Tim's Periscope

Since the smoking ban was forced on us back in 2007 pubs have been closing at an alarming rate, with recent figures showing that that seven pubs close down every day.That's seven publican families who's livelihood is lost EVERY SINGLE DAY!

Shocking I think you'll agree.

Of course, with the economy being in the dismal state that it is the blame can't be fully attributed to the smoking ban but it's hard to argue that it hasn't had a negative effect. At the time the smoking ban was being introduced it seems most people were happy with the idea of 'smoking pubs', that being that landlords can decide whether their pubs are smoking or non-smoking. The government however then countered that the staff in the smoking pubs shouldn't have to be subjected to other peoples second hand smoke, so they cast this idea into their 'good Idea's we'll ignore' bin.

I'm not happy with this argument though. 

Surely if you don't like smoking then 'DON'T WORK IN A SMOKING PUB!!!'    It's just like if someone doesn't like heights I wouldn't recommend they become a professional wire walker. Or if they hate dogs maybe they shouldn't pursue a career as a vet.  Racist? Then don't apply for the immigration service. It's really not a hard concept.

The Labour government in their arrogance would never admit they have made a mistake, so the only hope for the pubs is that this government is dethroned next spring when an election is called. Both of the main opposition parties will be trying to push a Freedom of Choice message and I think it would be a perfect time for one of those parties to write an amendment of the smoking ban into their election manifesto.

At the end of the day Freedom of Choice means freedom for all, so having smoking and non smoking pubs will finally readdress the balance. People who like to smoke (and people DO like it, namely me) have somewhere to go as do those who aren't so keen. The pubs can make it clear on the front door whether or not they are smoking or non-smoking and then everyone knows where they stand. The pubs might then be able to pull themselves out of this downward spiral that is currently looking like it will decimate them.


Do you agree or disagree?

Feel free to join the debate in the comment box.