August 14, 2003

Warning:Smoking can seriously damage your backbone

Martin Cullen's outburst on the proposed smoking ban in pubs and restaurants has provoked a response. The Minister for the Environment (and what sort of environment does he really want ?) bemoaned American political correctness as the reason for the forthcoming ban (from January 1st 2004). Martin knows damn well that is actually another American habit (litigation, and the fear of it) that is the real cause. The Minister for Health has more than enough people hassling him without feeling the need to look for more trouble. But, an expert group has reported on the effects of passive smoking, and if the Government ignores the report, they are open to litigation. Hence the move. The country has already spent 300 million euros compensating soldiers who apparently didn't realize that they should have been wearing earplugs when shooting or firing artillery (see under easily parted, fools, money). No, Martin is just getting his retaliation in early, though I think TDs might find that there are at least as many voters who support the move as oppose it.

The fact that it annoys smokers is only a bonus to a non-smoker such as myself, given my own experience has been that most smokers couldn't give a shit about who breathes their smoke. Of course, given the contempt that most non-smoking areas in restaurants are treated, I'm not too hopeful.

Posted by Monasette at August 14, 2003 10:59 AM | TrackBack
Comments

I'm the only smoker in my house, and I don't mind being confined to my room when I want a smoke. Non-smoking restaurants aren't too much of a bother. When you're an addict, after all, you're not too choosy about where you administer your fix.

But I'd prefer a more considered approach rather than a complete ban. Certain pubs designated as non-smoking, for instance. Ventilation that works. Not smoking at the bar (since that's where staff get all their passive smoke).

Unfortunately, Martin Cullen is making the case for moderation look stupid. And the whole line about "American political correctness" is hardly going to win friends and influence people is it?

Posted by: brendan at August 15, 2003 12:54 PM