Countdown to smoke free pubs
An article in today’s Age reminded me that the smoking ban in pubs is slowly approaching. As of July 1 2007, smoking will be banned in pubs and clubs in Melbourne.
As a non-smoker, I can appreciate this ban. I was living and drinking in Boston when they banned smoking in pubs. Instead of smelling like an ashtray at the end of the night, you smelled normal, which was good as I could wear my pub clothes out again. It definitely reduced the amount of people smoking but there were still people who would go outside into the subzero temperatures just to have a smoke.
I guess we will have to see how Melbournians take this, but I foresee a positive reaction by most. Any smokers want to comment?
Picture via Ashaust
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I’ll be glad when smokers are banned from my life. They aren’t dying out quick enough for me.
Bring it on, baby. I’ve been to places like Ireland where this kind of thing has been in place for quite a while and it’s a bringer of simple joy. Like a package labeled You Can’t Believe It’s The Pub or something. I look forward to the day I can head down to my local and not come back smelling like an ashtray.
I suppose I’m generally pleased about this as I’m not a cigarette smoker. Although I guess this will make it difficult for me to discreetly smoke a joint at a gig. I don’t think any marijuana smokers will be very upset though (more cause we don’t normally smoke there, than just because we’re not easily roused to ire).
Yep, I’m a smoker.
Nup, I’m not fussed with the new laws……….I don’t smoke in my own house, quite happy to go outside at restaurants etc. Will quite happily go outside at pubs too. (but only when I have to….til July 07, I’m puffin’ like mad)
I currently live in New York, and also lived in Boston for a number of years. Be prepared for the local press to make a huge stink over the new ban when it goes into effect… That will last a month or so, then they will realize that people have adjusted and will stop milking the story. There will be a few dorks who stage some sort of fruitless protest, but in the long run, it is better for everyone, not just health-wise, but also it is better for tourism, better for patronage (it makes it easier for asthamatics and older people who can’t take the smoke), and and better for the local economy as a whole.
I’m HAPPY to hear this. I believe smokers are killing themselves as well as people around them…