How utterly stupid

[Hilary B]

They could always stop smoking. Win win.

Tobacco tax is a LOT more than the cost to the NHS of smoking-related illness.....

[Hilary B]

Obviously I'm in the minority here who think well done on that shop keeper - yes am sure he's not perfect but if it makes one person thing then that's good. I am forever grateful that when I tried smoking as a young teenager I didn't get it so didn't try again. If I'd enjoyed it and my friends had also then I'd probably have become addicted. Yes I drink, but not to adiction levels. Had a couple last Friday with a friend and nothing since. May have a glass or two of wine tonight, but only if I decide to do so, not because I feel a need. That it not antisocial, whereas if I sat on the sofa with my OH smoking away I would be harming both myself and him. There is a big difference between somebody who enjoys the occaisional drink and a binge drinking alcoholic.

If the shopkeeper is anti-smoking, he shouldn't sell the things AT ALL, and if he isn't anti-smoking why stop selling them for 2 days? I always find that sort of inconsistency annoying.

BTW, I do agree with you about the difference between smoking and drinking as 'vices' affecting other people, I just don't agree with the attitude of that shopkeeper.

[Hilary B]

As a never-smoker, I've noticed that the most ardent anti-smoking people are very often ex-smokers. I really dislike the smell, and I really notice it, but I still don't approve of the latest Government attitude to it.

[Rhona]

If the shopkeeper is anti-smoking, he shouldn't sell the things AT ALL, and if he isn't anti-smoking why stop selling them for 2 days? I always find that sort of inconsistency annoying.

But he probably isn't anti-smoking. Who knows? He can't win. If he WAS selling ciggies on No Smoking Day, then someone else would be moaning about it!

[Hilary B]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hilary B
If the shopkeeper is anti-smoking, he shouldn't sell the things AT ALL, and if he isn't anti-smoking why stop selling them for 2 days? I always find that sort of inconsistency annoying.

But he probably isn't anti-smoking. Who knows? He can't win. If he WAS selling ciggies on No Smoking Day, then someone else would be moaning about it!


I can't think why anyone would complain about that (it isn't about selling the muck), and he had 2 no-smoking days, not one!

[HeyWayne]

Tobacco tax is a LOT more than the cost to the NHS of smoking-related illness.....

Does that account for secondary smoking too? Genuine question.

[jackie j]

I am a non smoker altogh I tried it when I was a young teenager ( below the age of 16 as it was then ) until my sister found out and threatned to tell mum if I didnt give her my cigarettes so I gave up, the biggest favour my sister ever did for me. She smoked until her death at 56 through cancer ( although not smoke related ). If I want to drink it affects me and no one else as I never drive even if I have only had one drink, If I smoke it affects everyone around me through second hand smoke. Two of my sons smoke and I wish they didnt but they never do it at my house even though I have never stopped them.
I dont like to see people in groups in the streets outside shops, offices and pubs smoking and I dont think they should have to.
If someone wants to smoke it is entirely their choice and I will move away if I am near.

[Hilary B]

Does that account for secondary smoking too? Genuine question.

Those whose opinions I have encountered reckon that secondary smoking is not (quite) proven as a cause of illness so figures are probably not available.

[Hilary B]

I am a non smoker altogh I tried it when I was a young teenager ( below the age of 16 as it was then ) until my sister found out and threatned to tell mum if I didnt give her my cigarettes so I gave up, the biggest favour my sister ever did for me. She smoked until her death at 56 through cancer ( although not smoke related ). If I want to drink it affects me and no one else as I never drive even if I have only had one drink, If I smoke it affects everyone around me through second hand smoke. Two of my sons smoke and I wish they didnt but they never do it at my house even though I have never stopped them.
I dont like to see people in groups in the streets outside shops, offices and pubs smoking and I dont think they should have to.
If someone wants to smoke it is entirely their choice and I will move away if I am near.

I never tried smoking, but outside of that, I agree with you (mostly). I do think that those who can't stand the smell need a bit of consideration, but NOT the silly ban (which in any case causes more bother to a lot of us).

[piskieinboots]

...that secondary smoking is not (quite) proven as a cause of illness so figures are probably not available.

What was the name of the famous trumpet player who died of lung cancer, never having smoked in his life?

It was suggested that as he was sucking in 'club' air whilst playing his trumpet, this brought about lung cancer from secondary/passive smoking

ETA: Roy Castle
Castle was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 1992, and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy before going into remission in the autumn of that year.

Castle, a non-smoker, blamed his illness on years of playing the trumpet in smoky jazz clubs. On 26 November 1993, Castle announced that his illness had returned, and once again underwent treatment in hope of overcoming it.

[Gwyndy]

106,000 people in the UK die each year due to smoking. ... Many smoking-related deaths are not 'quick deaths'. ...

8,724 alcohol-related deaths in 2007,


Geo..

Not wishing to be picky but the following item on the BBC web site makes interesting reading regarding alcohol deaths and costs - BBC NEWS | Health | Binge drinking costing billions

Binge drinking culture costing £20 billion per year
Cost to the NHS - £1.7 billion
Alcohol-related problems are responsible for 22,000 premature deaths each year

The full article is worth reading.

[squashysu]

OOOpppsss, i smoke and binge drink and drive a car and damn it janet, perhaps i should be dead already lol!!!

I am gonna give up smoking soon, when i move house, sorry HW i did smoke in front of you, but we was outside lol!!!

I do agree with the ban, i smoke far less!! so saves me money!!

If we all did the same things the world would be a boring place and we would have nothing to debate, i am loving it

They did used to advertise Non smoking day, i havent seen it advertised for years or i would have lit up two at once lol! (sorry couldnt resist) lol!

[HeyWayne]

I am gonna give up smoking soon, when i move house, sorry HW i did smoke in front of you, but we was outside lol!!!

Hey, no worries - don't mind so much if it's outside, I can get away from it then, plus I think the wind was in the right direction.