I believe that I've posted elsewhere the point that the Lithuanian government has opted not to tax cigarettes because the saving on pension costs of dead smokers far outweighs any tax revenue they are likely to receive.
I don't like smoky atmospheres and I won't dine in the presence of smokers. apart from a couple of fags as a teenager, and a few cigars when I tried to be cool, I've never smoked. That said, the hundred per cent ban is wrong. If we can license premises for food, entertainment, betting and alcohol then we can license them for smoking. If the premise has the facility for smoke rooms or filtration systems then smoking should be allowed. Workers who want to work in non-smoke filled atmospheres can work for the pubs and clubs without a license. By giving the power to license to the local council the decision becomes a local one and the elctorate can rid themselves of councillors who tend too much in one direction or the other.
Smokers cast votes as do huntsmen, speeding drivers, hoodies and alcoholics. One day they'll all go out and vote for someone who treats them like adults and the puritans will be stuffed.
__________________
When in Woking do as the Wokes do.
"I do not wish to form my opinions by thoughtlessly quoting others; I wish others to support their opinions by sensibly quoting me." Paul Wesson (Aardvark) 13th April 2008
|