On my recent gravy train excursion/fact finding trip to Brussels, I encountered one side effect of the smoking ban I had not expected.
While we are all aware of the negatives of folks gathering in corners and outside our doors for a quick puff, I had underestimated the smokers-on-the-street factor.
As a former smoker, I'm obviously the worst person to comment, none being so righteous as the reformed - but it really was quite shocking - every other person in Brussels is lighting up a fag - completely oblivious to whoever is standing next to them, behind them, or wherever the wind happens to be directing the smoke.
There's definitely a kind of indignant 'it's my right' air about their actions too, as the smokers, being branded lepers in every other walk of life, blatantly flaunt their habit, almost daring you to comment.
Perhaps when our ban comes in there will be internet organised smoke-ins in Trafalgar Sq and the like, where smokers can gather together and puff happily, collectively sticking two ciggies up at the fresh-smelling cafés and restaurants surrounding them.
Comments (4)
It'll only be a matter of time before smoking outdoors in public is banned too. Already in parts of Canada, for instance, it's illegal to smoke within 10 feet of a doorway.
And this highlights the issue about the smoking ban. It's not really about a non-smoker's right to health - that's a feint - but about a determination to stamp out smoking, and they will shave away at rights until they succeed.
I'm a non-smoker (indeed, twenty years ago I was fascist-enough to pull the fags out of peoples' mouths in non-smoking train carriages) but I know a new and obsessive puritanism when I see it.
Posted by Andrew | May 9, 2007 10:23 AM
Posted on May 9, 2007 10:23
{I'm|I am going to try this out for sure. Thanks|Thank you for the Information.
Posted by Harland Prost | February 10, 2010 6:58 PM
Posted on February 10, 2010 18:58
I'm thinking of buying them. Anyone else have experience with this cigarette?
Posted by Chance Rippon | February 23, 2010 12:55 PM
Posted on February 23, 2010 12:55
My wife thanked me for once and for all getting a smokeless ashtray. The household is clear of cigarette smoke and now we will live in peace.
Posted by Smokeless Ashtray | May 10, 2010 7:08 PM
Posted on May 10, 2010 19:08