Outdoor cafes - no smoking

Comments

• Reschsmooth

  September 2004

  Great idea. Even though I am an ex-smoker, I have an issue with the government continuing to allow the sale of cigarettes. This is on a conceptual, not practical basis. The government has health warnings on cigarettes stating that, amongst others, the designated use of the product will harm you and/or others. If I develop lung cancer, can I sue the government for legalising the sale of a product for which the only reason it is produced (now) is to generate addiction, resulting in harm? I know the practical issue is the amount of taxes generated (not to mention the level of lobbying the tobacco industry maintains). It is not too dissimilar to the Hotels Association (which is really a front for the 'Poker Machine Operators Association') suggesting that increased pokie tax or other restrictions will affect the community. Yes it will, but that is a function of the blinkered view of state government and the HA (and other affiliates). Granted, I don't know what the solution is at this time, but I would almost guarantee that there is a less damaging solution available to maintain the viability of clubs. This could lead into a tyrade against capitalism (which is hypocritical given my profession) but I will spare youse all. Have a nice day.... 8) P

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• Mr._barista

  September 2004

  I was talking to my flatmate last night over how this non smoking law will affect my business. It concernes me that   50% of my regular customers come in to the cafe not just for a coffee, but also for a smoke or two and if they would continue to do so if they couldn't smoke. He seemed to think that instead of putting people off coming to the cafe, it may result in people sitting, drinking and leaving quicker, so they can have their smoke elsewhere. This could result in a higher turnover of customers, which is a pro. It may also take away from the overall vibe of the place as these customers can make the cafe feel fuller during quite periods and more welcoming to passers by.........  

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• over_extracted

  September 2004

  The goverment banned the sale of guns so why cant this goverment bann all cigarettes so they get over and done with itwont only be good for the people but it will keep the city a lot cleanner.

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• Reschsmooth

  September 2004

  One problem though if the government does ban cigarettes - what happens to all the people who work in the companies that make the little wheels that ignite the flint that go on cigarette lighters, and the ashtray making companies, and the 'non-smoking' sign making companies. These companies could go broke overnight, making potentially billions of people unemployed and costing the economy trillions of dollars a year! Perhaps I exaggerate a bit. P

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• Unknown

  September 2004

  Lets get serious here shall we, smokes will never be banned. The government will lose millions, it will start a bigger black market operation for tobacco, its already growing. Personally i think its rediculous, i can understand no smoking indoors but outside, lets get real here shall we. I am a smoker and enjoy going with friends for a coffee were i can sit outside drink my coffee have my cake have my chinotto and any other drink for the night, good conversation and a couple of smokes. If they banned it outdoors i will never go for a coffee again, just like i have stopped going to the fottball because they banned smoking there. I also understand the problem with litter and idiots throwing their butts on the floor, well theres always going to be idiots, maybe the government should start realy enforcing their litter laws. When i was in Singapore there were ashtrays everywere out on the street, no butts on the floor.

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• Reschsmooth

  September 2004

  You could always, I don't know, stop smoking? But, I am not going to get on a self-righteous, holier than now crusade just because I hopefully have stopped smoking. Anyway, ignoring the tax revenue which is more like $5billion pa, whether bans stop 1 person going, how many non-smokers will start going to a pub or cafe because they can actually breath? Anecdotedly, some of the smoking bans in pubs have not had a material impact on revenues as pubs now appear more attractive to non-smokers. The point about banning smokes at outdoor cafes, eateries etc is primarily about the fact that you have people eating/drinking in close proximity to each other so the impact of passive smoke is accentuated. P

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• over_extracted

  September 2004

  If you all motice there are not many rubbish bins in the cbd here in sydney it goes to show for the amount of litter in the street due to smokes.maybe the cigarette companies should give free of charge some small personal ashtrays my friend uses one of those film roll containers as a take anywhere ashtray and it works she never disposses of her ash in the street.see ya OE

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