"No Swiss Rollover"

[Butts]

The authorities and health professionals in Switzerland are fuming () about the result of the recent referendum regarding smoking in public places.

65% of participants voted against a proposed Nationwide Smoking Ban to supplement the restrictions already in place in 8 of the 26 Cantons.

One wonders what the result would have been of a similar ballot in the UK. My guess is that "smoking areas" would have survived in Pubs, Casinos, Betting Shops and Bingo Halls. Restaurants and other public places the ban would have gone through.

Some of the comments from the "anti-smoking" lobby in Switzerland have to be seen to be believed. They are sore losers and don't like it when the public disagree with them after being told what to do (ie vote in favour).

Sad footnote for Butts - Geneva where I go to the Motor Show each year is one of the "8" that enforces the existing legislation

 

[ainsworth74]

All I can say is that I'm glad common sense prevailed over here and that smoking was banned in as wide spread manner as it was. Sorry Butts but I personally love being able to walk into pubs and restaurants and not have to put up with cigarette smoke hanging in the air.

 

[transmanche]

One wonders what the result would have been of a similar ballot in the UK.

I'm sure i read somewhere that the percentage of people who smoke is lower in the UK than it is in Switzerland. So likely that fewer people in the UK would want to keep smoking areas.

As regards Switzerland; the vote may say as much about people's attitudes to Federal vs Canton government as it does about the smoking issue (i.e. perceived 'interference' by the Federal government in something they consider to be up to individual Cantons).

 

[Butts]

All I can say is that I'm glad common sense prevailed over here and that smoking was banned in as wide spread manner as it was. Sorry Butts but I personally love being able to walk into pubs and restaurants and not have to put up with cigarette smoke hanging in the air.

No need to apologise old bean - you forgot to mention a Train (or for the real zealots a platform !!)

My son has just returned from Tunisia (a place I've not been to) and he said he kept thinking of me as he "tripped over all the ashtrays" everywhere !!!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I'm sure i read somewhere that the percentage of people who smoke is lower in the UK than it is in Switzerland. So likely that fewer people in the UK would want to keep smoking areas.

As regards Switzerland; the vote may say as much about people's attitudes to Federal vs Canton government as it does about the smoking issue (i.e. perceived 'interference' by the Federal government in something they consider to be up to individual Cantons).

Interesting points - the Government were nervous about the reaction of the perceived "Nanny State" in bringing a ban in - if you remember the original proposals were to exclude private members clubs and a few other areas. Unfortunately (for Butts) the success in Ireland and Scotland wiped out their nervousness.

I think if a vote had occurred here seperate ventilated smoking areas would have survived in certain establishments. This is not due to the prevalence of smokers but the fair mindedness of non-smokers, as this sort of set up would not impact negatively on them.

With regard to the "Swiss Electorate" it's not that long ago a party had a poster depicting white sheep kicking black sheep off a an area of pasture, in a veiled attack on immigration

 

[Greenback]

I think if a vote had occurred here seperate ventilated smoking areas would have survived in certain establishments. This is not due to the prevalence of smokers but the fair mindedness of non-smokers, as this sort of set up would not impact negatively on them.

I think you may well be right if the comments on my workplace intranet ar eanything to go by!

The majority of people are in actually in favour of having an inside smoking area in order to prevent everyone from having to walk through the clouds of fumes at the entrance!

Many of those in support are not smokers themselves, but recognise that it is better to have a room somewhere where we can kill ourselves in peace. Many say the current legislation is a mistake, as it forces smokers outside, where they naturally congregate together to the annoyance of everyone else passing by!

Naturally, there are also a couple of comments calling for smoking to be banned completely, but the majority of the anti smoking people seem to consider that a step too far.

 

[bnm]

I'm a smoker and I am happy with the indoor ban as it currently is. I don't see the need for indoor smoking areas or rooms. Who cleans them? Who services them? Who replaces that faulty a/c or broken window? Will you have to find cleaners and contractors that are also smokers? Would a non-smoker be able to argue that they shouldn't go into this room to do a job required of them elsewhere in the building?

 

[Butts]

I'm a smoker and I am happy with the indoor ban as it currently is. I don't see the need for indoor smoking areas or rooms. Who cleans them? Who services them? Who replaces that faulty a/c or broken window? Will you have to find cleaners and contractors that are also smokers? Would a non-smoker be able to argue that they shouldn't go into this room to do a job required of them elsewhere in the building?

You will find a lot of bar staff and cleaners smoke, although not all of them. They don't seem to have a problem with any of the issues you raised in Switzerland or other countries where it is still permitted indoors, or indeed in The UK prior to the ban.

As a matter of interest what are your views on smoking on open platforms ?

 

[185]

As a matter of interest what are your views on smoking on open platforms ?

Instant execution, even for first time offence.


*runs for cover*

 

[Butts]

Instant execution, even for first time offence.


*runs for cover*

That brings a whole new slant to the condemned mans last cigarette

 

[bnm]

As a matter of interest what are your views on smoking on open platforms ?

Unenclosed (Health Act) and not in the vicinity of a 'No smoking' sign (Railway Byelaws) then I'd argue it's fine. If told to stop I would of course comply, but I see little problem with being stood alone at the end of a platform having a tab.

 

[SS4]

You could have made a Swiss Roll(-up) pun

So long as proper ventilation was in place I'd not mind a smoking area inside certain buildings (along the lines of those mentioned in the OP). As a non-smoker I might be safe inside but I've still got to negotiate the second front door made of smoke to get in/out.

 

[Butts]

You could have made a Swiss Roll(-up) pun

So long as proper ventilation was in place I'd not mind a smoking area inside certain buildings (along the lines of those mentioned in the OP). As a non-smoker I might be safe inside but I've still got to negotiate the second front door made of smoke to get in/out.

Your post and those of other contributors, add weight to my argument that given a vote, smoking areas would have remained a feature of British Pubs.

Talking of Swiss Roll, I haven't had a slice for years - is it still available?

 

[ainsworth74]

If I might also weigh in (as a non-smoker) on two things: 1) I agree that smoking in unenclosed areas of platforms should be permitted, though by that I mean away from any train shed so even somewhere like Kings Cross or St Pancras where the train shed is very high I'd still expect people to be smoking at the platform ends. 2) I also think that well ventilated indoor smoking rooms should have been allowed, but I'd be hesitant about forcing non-smoking staff into entering them which, of course, does raise issues.