoking cannabis and hash on a regular bases. If he keeps his joints pure though, he shouldnt have any problems, at least not in Amsterdam.

More Restrictions Yet

2008-03-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

.
Champion News announced that shopkeepers are complaining about new laws which would force them to have cigarettes under the counter and out of sight.

The Association of Convenience Stores expressed how this change in layout will generate major operational and equipment costs.

The plan will come under consultation in Spring and groups will have one to three months to express concerns. Legislation may follow in Autumn.

The government also plans to move vending machines from pubs and restaurants.

Too Many Butts

2008-03-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

Ash Tray, Cigarette Butts
Originally uploaded by loush555

Public health tobacco strategy co-ordinator, Anita Imberger, writing for the Isle of Man Newspaper, expressed both the advantages and the disadvantages of the smoking ban of 2007.

She described how since the ban came along, there have been many more cigarette ends on UK streets than before.

Under the terms of the Litter Act 1972, people can be fined £50 for dropping their cigarette butts. People tend to forget that this is also a form of littering, which most people rarely do.

Cigarette bins are not always available outside buildings. To help solve the dilemna, the government's Smokefree Mann Team has been giving out 4,000 free portable ashtrays, called Stubbi pouches and Ashcans.

No Smoking on the Road?

2008-03-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

The Belfast Telegraph revealed that a new smoking ban, which would ban motorists from lighting up while driving, is under way.

Environment Minister Arlene Foster aims at bringing in legislation which would make it illegal for drivers to smoke while using their vehicle.

This is part of a proposal aimed at decreasing the number of road fatalities across Northern Ireland.

These new measures could be implemented within two years time.

In April 2006, driver Wayne Johnston was sentenced to five years in prison for two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, and one count of causing grievous bodily injury. Johnson crashed into a group walking a dog in west Belfast after he lit a cigarette.

A Department of the Environment spokesman did not want to speculate on what the possible penalties might be if smoking behind the wheel is indeed made illegal.

More Legislation...comming right up!

2008-03-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

No Smoking
Originally uploaded by Martin Deutsch

The Telegraph reported that due to new government proposals, cigarettes may have to be sold under nthe counter.

Newsagents and supermarkets will have to move tabacco off the displays to where people cannot see it. This is at stopping people from taking up smoking.

The Department of Health's proposal is part of the consultation to be launched later this spring, which looks at ways to stop children smoking. The relevant legislation could be introduced as early as this autumn.

The move is regarded by critics as a further assault on smokers and evidence of a growing "nanny state".

No Smoking
Originally uploaded by Steve Lacey

A spokesman for the smokers' rights group Forest, Neil Rafferty said:"It is a creepy and authoritarian measure. Tobacco is a perfectly legal product from which the Government makes more than £10 billion a year in taxes."

Other measures may even include the banning of vending machines from pubs and restaurants, and making nicotine-replacement gums and patches easier to buy.

Meanwhile, health experts have said that rising cigarette prices are increasing the risk of cancer as more smokers swap cigarettes for cheaper roll-ups.

Weed safer than Tabacco?

2008-03-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

MARIJUANA CIGARETTES
Originally uploaded by hotshag88

The NIS News Bulletin announced that joints made solely of cannabis, will be exempted from the Dutch smoking ban which will ban smoking in all bars and restaurants as of July 1st!

Smoking in restaurants, hotels and bars will only be allowed in closed-off areas where no service will be provided. Coffee shops - the famous Dutch cannabis bars -are also included in the ban.

Creative Lights
Originally uploaded by aforero

But because the Tabacco Act only applies to the smoking of products which contain tabacco, cannabis users can continue to smoke their pot as long as they do not mix it with tabacco.

Surely this will "highly" affect coffee shop users who will ultimately be forced to smoke pure canmabis by the government. And surely the second hand smoke from a class C drug, which has been linked to psychosis, brain damage, etc, is similarly harmful.

Brave Rebel Goes Down

2008-03-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

BBC news reported that the first landlord in England to be prosecuted under the smoking ban has been fined again for continuing to allow his customers to smoke.

55-year-old Hamish Howitt from Blackpool, denied five counts of failing to prevent smoking in his Del Boy Sports Bar

He bravely argued that the law breaches Human Rights legislation, but was then convicted by a judge at Preston Magistrates' Court

Howitt, is a NON SMOKER, was fined £1,950 and told to pay £2,000 costs. He was fined 500 pounds last November, at Blackpool Magistrates´ Court after he had admitted to 12counts of failing to prevents smoking.

He said the Health Act 2006 was destroying his business and had left him "on the verge of bankruptcy". He said the law breached the Human Rights Act 1998, in particular Article 4 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

Despite his plees, District Judge Michael Singleton convicted him of five counts of failing to enforce the ban.

Poor Guy.

Scottish Smoking Ban Anniversary

2008-03-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

Superman Camel Cake
Originally uploaded by ToddZ

The
Deeside Piper and Herald announced that campaigners have marked the second anniversary of the Scottish smoking ban by calling for more action to stop youngsters taking up the habit.

The law which barred people from lighting up in enclosed public places came into effect two years ago in Scottland. According to ASH Scotland, 8 out of 10 Scots supported the ban.

The group also called for a licensing scheme for those selling tobacco to be brought in. Their aim is to force retailers selling tabacco, to apply for a licence which could be taken away if they were caught selling to kids.

A survey carried out for Ash Scotland showed that 65% strongly supported such a move, while 24% tended to support it.It also found that 66% of Scots strongly supported the smoking ban, while 15% tended to support it.

In comparison only 6% were strongly opposed to the ban, while a further 6% tended to oppose it.

The survey also found that 28% of people visited bars and pubs more often since the ban´s introduction, with 16% visiting them less ften.

Challenging the law

2008-03-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

According to EPD 24, four charges of breaching anti-smoking legislation have been dropped against couple Martin and Karen Turver, licensees of the Dog and Partridge at East Wretham. They had been the first publicans in Norfolk to be prosecuted under the new laws.

The couple had challenged the introduction of the smoking law, describing it as a "blatant infringement of civil liberties".

They entered pleas through their solicitor at Thetford Magistrates' Court to 15 counts of breaking the law three times last year. They had pleaded not guilty.

However the pair will face prosecution for another 11 counts to which they had pleaded guilty. The case was adjourned to May 9, when it will be heard by magistrates at King's Lynn.

No Smoking on Stage!

2008-03-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

The New York Times described how on Thursday, a Colorado appeals court ruled that smoking by an actor on stage, while possibly important to character and theatrical message, is still banned by the state’s two-year-old indoor smoking law.

The Court said that smoking,by itself, is not expressive enough to qualify for First Amendment protection.

Many states, including New York, have laws that ban indoor smoking of tobacco. However substitues such as herbal cigarretes may be used.

Smoking on stage
Originally uploaded by Micke-fi

No Manners!

2008-03-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

Accordingto the Scotsman, new opinion poll has shown that one of the most unpopular forms of house guest behavior was lighting up a smoke.

This hasbeen voted the most terrible breach of etiquette,in a survey by the BBC Good Homes Magazine.

Visitors who smoke in your home are less welcome than those who outstay their welcome, criticise the way your home is decorated, or even raid the fridge!

Experts of both sideshave acknowledged that this indicates a definite shift in pubic opinion towards smoking.

A smoker´srights group spokesman said that the government or "anti smoking brigade" has basically managed to turn smokers into social lepers these days.

Ameristar Thinks Small

2008-03-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

Ameristar Casino
Originally uploaded by alopezruiz

WQAD reported that The Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa, will be rethinking their plans for a $100 dollar expansion on the grounds of suffocating effects of the smoking ban.

This expansion was to be finsihed by next year, and would make room for 600 slot machines and 20 table games, as well as granting nearly 100 jobs and 150 construction jobs.

Spokewomen Christie Scott stated that without an exemption for Casinos, the investment was not worth it.

Currently in Iowa, smoking is allowed in bars, restaurants, as well as Casinos. But Ameristar is afraid it will suffer the same fate as casinos in non smoking states, if the Iowa legislation should change.

Standing your Ground...Wont Work

2008-03-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

According to the
Derry Journal, the Limavady Borough pub in Northern Ireland, received a fixed penalty for not complying with the smoking legislation.

In September 2007, environmental health officers discovered an illegal smoking shelter, provided by the pub. (Remember those?)

Officers had advised the owner verbally and in writing to change the shelter to make it compliant, he, however, did not. On the deadline of March 3rd, a Fixed Penalty Notice was issued.

The authorities ordered the owner to put up non smoking signs in the shelter to make it compliant, so to say, the "minimal" change required to make the shelter legal, was to make smoking ilegal.

When by March 5th, there were still no signs up,the owner was fined £200 or £150 if paid within 15 days

At this point, the poor man gave in, rang the department, and told them the signs were now up.

Really?

2008-03-19T13:56:00.001-07:00

Definitely NO Smoking (Anything)
Originally uploaded by tad2106

More Pubs Doomed!

2008-03-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Yates Wine Lodge, a pub in Worthing is closing down on Easter Monday due to falling trade following the ban on smoking.

Owners, the Laurel Pub Company, who own over who own over 400 pubs and restaurants nationwide said they are closing because the smoking ban is killing their business.

12 staff members will lose their jobs but the company has assured that it will help them find new ones.

Many more Yates bars are due for closure but the company, based in Bedforshire, will not state how many exactly.

The Yates in Worthing, which opened in 1999.

The Argus has reported landlords reporting £1,000 weekly decreases in some pubs. Littlehampton seems one of the worst hit areas with five pubs being forced to shut.

A survey by the Campaign for Real Ale revealed 56 pubs a month are closing across the country.

If U Toleratez This ...
Originally uploaded by camies

Thats Dedication!

2008-03-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

According to a Reading website, a member of staff spent a total of 2,762 hours visiting 2,300 premises to enforce the new law.

Four premises in Reading have been handed written warning for flouting the ban. The Red Lion pub in Southampton Street, Millennium Cars on Acre Road Business Park, Abbotsmead Place in Caversham as well as taxi driver have all been warned about complying with the new regulations.

115 written warnings from the Reading Borough Council have been passed out for signs that do not comply with the law.

Authorities have also organised eight seminars and provided training for council staff.

The council has spent 87,000 pounds on training and enforcement sessions. This money was grannted by the Department of Health.

Governing our Common Sense

2008-03-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

a clean, well-lighted place
Originally uploaded by googoopanda

I have been in Spain for the last couple of days and I feel the inner shame of being a "dirty smoker" gradually lessening.

I have encountered situations where common courtesy came into play, but neither I nor the other persons involved felt any kind of conflict. I simply respected other people preferences. Not smoking in front of a child, or while the person at the neighbouring table is eating, etc. There is no discrimination.

Each person makes their own choices; some people smoke, some do not; some restaurants are non smoking, some allow it.

Its strange that such a developed nation (the UK) requires laws to govern our sense of courtesy and respect towards other people. I find it quite degrading and embarrassing that MPs have such little faith in the social capabilties of their own nation!

October Fest Stays Smoky!

2008-03-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

munich_beer_fest
Originally uploaded by iqbalgudmal

The Bavarian Cabinet announced that this years October Fest in munich will be exempted from the smoking ban which came into force in Germany last september.

Beer tents and those serving wine or used for special functions will be exempted from the smoking ban for 12 months.

The Bavarian Prime Minister Guenther Beckstein said that smoking will be enforced in the tents from September 2009.

The 2008 smoking ban outlawed smoking in public buildings, schools, hospitals, bars and restaurants.

The october fest has been running for 200 years and the huge beer tents accomodate up to 10,000 people.

Another Damn Fine!

2008-03-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Licensees Martin and Karen Turver face a fine up to 2,500 pounds when they were charged with failing to prevent smokers from lighting up in the south Norfolk Inn.

The landlord of the Dog and Partridge at East Wretham, near Thetford, last year said the law was a blatant infringement of civil liberties.

The couple who have run the Inn for over 18 months did not appear at the Thetford Magistrates' Court, but entered pleas through their solicitor to 15 counts of breaching the anti-smoking legislation three times last year.

The charges, which are the first in East Anglia, followed an investigation by Breckland Council as well as a number of visits to the pub by council officers and police following complaints by customers and villagers.

Neglectful Council?

2008-03-11T05:25:00.000-07:00

County Times announced that residents were petitioning for the Welshpool Town Council to support a change in smoking legislation which would allow designated smoking areas to exist in pubs.

Town councillors pursued the change at a meeting of north and mid Wales councils but the move was defeated as only three Welshpool delegates voted in favour. Councillors said a change like this would require the national law to be altered and it was not in their hands.

It is claimed that the council is not doing enough to support the local liscence trade in its struggle with the effects of the new law. Councillors have angrily dismissed the claim.

Councillors believe that liscensees can idependently do more to promote their campaigns.

Smokers having to go on to the streets outside pubs also provoked complaints of nuisance in Welshpool, leading to the council calling a public meeting to discuss problems.

Spice Girl Seeks Fag

2008-03-11T04:14:00.000-07:00

Emma Bunton 07
Originally uploaded by ukrabbiter

Former Spice Girl, Emma Bunton, 32, was almost expelled from Cafe de Paris in London after she lit a cigarrete with a female friend inside the nighclub. Security asked her to leave but after apologizing politely they allowed her to stay.

JD Wetherspoons Wary of Ban

2008-03-10T09:37:00.001-07:00

The Brockley Barge - Wetherspoons
Originally uploaded by Last Rounds

According to the Daily Herald, the pub chain JD Wetherspoons' figures decreased by 17%, dragging the whole sector down with it. The company met forecasts with a 13% fall in pre-tax profit to £289.5m in the 26 weeks to January 27, on turnover up 0.4% to £440m.

On average, each JD Wetherspoon Pub is earning£29,500 a week compared to a weekly £30,600 during 2007.

Chief Executive, John Hutson blamed the smoking ban of 2007, saying that he believed sales would recover once the public became accustomed to the new law and new customers were realed in.

The company also admitted that a part of the decline can be attributed to rising costs for wages, energy, food and drink, especially recent increases in beef prices.

Smoking Ban Limits Lady Players

2008-03-08T05:55:00.001-08:00

According the the Evening Courier, smoking legislation has been blamed for the dwindeling number of women players in a pub game league.

Halifax Ladies Friendly League once enjoyed 16 clubs and pubs, but has started this season with only six teams.

A player for Halifax Catholic Club annouced that she believed about 75% of players are smokers.

The legislation is also blamed for another 10 pub closures in Calderdale.

The True Cost of Smoking!

2008-03-08T05:31:00.000-08:00

The Publican announced today, Tony Blow was found guilty at Herefordshire Magistrates Court, of two charges of breaking the smoking law. Blow was accused of allowing people to smoke on his premises, The Dog Inn, in Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire, as well as smoking himself.

The licensee was fined a staggering 1,075 pounds and was ordered to pay costs up to 10,000 pounds. This is the heaviest sum anyone has paid for breaking the ban so far.

Blow pointed out that his punishment was more severe than what he would get for selling or smoking crack cocaine, or for pushing a child in front of a zebra crossing.

Mr. Blow plans to move abroad...fair enough

Bingos Club Hits Rock Bottom

2008-03-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Luton Today said rumours are circulating that yet another venue can thank last year´s law for its downtrodden business and subsequent closure. Gala Bingo, situated in the Galaxy Center Leisure Complex, in Luton will be shutting its doors on the 22nd of March due to lost business during the past 6 months.

Although the gaming club denies that July´s legislation is to blame, customers ascertain otherwise. They claim that the clientele has gone down as a direct result of the ban.

As a result, it seems numerous employees will be forced to seek work elsewhere.

Clean Air Clears Club

2008-03-04T05:28:00.000-08:00

according to the Blackpool Gazette, yet another successful venue has suffered the consequences of the July 1st Legislation. Claremont Theatre Club turned its lights out for the last time yesterday, its owner David Hall, left with nothing but anger, grief and empty pockets.

The club, in the North Shore Residential Area of Blackpool, opened its doors in the 1980s and has been a local hit for almost three decades, featuring weekly artists such as comedian, John Inman.

Mr. Hall complained that since July, his club has literally cleared out, and he has been lucky to even get a "handful" of people a night. He said: " The smoking ban is killing clubland, not only in Blackpool, but across the UK. I remeber a time-not long ago- when this place was packed every night. "

Loyal customers have voiced their grievances about the closure. They have no doubts as to the cause of this failure, saying how they felt the governement should have thought twice about implementing laws which not only close clubs, but ruin lives.

So the people of Blackpool are left, not knowing where to go for a pint. The place where they'd built memories, the place they'd come to love, is gone. And Mr. Hall, who has dedicated his life to the it's success, is at a loss of where to turn next.

Many clubs, like Claremont Theatre Hall are facing similar dilemas. Club owners are juggling with the risks of diminshing returns, and the love for their venues. Its a hard blow for many who have dedicated their lives to the business, now forced to pull out, as a consequence of a inconsiderate law mounted upon them by their own governement.

July 1st 2007

2008-03-02T05:33:00.000-08:00

No-Smoking Logo
Originally uploaded by hegarty_david

It was a dark, wet, and demoralizing day, for UK smokers, as they huddled together outside, desperatly seeking shelter from the rain, while furiously satisfying their addiction, which would ultimately promote a great degree of isolation. The irritated grimaces painted on their wet faces marked the start of a new era for the Britain, an era of "clean air", a "healthier society", a smokefree England!

It marked the start of a non smoking policy which took hold of virtually all areas which held even the smallest promise of providing warmth. All of a sudden, ciggaretes were banned in all enclosed and substantially enclosed premises, including outside train and bus stations, restaurants, the workplace, and even pubs! Not only was the liberty of smoking in the company of your non smoking buddies made almost impossible, but indoor smoking rooms, even with hospital style air conditioning systems were also banned.

So we took to the streets, feeling discriminated against, rejected by our own country, our own people. The dirty smokers, ignorant and weak. It seemed the government had deemed the laws of common courtesy too complex for our understanding. The days when we simply stood by the window, took a few steps back, or even went outside, in gestures of respect to our non smoking friends, were over. The liberty of choice was simply erradicated, and so we stood, shivering and cold, in the street were we belonged.

As i said, it was demoralising day.