Smoking in banned areas

[aunaturale]

Thanks for explaining about the health insurance.Does everyone there have health insurance? Here you only get it if your employer offers it or you can afford your own.I had a rare eye cancer inside my choroid layer and did not have health insurance.I have since gotten health insurance for $200 a month and luckily it will pick up on my eye issue after 6 mths,Then I can afford my MRI's every 6 months.Thanks again and maybe I will start a thread about insurance.I would be interesting to see what the differences are as far as availability and costs.I am happy that you don't smoke,It really is a burden.

 

[miss amy]

Okay, you obviously felt the need to get this off your chest. I am not a smoker and never have been, but the bottom line is that smoking is bad for ones health and for the health of those who don't even smoke if in the vicinity of a smoker!

I do realize that smoking is addictive. It is an addictive drug and very difficult to give up. If you want to smoke in your home and buy your ciggies in the next state, then fine, you are entiltled to do that. But out in public, be it in a restaurant or waiting area (where ever) nonsmokers also have a right to inhale nicotine free air.

I find your last sentence interesting. You want the government to do their job and let the citizens decide what is best for them and their families. Do you really think it's right that other people, especially children, are forced to inhale secondary smoke which causes cancer and leads to heart disease and circulatory problems? This is sure as hell, not what I want for myself or my kids, and smoking in public places would take away my rights in this respect!

No two guesses what I'm voting?

i would like to know when they are bringing in a ban to stop alchol consumption so people like me dont have to pay to treat alcholics and nhs staff dont have to spend fri/sat night treating people who go and and get in to drink related fights/injur themselves and people with genuine injuries have to wait x amount of hours to be seen to. I dont enjoy having drunk people breathing dirty drink breath all over me and being stupid, finding everything hilarious etc.
They are both drugs and should be treated equally imo.

 

[Mrs.Clooney]

Thanks for explaining about the health insurance.Does everyone there have health insurance? Here you only get it if your employer offers it or you can afford your own.I had a rare eye cancer inside my choroid layer and did not have health insurance.I have since gotten health insurance for $200 a month and luckily it will pick up on my eye issue after 6 mths,Then I can afford my MRI's every 6 months.Thanks again and maybe I will start a thread about insurance.I would be interesting to see what the differences are as far as availability and costs.I am happy that you don't smoke,It really is a burden.

You didn't quote my post, but I assume you are referring to my comments about the national health system? I wasn't actually referring to health insurance. Yes, we do have private health insurance, but the majority of people can't afford it. Our standard health system in this country is free which IMO it shouldn't be as it is horrendously abused. The money is not spent correctly and our national health is suffering as a result IMO.

 

[Snugglepuss]

What some fabulous replies, thoughts and comments geeky ones :green:

I am going to throw a bit of a spanner in the works here now and hopefully will get you thinking even more

As a non smoker I would always prefer to eat my meal in a non smoking environment (I'm using this as an example) and definitely don't want to expose my two youngest ones to cigarette smoke!

BUT my three older boys, my mum and a lot of my friends smoke, so the littleuns are aware/come into contact with people who smoke. As a responsible mother what do I do? I don't let anyone smoke in my house/car etc but if they are desperate for a cig then they will stand outside even in the rain and cold without me asking them to!

I feel that they are making a choice to do this and respect my wishes not to expose the littluns. Therefore, I respect their choice to smoke and feel that smokers should be given some slack - the majority are considerate and take into account the fact we don't smoke so surely it would be only right to give people a CHOICE of going to a designated smoking (non smoking) establishment! If people I care about choose to smoke then I will not fall out with them because they smoke and I certainly would not stop going places with them - what is more important the love and care I have for those people OR having the occasional waft of smoke coming my way when we are in a mutual area - what I mean is that I can and they can choose to be together either in a smoking or non smoking area - when this law comes into effect then a choice will have been removed from both me and the smokers - and surely that is not good????

I'm only going to touch slightly on the health/insurance side because technically it is off topic, but I feel that it is appropriate to respond - mods feel free to remove this bit if you like!

The government actually tax cigarettes/tobacco so the health service will I believe get an injection of cash from smokers. Not only that, nearly every adult in the UK pays tax on their wages, and the health service also receive a portion of this money. (The same goes for alcohol ) So I am sure we can all agree that smokers do contribute to the NHS in the UK?!!

Now then, my father smoked from being a young man until his early thirties, he smoked the strongest ones of that time. However, he died less than 20 years later from a brain tumour, not long after having his left cancerous lung removed! The specialist told me that in the case of smokers who then proceed to give up generally die younger of a smoke related illness, than those who have continued to smoke or who have never smoked - My father was 54!

I can only tell you what I was told - I do not know if this is fact - so don't shoot me down!

My mother is 70 and smokes like a trooper and yes she has a smokers cough etc but is still going strong (as did my grandma and she lived until her mid 80s.)

However, I have had precancerous cells removed in my mid 20s and never smoked a cigarette in my life!

There are many factors which contribute to people's ill health and it isn't just cigarettes - everything which we put into our mouths are filled with chemicals/colours/preservatives - many products we use around the house in our daily lives have ingredients which if we are over exposed to will cause serious health problems look at what is put into your cosmetics - look what is in the fillings in your teeth, it all contributes to ill health if over eaten, over exposed etc. so it is just not smoking!

Another interesting thing about health is people who are overweight like me! I am actually fitter than some thin people - how do I know? because after exercise, my recovery rate is far quicker than some of my thinner counterparts! But yet I will be criticised for being overweight and unhealthy whereas a thin person wouldn't be judged that way and automatically thought to be healthy - what I am trying to say is that we should not judge others by our opinions and expect them to fall into line with our opinions just because we think it is right - what is good for one isn't necessarily good for someone else.

Anyway, sorry for the long post - I always get on my high horse when I feel that people are having their choices stifled

Be good everyone :hug::hug::hug:

 

[jac extreme]

Well put Deb:hug:

 

[joe90]

I used to be a smoker and gave up 2 years ago. However, I do feel that smokers are being penalised unfairly. There should be designated indoor area in pubs/clubs and restaurants should a smoker feel the need to light up.

Not only are they penalised in this way but they are also penalised by the NHS who in some cases will not operate on someone unless they give up smoking first, yet they will operate on someone who is overweight - is this again not prejudiced against the smoker.

In this country we are constantly being told by the media, the government etc that we cannot be discriminatory against ethnic minorities etc., and that is right and proper, so why are we discriminating against smokers? In my opionion they are getting a really rough ride.

When I go to the pub now I don't like coming home smelling of fags, but a drink is synonomous with a fag - they go together like fish and chips don't they?

Anyway, I would rather be in a pub with a bunch of smokers than a bunch of very drunk people. Smoking does not alter your personality like drink does and would feel more under threat from a drunk than a smoker.

I do understand both sides of the story but just feel that the smokers being penalised for their addiction.

 

[Mrs.Clooney]

Debs, you are alway so careful and considerate when you post hun. How could anyone jump on you for this :hug:.

Let me explain how I view it. Although I have never been a smoker I do realize that nicotine in ciggies is a legal drug and the addiction is a tough one to get rid of, like alcohol or over the counter drugs for example. If peeps want to smoke then that is their legal right but it is also the right of non smokers to not be exposed to the effects of second hand smoke. And apart from this, it brings on asthma and allergy related problems too.

So how do we get around this problem? Sharing restaurants etc.. doesn't work. Smoke filters over to the nonsmoking section especially if it is a small restaurant. Yet, both smokers and non smokers have a right to dine at a particular restaurant. The thing is, the meal can only be enjoyed if taken in the restaurant, but at least if smokers need the nicotine fix, they can leave the building between courses to have their ciggie.

Regarding the choice of going to a smoking or nonsmoking establishment, this is something I have considered, but then who designates what becomes a smoking esablishment and what doesn't? The proprietors? The government? The patrons? Who? I can see world war three looming on the horizon and it has nothing to do with the Middle East, lol.

It is interesting that you have found people considerate when it comes to smoking around non smokers because this has not been my experience which is perhaps why I am so anti smoking in public places. Just one example, I was asked to organize a large family get together at a pub/restaurant. I was told to book it in the smoking section as I needed to consider the smokers in the group. Fortunately the only table available was in the non smoking section:green:.

It has only been in recent years (since the introduction of new smoke ban laws) that I have noticed people becoming more considerate about smoking in public places ( I suppose because of public awareness).

I am not going to bore anybody with facts and figures about the effects of smoking but years ago I trained in the U.S. as a Cardiac Life Support Instructor and the effects of primary and secondary smoke inhalation were well documented.

I lost my dad to a massive heart attack when he was only 40 years of age. He smoked 40 plus a day and had already suffered from vascular disease as a result of his smoking. My younger sister smokes and she has suffered from cancer (to name just 2).

The government may well tax cigarettes/tobacco (I honestly wouldn't know) but any contribution towards the National Health System does not nearly contribute adequately towards caring for smoking related illnesses. My hubby is a vascular surgeon and as a former nurse we do have some accurate insight into this aspect of health care.

I am appalled that there is such little funding for example, for mental healthcare in this country where the patient has not chosen to suffer from mental illness, but has been afflicted non the less through no fault of their own. They feel suicidal and alone but are placed on a waiting list to receive help. Yet a heavy smoker/drinker/drug abuser can suffer a massive heart attack and be instantly hospitalized, operated on and cared for in an Intensive Care Unit for weeks at a time at inordinate expense.

How many times do we hear about ladies fighting for treatment with a lifesaving breast cancer drug, which the NHS can't afford to pay?

Peeps, I will bore you no more. As you can see, this is a subject close to my heart. And with very good reason. This is only the tip of the iceberg, lol. :hug: xx

 

[ValencianNails]

Regarding the choice of going to a smoking or nonsmoking establishment, this is something I have considered, but then who designates what becomes a smoking esablishment and what doesn't? The proprietors? The government? The patrons? Who? I can see world war three looming on the horizon and it has nothing to do with the Middle East, lol.

Why can't they do what they've done in Spain?
An establishment of 100 sq metres or more has the choice of being smoking or non-smoking, therefore clientèle have the choice whether to go into particular establishments or not.

I lost my dad to a massive heart attack when he was only 40 years of age. He smoked 40 plus a day and had already suffered from vascular disease as a result of his smoking. My younger sister smokes and she has suffered from cancer (to name just 2).

My sister-in-law (who smokes) had breast cancer, her consultant said that her cancer was in no way linked to her smoking.
My hubby's aunt is in her 80's and has smoked since she was very young, she's one of the fittest people I know and has no medical conditions at all!

I'm not trying to be argumentative, just offering a different viewpoint.

 

[Mrs.Clooney]

My sister-in-law (who smokes) had breast cancer, her consultant said that her cancer was in no way linked to her smoking.
My hubby's aunt is in her 80's and has smoked since she was very young, she's one of the fittest people I know and has no medical conditions at all!

I'm not trying to be argumentative, just offering a different viewpoint.

There are always exception to the rule. xx

 

[*JOANNE*]

brilliantely put debs,
from a medical/genetic/smoking connection.
my mum died aged 48 she had smoked scince 15 and died of a brain tumour totally non smoking related. my grandparents smoked and lived until their 80's.
i smoked from age of 15 until i gave up for 6 months 2 and a half years ago the month i gave up smoking i got an autoimmune disorder, graves disease and after speaking to my consultant he even said that giving up after so long did have a negative affect on my body, i started again. Of course smoking causes life threatening illnesses but there is another side to the coin / not smoking doesnt stop these illnesses either.

 

[Mrs.Clooney]

brilliantely put debs,
from a medical/genetic/smoking connection.
my mum died aged 48 she had smoked scince 15 and died of a brain tumour totally non smoking related. my grandparents smoked and lived until their 80's.
i smoked from age of 15 until i gave up for 6 months 2 and a half years ago the month i gave up smoking i got an autoimmune disorder, graves disease and after speaking to my consultant he even said that giving up after so long did have a negative affect on my body, i started again. Of course smoking causes life threatening illnesses but there is another side to the coin / not smoking doesnt stop these illnesses either.

Not all illnesses are related to smoking but then not all car accidents are as a result of drunk driving! I'm sure everybody knows somebody who has had cancer which has not been smoke related. I am not going to dispute this, however, one cannot deny the high risk element of primary or secondary smoking and certainly not in my opinion.

 

[scattyfox]

Have to say my mums health has been terrible since she gave up smoking.

as for th ethics of smoking i always sit in non smoking when out for a meal and go outside with the other smokers and get rained on normally but i LIKE nothing more than a fag after a big slap up meal.

I dont smoke in my car till my kids have left it so long journeys are a nightmare for me and i dont smoke at home in the house until the evening where i perch by the back door, so i think im a considerate smoker.

My grandad never smoked ever and died of lung cancer and got strangled to death from it. I think excessive drinkers should be penalised like smokers are in hospital and not allowed to ahve ops unless they give up but the resources need to be available to help the people overcome these problems.

 

[christi]

Please don't quote me on this as i don't know if this is correct or not, but this is what my parents where told the other day, and i must say i wasn't there and i haven't looked into this.

Recently my mum and dad where having there boiler/system checked or maintained.... And before i go on i must say my dad packed in smoking about 15/20 years ago but my mum is still a smoker, not a lot but mainly at home, much to the dismay of my dad i might ad as he complains about her smoking in the house all the time (bit of a grump my pops... poor mum)

Anyway this day my dad was having a moan at mum for smoking, and sort of involved the maintenance guy doing the work. Saying something like... doesn't this bother you! The guy said no but then went on to tell my mum and dad that after the smoking ban comes into force, If he attends a house to do any work the owners or tenants are not supposed smoke when he is there working.
He said that they had been told (by whom i don't know )that as this would be his place of work the law applies that, no smoking is permitted!

Now that may well be just rumor, and of course it may not, but how difficult would that be to implement, i find this a bit of a gray area for lots of reasons.

I wonder if anyone else knows about this or have heard anything similar, because this may have a big impact on mobile therapist don't you think!

I am a non smoker myself but did smoke when i was younger so the ban wont affect me.

Sorry if this has been mention and answered, i have not read all the way through this thread.

Christi

 

[Snugglepuss]

Still Lots of interesting info and opinions :green:

As far as I know Christi you are right - if a work person comes to your home, technically you are NOT meant to smoke.

With regard to smoking/stopping/illness, I have never smoked and had pre cancerous cells when I was younger which were removed. At my check up I was asking the doctor if any links had been made genetically, as my father had died of a brain tumour - he had had his cancerous lung removed only a a few months earlier. She stated that it does seem to be in familys as lots of illnesses do BUT usually a heavy smoker who quits usually has a smoking related illness, usually about 15 to 20 years after they have given up, so infact it sometimes did more harm to stop then carry on - life - weird or what????

 

[Cathie!]

Something a bit defferent to the ails of smoking.....South Gloucestershire Council Officials were in my shop at 10.30 this morning to check I was compliant for the smoking ban....happy to say I was!

 

[talented talons]

I am pleased bout this as it then means you don't have to worry about being in a restaurant and having the smell of smoke, even when you are in the non smoking area.

My Hubby used to smoke and also agrees with the ban. He always used to smoke out side in the garden so me and our daughter didn't have to breath in his smoke.

I know a lot of people won't agree with it, but when it comes to health, you should have a choice as to wether you are surrounded by smoke or not.

 

[1999judy]

Well, it was a little strange when we got up in Blackpool yesterday..OMG the ashtrays had gone!!!
So... we went outside after breakfast and there are benches etc. outside every hotel and ashtrays on the wall because if you throw it you pay a fine.
We mixed with people in their 80's and people in their teenage years. It was a little like a new club for the outcasts at first:lol:
But I think it will work ok. AND I AM A SMOKER!!!!
In fact... everyone else came outside because they thought they were missing something
I'm not promoting smoking, tbh it's one of my vices that I wish had never started and I WISH I had listened to my parents many years ago.
But I really think it will work.
And you know I hate to do it and will complain forever about it
I just hate to be told what to do though.....rebel without a clue my dad calls it:lol:

 

[Mrs.Clooney]

I honestly am relieved that I can now go into a restaurant, pub, club, any enclosed public space, and not worry that I will come out smelling like a ciggie! I will feel more comfortable knowing that I am enhaling nicotine smoke free air.

I realise that peeps will still want to smoke, but this they can do outdoors as opposed to in an enclosed space.

 

[maguire]

:irked: I am a smoker and enjoy it, I think they should have designated places in pubs, or have a couple of smoking pubs that all smokers can go to, I see you CAN smoke in parliment where all the government have drinks, why has that not been banned, I hate people telling me what I can and cannot do.

I do agree that restaraunts should be smoke free though.

Also what is going to happen when thecouncil tax goes up again because the government are not getting as much tax because of all the smoke quitters, 75% of the price of a pkt ciggies goes to the tax.

Smokers do not have a choice now but nonsmokers do they can go to any pub now and enjoy we can't. where is the fairness in that.

 

[fifitrix]

Smoking has been banned in public places in Scotland for over a year now. I used to work in a hotel part time and as a smoker myself, I have to say I welcomed the ban, I enjoy a ciggie but not inhaling the passive smoke of a room full of smokers.

There are times however when you sit down to have a drink when out that you wish you could just light up. We have just accepted now and it's the way it has to be. I do not agree that you are able to smoke in private clubs and so on, what's good for the goose and all that........................

What I really detest is people that tut at you when you are outside having a ciggie!!!!! Where else do they want you to go?