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Smoking in Public Places
A Consultation on Reducing Exposure to Second Hand Smoke
Report of Regional and Area Events
BELLSHILL, 22 SEPTEMBER 2004
Twenty-one people attended the event from a wide section of the community. Most of the participants had never attended a Scottish Civic Forum debate before. The meeting started with an input from two speakers; one was a representative from the SLTA and the other a Public Health Consultant. Both speakers gave a 7-minute presentation on what they thought the main issues of the consultation to be. A debate then followed in one group, which was facilitated by Angela Moohan of the Scottish Civic Forum.
The meeting did not have the task of coming to a consensus and would not have been able to do so as there were definite opinions for and against a ban. There was however a general opinion that smoking should not be permitted where food is served or where children are permitted. It was generally agreed that the Government should put more money into education with young people and the risks to your health if you smoke. There was some agreement that if a ban is introduced then there should be some exceptions i.e. residential care homes and prisons. The meeting did agree that it would not be a positive move to give local authorities the responsibility. There was a great amount of criticism raised about the way the Government have gone about this consultation and some felt that the decision has already been made. Comments were also made about the leadership i.e. Jack McConnell and Tom McCabe and that the consultation is a farce. The following comments were made: * denotes that more than one person made the same comment.
There is already sufficient legislation - Government doesn't need to intervene.
Not happy with questionnaire as questions are too vague/broad.
Health risks too great not to ban.
If Government is so concerned about the effects of smoking then they should ban the sale of tobacco.
Smokers and non-smokers all have rights.
Health risks for alcohol related illnesses are just as great.
All out ban may have adverse effect on young people - need more education and more work on voluntary code. *
Should have some completely smoke free premises.
All public places should have a designated smoking area.
There would be real issues for pensioners who smoke - how can you ask someone in their 80's, who has smoked all their life, to give up now?
Issues relating to pollution in environment need to be addressed also. *
People should have the choice to smoke in public places.
Agree that ban should be where food is served and children are permitted. *
Financial assistance, from the Government, should be provided for businesses that are affected by a ban.
A stepping stone approach is needed. *
Effect on economic aspects i.e. personal livelihood for some businesses.
Smoke free beer gardens.
People in Ireland do appreciate the difference to atmosphere in pubs.
A ban could cause accidents e.g. fly fags by staff and customers etc.
Health should be most important issues of this debate. *
As a non-smoker don't like smell of smoke and atmosphere in general.
If people stop smoking then there needs to be increased support structures.
Care homes should be exception.
In extreme circumstances patients should be allowed to smoke in hospitals.
The Government has already made up their mind - consultation is a farce. *
Jack McConnell went to Ireland to hear opinions why not go to local pubs and speak to local people. *
Who would be responsible for implementation?
How do you get info about ban (if agreed) across e.g. people with learning needs that smoke?
Where are elected members during this debate? *
There are examples in Edinburgh of businesses gone bust because of non-smoking.
Some non-smokers out there waiting for this ban.
License trade may not suffer.
Bias publicity from Scottish Executive and first Minister i.e. comments made by Jack McConnell and Tom McCabe.
Ban on smoking in football grounds has not had an adverse effect.
Cultures come and go.
Jack McConnell doesn't make final decisions - Government does.
Ban in workplaces seemed to be accepted so why not in public places?
Common sense approach needed - long-term approach with a health campaign.
Exception in old folks clubs.
Should not have smoking room in new parliament building.
Local Authorities should not have regional decisions.
There is too much intervention from Government - people should have more choices.
If there is a fall in the sale of cigarettes how will the Government get the revenue back?
There are many other social issues that need to be addressed e.g. street crime drug misuse road traffic accidents - so why this issues?
Health issues have never been proven.
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