UK Government announces TV ads preceding the July 1st Smoking Ban
UK Smoking Ban kicks in 1st July, 2007
TV ad to remind smokers of July ban
On July 1st the new smoking ban (finally) comes into force in the UK and it seems we are to get a government TV advert reminding smokers of the extent of this ban…
Apparently the campaign, to be shown from the 1st of July 2007, shows a man walking through various places, pointing out that smoking will no longer be allowed in enclosed public places and workplaces like these.
Works for me, I'm sick of walking through shopping malls and having some ignorant gits blowing and wafting smoke in my face. There's a small meat shop in town with a cafe to boost sales - and that many people sit there with a coffe in one hand and a faq in the other that it's actually foggy in there! How they don't set off the smoke alarms I'll never know, but if you are from St Helens you'll know the one I mean. How people can actually buy the processed meat from there is beyond me, ewww! There's a chip shop nearly that's exactly the same, as a non-smoker I have to hold my breath and dodge the lit ends to get to the counter to a take out, not that I go there at all often.
Public health minister, Caroline Flint, is quoted as saying:
With only 50 days to go until England goes smoke-free our aim is to ensure that everyone is aware of the new law, how it will affect them and what they need to do to prepare. … The campaign is a reminder to people of the date and gives examples of the range of locations which will be smoke-free. … It forms part of a comprehensive communications campaign to make sure that businesses and individuals understand what action they need to take.
Various figures are banded around the various news and government run sites but the general consensus is that a fifth of the population smoke - the majority being girl between 14 and 24 who really should know better - and of these most (over 70%) would like to give up for good. Putting this into perspective for every 100 people there's only maybe 5 or 6 hard core smokers that genuinely like the blimmin' things!
A syndicated press release states that the poll of more than 1,700 adults found that over a third of people said a smoky atmosphere was the biggest turn-off in a bar or pub, while two-thirds said they would prefer to spend the evening in a smoke-free venue rather than one where smoking is allowed.
House of Commons debates: Tuesday, 14 February 2006
Tedious reading, but of related interest to business owner:
Orders of the Day Health Bill:
New Clause 5: Smoke-free premises: exemptions
