Gone in a puff of smoke
I spent my Easter weekend up in Scotland, where ‘gloriously hot’ seems to translates into overcast skies and wind strong enough to knock you over the harbour wall.
On the plus side, Scotland implemented a smoking ban in public places last March, meaning a quiet drink in the local no longer results in stinking clothes. Wales joined in with the ban at the start of this month and England finally follows suit on July 1.
As a non-smoker I can’t wait, but I do wonder how others will cope. Which bars and clubs in Manchester, for example, will be particularly hit by the ban? Britons Protection? Tiger Lounge? The Star & Garter?
I hear a similar ban in Spain is failing miserably at the moment because many places are allowed to choose whether to enforce it. Those that do are losing all their custom, while those that don’t are filled with large crowds of happy smokers.
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I ask myself the same question, but a week or two back I was in Pure in the Printworks which has already banned smoking and although it did seem a little quiet for a Saturday night it didn’t seem to put too many people of, they were still queuing to get in. Although saying that I did still see two people smoking in the club, but after a night out it was great not to stink of smoke. I am looking forward to the ban myself, as a non smoker. Glad to hear you had a fantastic time in Scotland
By Ed O'Keeffe on 04.10.07 11:45 am
Yes – in Spain the situation is quite confusing. Some places allow smoking, and other’s don’t – and it depends on the size of the room and all sorts of other factors. But they usually have a notice on the door saying if it’s allowed or not. On top of that, plenty of people just ignore the rules and carry on smoking – noticeably more so than in the UK.
By Mantex on 04.10.07 12:03 pm
I spent a wee weekend up in Glasgow in February, and it was a little strange not being able to smoke indoors anywhere. At the National Pop League disco, we had to queue to be let back outside in small groups if we wanted a ciggie, and then after about midnight we weren’t allowed out at all (unless we were leaving for good, like) — it was a bit of a pain. I also visited the art school disco and went to see Voxtrot and some other bands play a local venue; both places only required a flash of a hand-stamp each time one came back in, which was significantly easier.
I do enjoy smoking when having a dance and a drink or two, or watching a band. However, when considered, my inconvenience in having to go outside for a few minutes is small when compared to the increased enjoyment and health of the many people who, quite reasonably, don’t want to be smoked on. I haven’t heard any arguments against the ban which don’t essentially come down to selfishness, and I can’t imagine there can be any.
I’ll be particularly interested to hear what the plans are for the Star & Garter, as I can’t see the doormen being too pleased with having to open and close that big front door every few minutes during the Smile disco.
By Tom on 04.13.07 11:29 am
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