AlanA

Below is an article in todays Bolton News.
I'll be in the Swan !

Pub’s ‘light up’ protest against smoking ban
By Jane Lavender
Comment | Read Comments (4)

A PROTEST against the smoking ban is being planned in Bolton on the day it comes into force in England.

Organisers hope people from all over the country will flock to The Swan in Churchgate for a "mass light up" on July 1.

But council chiefs have vowed they will crack down on anyone flouting the ban which outlaws smoking in all enclosed public places.

Landlord Nick Hogan has agreed that The Swan can be used for the protest because he is so infuriated by the ban.

Speakers from Scotland and Wales will be attending to talk about how the law, which has already been introduced in both countries, has affected them. Mr Hogan has invited Bolton's landlords and publicans to the event. He said: "I'm not pro-smoking, but I am pro-choice.

"If people don't like my smoking policy then they have the chance to go somewhere else. This is our act of defiance.

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"I have respect for the law, but I have no respect for an unfair law. I don't want to break the law, but I feel I've been pushed into it.

"At the end of the day it's my pub, not the Government's.

"Cigarettes are a legal product. If the council wants to ban smoking in its buildings or it is banned in the hospital, then that's fine because they are publicly-owned buildings, but my pub is not."

Council chiefs have vowed to keep a close eye on those ignoring the ban. Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: "We will be looking at this situation and we will be taking legal advice.

"If there is anyone breaking the ban, then we will be looking at taking appropriate action."

In Bolton 29.6 per cent of people smoke compared to a national average of 27 per cent. The Bolton News launched its Stub It Out campaign when these figures were revealed, calling for a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places, including pubs, clubs and private members bars.

In February last year MPs voted for such a ban and anyone caught flouting it after July 1 will be fined £50.

11:31am today

mkpdavies

I'm tempted to come and help get in the way at least.

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Labour, Blue Labour, Lib Dems

Britannist

If it was not so far to travel (i.e. if it was in London) I would attend to offer my support to the opposition to this latest draconian Labour-instigated attack on freedom.

Smoking-only pubs, clubs and restaurants should be allowed.

AlanA

I sincerely hope that every village, town and city in England stand against this ban on July 1st. This pox ridden Govt. needs to be taught a lesson !

TonyG

Maybe, but don't forget that they will be giving additional powers on that day to privately employed traffic wardens equipped with head-cams to simply walk around filming all of the 'protestors'.
The next step will be to employ private investigators to track them all down and issue fines through the post. The result of which will be the end of useful protest in this country.
You will all be well and truly Bruvvered!

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Britannist

I've already heard of one local council (Labour-controlled when the decision was made) to employ an anti-smoking campaigner and an assistant (at a cost of over £40, 000 to the public purse for the first year). The role of the campaigner will be to go around pubs and clubs to warn people about the smoking ban from the time it is in force.

Had Labour retained control of that council no doubt they would have considered appointing an anti-global warming officer too :shock: :evil: .

AlanA

Things are heating up nicely on this matter now. Lot's of chat on the Bolton News website, and seemingly, plenty of Scots planning to make the visit to Bolton on the 1st july.