General Chat

Another really bad 'habit' Bob and one which I do not subscribe to - (p***ing in swimming pools) I cannot add to the cat aspect of this thread, but surely anything that is 'smoked' is bad for your health and that includes kippers as well as B & Hedges - all relevant old pal - like it or lump it! Jacqui

Not all smokers through tab ends in the street Robert, I carry a little ash tray with me which were being give out on the street in Liverpool, I empty and wash it regular. Why not ban chewing gum in the street, as that seems to stick to the floor, ive never seen a tab end stuck to the floor. Another disgusting habit chewing gum. dont touch it myself or Ill start blowing bubbles with it. LOL Regards Yvonne

I think smoking should be banned everywhere. A ban on smoking in public places should have happened years ago. Lucia

I wonder at the 'logic'of some on here. Going of at a tangent about cars, cats and barbecues etc is not intelligent discussion. Motor vehicles are a problem but unfortunately are an essential part of our society. Smoking serves no useful purpose, in fact it kills and maims millions of users, and even worse, innocent bystanders. As well as having no concern or their own and others, they also seem to believe they can throw tab ends wherever they wish. What’s all the crap about not smoking in front of children? Don’t adults matter? The trouble is you can never get drug addicts to talk sensibly about their addiction. As for having separate smoking areas in buildings, isn’t that a bit like having pissing areas in swimming pools? Bob

I couldnt reply early was working. But well said Jacqui. And if your smoke mixes in with the BBQ smoke no will notice LOL. I have seen the effects of lung cancer and Im not really bothered everything you eat nowdays can cause some kind of cancer so why arent people complaining about that. Regards Yvonne

Because I CAN Dave - lol lol Seriously, it is the height of bad manners to blow smoke over another, as is burping and f**ting in public, as is throwing beer over anyone, spitting, chewing in public (disgusting) and so on and so on! Surely it's a case of moderation in all things (and that includes restricting the rights of us smokers to chuff if we want to). With regard to BBQ foodstuff - what would be the point of attending a BBQ and then not eating the food on offer??? why not stay away? The point I was making that as a non-attending BBQ-ite whilst I do have the option of not eating the food, I still do have to suffer the fumes and smoke from my non-smoking neighbours BBQ's (and their 4x4's fumes and their bonfires, and their 'green' solid-fuel fires belching fumes into the atmosphere. So I just give up and have a fag!) Jacqui Jacqui

Jaqui good point about barbecued food but you do have a choice in that you dont have to eat it! But smoking why should you not be allowed to have a social life because you dont want people in pubs blowing smoke all over you, they can go outside and smoke why should I have to take my drink outside? I like a drink but I dont throw my beer over everybody! why should a smoker blow his smoke all over me? Davex

Roxanne - the point I was making was not only is the smoke from a BBQ carcinogenic, the FOOD is also (as is all smoked foodstuff). Sorry you suffered the effects of the smoke from the barbie, but what did you eat? (of the smoked variety) and how do you know you wont suffer from the effects of eating that smoked food? Susan - in our local pub/restaurant there are two separate areas - both alike in terms of comfort etc. one for smokers who want to eat, and one for non-smokers who want to eat. As a smoker I would not expect non-smokers to intrude on 'my sapce' and likewise if I were a non-smoker and someone lit up next to me in a no-smoking area I would ask the management to remove them - it's only fair - you have to demand your rights otherwise we smokers will chuff all over you - lol Jacqui

clare i still think people should have the choice but being an asthma sufferer i cannot go into pubs or restuarants for two long as this is one of my triggers.i can be quite ill for days so i lose out on my social life.there is one pub i do go in in old portsmouth which is spice island which has a no smoking policy so it is smoke free.i think they are losing trade as it used to be a busy pub but when we go in there in an evening not as many people use it now which i believe is down to the no smoking policyxxxxxxxxx(((:

Hi All I'm a smoker and a nurse...shock horror many would cry!!! I well know all the implications yet have (for the present) made my own choice. I fully appreciate the views of those who choose to or not to smoke. The NHS trust where I work has decided to become a smoke free trust as of the 1st November. At present 'smoking shelters' at situated around the grounds away from the main buildings, the staff shelter is behind the laundry/maintenance buildings away from the public eye. On a normal shift I'll have to manage...it's the stressful 24 hr on-call resident shift I'm not looking forward too!! The 'smoke-free' consultation document makes interesting reading...... 'if distressed relatives/visitors are seen smoking.....approach them reminding them of the smoke-free policy in place'.......mmm.....a black eye or 'blind eye'!!.....I know which one I'll be choosing. I'm sure the relatives of a young man who recently passed away on our ITU whom I directed to the nearest smoking shelter would have appreciated the 'smoke-free' policy dictated to them in a crisis. Sarah

Hi Clare Guilty on the cat issue, I have four. Smoking has been banned in the shopping malls where I live and I've got to admit it's much more pleasant sitting on the benches there now. Definitely think smoking should be banned where there is food. As for kids in pubs/restaraunts I have two children. They have never been allowed to run round screaming and shouting. I agree kids that do that are annoying but why should I and others be penalised for others kids. Juliexx

As a smoker I wouldnt mind if it were banned in public places - matter of fact, there doesnt seem to be many places left (apart from private addresses) where smoking is allowed nowadays - well, maybe from the pub, and I feel it is an acceptable place to smoke provided there is an alternative place for those who don't smoke. I do wonder though just how many non-smokers enjoy a summer evening BBQ? lovely steaks, sausages, fish etc all cooked over smoke and heat (the most carcinogenic smoke and heat there is actually). I reckon a bbq's sausage is about the quivalent of 5 fags - and whats more - they give their children the sausages to eat! Jacqui

I'll give up my ciggies if all drivers get rid of their cars and use public transport and people only fly on planes for business not pleasure. Deaths from skin cancer are increasing at a higher rate than smoking related cancers. Gwynne

Clare I think it should be banned in all public places,I have never been a smoker but my Mum and Dad were heavy smokers and my clothes stunk with the smell of it. Also secondary smoke causes lots of serious health problems remember poor Roy Castle he got lung cancer even though he had never smoked in his life through playing the trumpet in smoky nightclubs. If people want to smoke they should go outside the pubs and clubs and do so, why should I have to breath it in when I dont smoke. Davexx

I've just returned from a few days in Ireland and I had forgotten about the bann on smoking in public places - it was strange but a great idea! I don't smoke and it was lovely to come home from restaurants, pubs and a hotel without smelling like an ashtray. The smokers went outside and it didn't seem to be a problem at all.

Having lost both my parents, also my brother had a leg amputated then died a few months later, all through heavy smoking ! so I certainly agree with everything Clare from Sussex said ! ( including the cats )

I'd like to ban a few people I know from breathing ....... don't ask !!!! I've just kicked a door in temper. Clare (FUMING !!!!!)

I think smoking should be banned where food is concerned but other places they should be able to, I just like people to be respectful and not puff the smoke in your face. if that one person choses to puff on a cancer stick why should we suffer when they puff it in our faces and passive smoking is very bad!

Another opinion of mine is: People say its wrong to smoke, but how many men or women, when they have had a ciggie go home and knock hell out of their spouse or partner? Some do when they have had a drink. Ok all you smokers stop smoking and become an Alcoholic! Fair Anne I dont have kids either but why should we have to suffer other peoples kids, just like they dont like suffering our smoke. Best Wishes Yvonne

Roxanne LOL - is that public sex ??? Thats fine then - I should be in no danger of offending anyone lolol Anne [currently celibate pmsl]