Sorry, that’s a Jim Carrey reference. I’ll go and lie down.
The Commons yesterday was debating extending the not-yet-enacted ban on smoking in public places. Lots of steam from both sides, mostly about the impact of smoking on workers in pubs and restaurants.
One question, however. I don’t deny that there is now strong evidence of the impact of passive/secondary smoking. However, all the research I’ve seen focuses on smoking within the home (ie the impact of partners’ or parents’ smoke). I’m also aware of a couple of cases in the US where bar employees have sued their ex-employers for ‘getting’ lung cancers, though causality was never proved.
Is their any evidence that proves that exposure to smoke, say, four-six hours a day for five-six days a week leads to lung cancer? And, if not, and if it’s an ‘intuitive’ jump, given the average knowledge of the public and politicians about scientific research (and I include myself in that), is there any rationale for this expansion in policy beyond yet more restrictions to freedom?
There may not be any evidence but it’s a nasty and disgusting habit. Roll on March 26th when it’s banned in public places up here. Still not quite understanding why the British government can’t get their acts together on this one to properly ban it in England too instead of all this faffing.
People may want the freedom to smoke but I’d like the freedom not to breathe it in or smell it. or smell of it.
Comment by Katherine — November 30, 2005 @ 1:45 pm
Then you don’t have to go in the pubs/clubs where it happens. I’m allergic to most perfumes, so hate women that wear them, but it doesn’t give me the right to stop them (except amongst my staff of course), and if smoking doesn’t actually harm from transient passive exposure, there isn’t a case for banning it. Actually, there isn’t a case, libertarianally speaking, anyway.
Comment by Bertie — November 30, 2005 @ 8:06 pm
I’m the worst kind of anti-smoker, the one time chain smoker who gave up years ago and now hypocritally wants to see everyone else stop too. It is a disgusting, unhealthy, smelly, antisocial, expensive habit with no redeeming features at all and I can’t wait to see it banned in public.
Of course if I KNEW I wouldnt get cancer I’d start smoking again tomorrow, but that’s additiction for you, 10 years without a fag and I still dream about them.
Comment by Elvis_Himselvis — November 30, 2005 @ 9:57 pm