Just an observation... :wink:
http://www.the-tma.org.uk/page.aspx?page_id=10
Tobacco Tax
The tax raised through the sale of tobacco products continues to be a major source of revenue for the Government, contributing around £10 billion annually. This is, according to the Treasury,
equivalent to almost 3 pence on the basic rate of income tax or 12 pence on the top rate of income tax. --My Bold--
It has been the policy of successive Governments to maintain a high level of tax on tobacco products in order to reduce tobacco consumption and the prevalence of smoking. Between 1993 and 2000 a tobacco duty 'escalator', which saw year-on-year increases in tobacco duty ahead of inflation, was implemented with the aim of reducing consumption still further.
This policy has resulted in taxes on tobacco products in the UK being amongst the highest in the world and comfortably ahead of those in other EU Member States. For example, the price of a typical pack of cigarettes in the UK is currently (Jan 2007) £5.33 while in Belgium the price is about £2.70 and in Spain its around £1.60. Prices in many of the newer Member States are even lower. (Click here for full details of EU cigarette prices.) The difference in the price of handrolling tobacco (HRT) is even more marked. A 50g pouch costing £10.80 in the UK can be bought in Belgium for less than £3.
(Part of the report)
I take the same view as NF, It's a matter of choice; not saying you should all go and smoke but let individual Landlords decide.
Current estimates for 2006-2007 Tobacco revenues is £10.5 Billion.
Smoking related diseases cost approx. £1.7 Billion.
http://www.ash.org.uk/html/smuggling/html/whytax99.html.
As an aside, our eldest son, who installs Home automation, is now talking to pub and club landlords about installing all-weather TV's that can be used in the open so that sports fans can enjoy a smoke with their pint(s).
Most of our local landlords are now grumbling about reduced takings due to the non-smoking ban.
I also think that if you want to visit either a smoking or non smoking pub/club you should have a free choice.
IMHO.