Non-smokers find ban is a problem for them, too
Since the smoking ban came into force, many non-smokers are finding they are missing out on conversations because they are not outside with the smokers – and one man has even started smoking again just to hear the end of a story.
Rik Cook, proprietor of Tor Sport and Leisure Centre, Glastonbury, stopped smoking 10 years ago but since the smoking ban was introduced in 200, he has found conversations suddenly end as all the smokers in the bar troop outside for a cigarette.
"There is nothing worse than not hearing the end of a conversation," he said, "so I decided I may as well go outside with them and sometimes I end up having a cigarette."
But Mr Cook is determined not to start smoking regularly. "I treat my cigarettes more like cigars now and have just the occasional one."
Many pubs and businesses now provide smoking shelters but some people see these as encouraging smoking.
A student at Strode College in Street, who did not wish to be named, said: "At school there was a complete ban on smoking but at college I have seen some of my friends take up the habit because it is seen as acceptable, with lecturers and students smoking together.
"The smoking area is really nice – it has a roof, seats and is right in the centre of college, where you can see what's going on in the refectory.
"In fact, it's the only place where you can sit outside in a roofed area but I've never sat there because it reeks of cigarettes and there are fag ends all around.
"I feel I am ostracised just because I don't smoke."
A spokesman for Strode College said: "In the interests of health, safety and a pleasant working environment, the college operates a no smoking policy in its buildings and all areas on the campus except one designated outside smoking area.
"This area can be used by any members of the college community.
"Smoking at Strode College is actively discouraged. We recognise that many new learners are existing smokers.
"We therefore encourage all our learners to consider a healthier lifestyle and positively promote a no-smoking environment."
Do you feel you miss out on conversations because you are a non-smoker? Comment on this story at our website www.thisissomerset.co.uk.
Tracey Wall
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by maurice sutton, portugal
Thursday, February 12 2009, 1:05AM
“its not about smoking now in your controlled democracy any one who puts liberty in danger is a traitor and will be held accountable its about imposing bulling abuse and murder on innocent people under your national and european flag in your liberty free england and i never thought i would see the day nazis in kilts liberty reinstated no liberty no peace lest they forgot no compromise in memory of anthony mc dermott who was bullied in to suicide by is work mates liberty needs you protect”
by Lou, Somerset
Tuesday, February 10 2009, 1:08PM
“In response to Non smoker's comment about the gardens. You complain because that you are now unable to use the beer garden? The whole of the pub is a non-smoking area, and you feel sad that you cannot sit in the garden anymore? How often do you actually use the beer garden anyway? And if you don't like the fact your children have to breathe in the smoke while they are sat in the beer garden, don't take them to the pub!”
by chas, Little Britain
Tuesday, February 10 2009, 11:41AM
“I'm sure that smokers would swap the beer gardens for inside the pubs. Non-smokers are welcome to the 'fresh' air polluted with diesel fumes.”
by Non smoker, In a haze of smoke
Tuesday, February 10 2009, 9:49AM
“I find it more sad that since the smoking ban "beer gardens", which used to be nice places to go outside in the fresh air for a drink or even with children, are now "smoking gardens". The fresh outside air replaced with stale smoke and cigarette butts all over the floor. Yuck.”
by soapy, rainworth
Tuesday, February 10 2009, 6:34AM
“Tracy, as a smoker i am living with being a pariah in my own country, I am abused, maligned blamed for diseases proven to have other causes or are genetic and worse still forced to live as a second class citizen.
Despite all of the above I sypathise with your plight, even though you suffer a fraction of what the smokers do. May I suggest then that if you feel penalised that you lobby your MP for separate rooms for smokers so that they could then only smoke on breaks, you personally would have no need to enter the room and would have the equality you so obviously desire.”