Smoking in public places to be banned - Page 9

15-06-2004, 16:42

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Originally Posted by danielf

Seeing that people brought up the cost/revenue side of smoking, I think it's only fair to bring this up... It's a valid point isn't it?

No, because as the ASH site points out, the tax revenue from smoking is not some sort of investment in the NHS!

Just like the revenue from speed cameras, VED etc, it's not earmarked for some specific purpose, it goes into Gordon Brown's big pot and is doled out as he sees fit.

To suggest that, because smokers die younger, it is some sort of *positive* is, I'm sure, a great consolation to those whose family members have died of cancer (especially those who got it from passive smoking)

15-06-2004, 16:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangebird

Considering my contributions towards the Billions of pounds of tobacco duty that goes to fund the NHS, I personally think I have the right to get treatment fro the NHS any time I like.

Damn right! I've *earned* this cancer/ athsma/ emphysema...!

15-06-2004, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by timewarrior2001

I already have this problem on 3 sides .

In which case I suggest you keep records of the disturbances and contact your local council's Environmental Health department who can install a sound monitor (as, I believe, has been detailed in another thread around these parts recently).

If they keep doing it they can be served with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order and these *are* now being enforced.

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But in all seriousness yes you do have a point,

Thank you.

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but walking into a pub knowing people are certainly going to be smoking in there and then insisting on them leaving is not a responsible attitude, its a confrontational one.

Please cite me *ANYWHERE* where I have said I would do this! If you can't, please apologise for completely mis-representing my position.

orangebird · 15-06-2004, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

Damn right! I've *earned* this cancer/ athsma/ emphysema...!

Well, yes, it was cancer Graham. But not smoking related. It was in my womb. I actually had private treatment because the waiting list was too long but....

I pay NI every month. Plus the tax from cigarettes, I'm just as entitled to NHS services as anyone else, regardless of what ailment it is. And a big

to anyone who thinks differently.

Bifta · 15-06-2004, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

No, because as the ASH site points out, the tax revenue from smoking is not some sort of investment in the NHS!

Just like the revenue from speed cameras, VED etc, it's not earmarked for some specific purpose, it goes into Gordon Brown's big pot and is doled out as he sees fit.

It's hardly our fault that the revenue from tobacco sales is not portioned off to the NHS. Perhaps people like you should be greatful that the extra taxes WE pay are covering things that you'd have to pay extra for if we didn't smoke.

15-06-2004, 16:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangebird

Well, yes, it was cancer Graham. But not smoking related. It was in my womb.

My point was that, as you said below, *EVERYONE* who is a UK citizen has the right to health treatment that is free at the point of delivery, whether they're a smoker or not.

orangebird · 15-06-2004, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bifta

It's hardly our fault that the revenue from tobacco sales is not portioned off to the NHS. Perhaps people like you should be greatful that the extra taxes WE pay are covering things that you'd have to pay extra for if we didn't smoke.

orangebird · 15-06-2004, 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

My point was that, as you said below, *EVERYONE* who is a UK citizen has the right to health treatment that is free at the point of delivery, whether they're a smoker or not.

No, your point was a very sarcastic post.

15-06-2004, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bifta

It's hardly our fault that the revenue from tobacco sales is not portioned off to the NHS.

Why not? You have the right to contact your MP and suggest things change, this is a democratic right. If enough people agree with you, maybe the government will take notice.

The Lib Dems have been talking frequently about the idea of increasing income tax by 1p and ring-fencing that for education, so the concept isn't exactly new.

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Perhaps people like you should be greatful that the extra taxes WE pay are covering things that you'd have to pay extra for if we didn't smoke.

Damn! Yes, of course!! Why didn't I think of that before?

Hey, tell you what, I'll go around telling everyone to smoke up because they're saving me from having more taxes! And, of course, I'll be really glad that they're going to die young because that means more NHS resources for ME!

15-06-2004, 17:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangebird

No, your point was a very sarcastic post.

Yes, I don't deny that in the slightest. The point remains, though.

Bifta · 15-06-2004, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

Why not? You have the right to contact your MP and suggest things change, this is a democratic right. If enough people agree with you, maybe the government will take notice.

Yes, of course, I'll write to them tomorrow and tell them that I insist that my taxes I pay on tobacco be used ONLY for the NHS, because that will work won't it, I don't know about you, but I've got better things to be doing with my life than writing pointless letters to MP's, perhaps you haven't.

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Damn! Yes, of course!! Why didn't I think of that before?

Hey, tell you what, I'll go around telling everyone to smoke up because they're saving me from having more taxes! And, of course, I'll be really glad that they're going to die young because that means more NHS resources for ME!

Ah sarcasm, the lowest form of wit, it's a good job you don't have to pay any form of tax on that rolleyes emoticon.

15-06-2004, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bifta

Yes, of course, I'll write to them tomorrow and tell them that I insist that my taxes I pay on tobacco be used ONLY for the NHS, because that will work won't it, I don't know about you, but I've got better things to be doing with my life than writing pointless letters to MP's, perhaps you haven't.

Well you obviously don't vote either, because that's *even more* pointless than writing a letter to your MP...!

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Ah sarcasm, the lowest form of wit, it's a good job you don't have to pay any form of tax on that rolleyes emoticon.

Translation: Damn, I can't think of a snappy comeback...

Bifta · 15-06-2004, 17:13

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Originally Posted by Graham

Well you obviously don't vote either, because that's *even more* pointless than writing a letter to your MP...!

Actually I do vote, and so far it's done me some good.

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Translation: Damn, I can't think of a snappy comeback...

Actual Translation: I didn't and don't consider you worth the miniscule amount of time it'd take to think one up. (and btw, laughing at your own unamusing comments is a bit pathetic)

Pierre · 15-06-2004, 18:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

Quote:
Originally Posted by orangebird
No, your point was a very sarcastic post.

Yes, I don't deny that in the slightest. The point remains, though.

I don't follow, are you suggesting that smokers should be denied nhs treatment?

Stuartbe · 15-06-2004, 18:14

I have allways believed that people have the right to do what they want. People should have the right to smoke and non smokers should not have to breath it in. Plenty of places now have smoking and no smoking sections and it seems to work o.k.

I can remember when they tried to ban smoking in all bars ect in france - It lasted about a week

As for the tax thing, Smokers pay very heavy taxes - more so than people who drink all the time - Both can be as damaging to your health as each other !