It's now a little over two weeks since the smoking ban came in, and for the first time the other day, I passed a pair of smoking enforcers in the street...at least I think that's what they are. It says 'environmental warden' on the back of their jacket and that's who is policing the ban. Mind you, not that it has needed much policing. People are complying with the law and I've only heard of 4 warnings being given to bar owners so far. The ban has also not had the effect that the pub owners' association had feared. Some bars are reportng a 25% increase in takings since the ban according to yesterday's Scotsman newspaper. For bars serving food, the food takings are up significantly and most bars report a 5-10% increase in trade. Also, anecdotal reports say that smokers seem to be drinking faster, so they can go and have a cigarette outside and order a fresh drink when they come back in! Apparently though, the bouncers are now complaining of passive smoking!
8 comments:
wow! great to hear this better than expected results :)
Excellent. I think in 2005 in Ireland for the whole year, there were only 38 cases of breaching the law taken. Roll on 2007 for it to hit the rest of the UK!
These are intersting results! I hope someone here in Germany's government is following this as well... Although I have to say that in summer it doesn't bother me that much since I spend most of the time outside anyways. But in winter it would be nice to have a smoking ban...
So if you are breaking the law do you get a ticket? Pay a fine?
http://kansascitydailyphoto.blogspot.com/
it's a £50 on the spot fine for the offender. the fine for the owner of the premises rises is from £200 - £2000 depending on if it's a first or repeat offence. councils also have the power to revoke alcohol licences.
I used to be a big smoker too, i hope that law be applied here too and soon.
Wow that's good news! We have the same ban but I have not seen it implemented yet!
In NYC there was a lot of complaining but everyone went along with it in the end, and I have not heard of anyone getting a ticket...and of course we all know it's for the best...
L
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