Maria wrote:
On Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:33:55 +0000, Andy Hall
wrote:

On 2007-11-10 18:09:44 +0000, Stuart Noble
said:

Andy Hall wrote:
On 2007-11-10 14:15:29 +0000, Stuart Noble
said:

Exactly. If Andy smoked, the argument would be that smoke free
venues would become the norm automatically if the majority
preferred it that way.

That doesn't pass the test of freedom to do as one chooses provided
that it doesn't impact on the same freedom afforded to others



I'm free to smoke, and so is everyone else. What kind of test is
that?

Very simple. It's geographic and by proximity.


You can smoke outside and not inflict your smoke on anybody else.
You can do so in your home as well because presumably you don't have
to invite anyone else to visit.

Some health people Mersey are currently campaigning for a smoking ban
in the home.
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/...4375-20061479/

In places in California, a smoking ban has been implemented in
apartment blocks. People support this because they think it would be a
good thing if other people give up smoking. Smoking supporter or not,
this is a dangerous precedent to set IMV.


In a public enclosed space you can't smoke without the effects being
inflicted on others to a greater or lesser degree.


You still don't say why the free market shouldn't be left to sort
this one out.

It is left to the free market. You are free to buy smoking
materials and to smoke them wherever you like unless it is in a place
where it conflicts on the equal right of another not to participate
in your smoke.

The original plan was to exempt private clubs and that kind of thing -
that was overturned by protests from the BMA. If everyone who is
working or socialising within the smoking area is consenting, what is
wrong with that?

If you have a private club, where members may democratically vote on
such matters, or even a cafe which is dedicated to the practise of
smoking, why should these not be exempted? Ths is not a matter of
protecting people from second-hand smoke - it is a matter of
controlling people, just the kind of micromanagement of people that
New Liebour loves and will implement further if given half a chance.

Hear, hear. New Liebour is history for me.


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk
01634 717930
07850 597257