[zovat]

I have already stated my oninions on another thread - so I'll just re-post this...

Originally Posted by Me

The interesting thing about his statement to me, was that he said what a lot of people would like to say (albeit in a politically incorrect way).
Some people smoke because they want to, because they enjoy it.
When I was smoking (and I may end up doing so again later in life), I did not need a cigarette, I could quite happily not smoke for days. I enjoyed a cigarette with a pint, and when I was out in a field in the pouring rain at 2am, waiting for something to happen, it was one of life's pleasure to have a fag and a cuppa.

I do not smoke now - but I believe that if someone wishes to smoke, that is their choice, and not the governments. If a landlord wants to have a non smoking pub, he can - some already do.
Some landlords smoke, some bar staff smoke - if they want to allow smoking in THEIR pub, why shouldn't they.

If you want to smoke - go to a pub where you can - or smoke outside if you are at one you can't.
If you do not want to smoke, or be in a smokey atmosphere - go to a pub that is smoke free (or one that has decent ventilation).

We should allow people to retain their choices - not force them to conform to some government standard.

Ahhh, that feels better over

I will add that smoking in the open (parks etc) is probably (IMHO) less harmfull to others than standing near a road - or walking anywhere in london....