Smoking issue in the open

Campaigners have criticised a proposal to ban smoking in al fresco dining areas in St Helier, Jersey, a self-governing dependency of the UK.
In a submission to the Roads Committee consultation that closed on Monday, the smokers’ group Forest said that those who wanted to ban smoking in al fresco dining areas ignored the fact that smoking was already banned inside every café, pub and restaurant.
‘At least non-smokers have a choice,’ it said. ‘In contrast, having been prohibited from lighting up inside, adults who wish to smoke do not have the option to do so inside where it’s warm and comfortable.
‘Instead, if they wish to smoke while eating or drinking, they are forced to go outside, regardless of the weather.’
In its 10-page submission, Forest said that pubs, restaurants and cafés were private businesses. ‘Whether they choose to allow smoking in al fresco dining areas, where there is no risk to anyone else’s health, should be up to them,’ it said.
‘Tolerance, common sense and good manners (on both sides) must be allowed to prevail without more rules and regulations designed to control people’s behaviour beyond what is reasonable and fair.’
The unintended consequences of a ban, said Forest, could include some bars and restaurants going out of business as smokers stayed away.
Questioning the need for further anti-smoking regulations, the group described the proposal to ban smoking in outdoor dining areas as a ‘solution in search of a problem’.
Simon Clark, the director of Forest, said banning smoking in al fresco dining areas was unfair and unreasonable. “It will do nothing to improve public health but could have serious unintended consequences for local businesses,” he said.
“We urge the Roads Committee to reject the proposal and give owners of outdoor dining areas the freedom to implement policies that best suit their business, not the agenda of a small group of anti-smoking zealots.”
The matter will be discussed at a Roads Committee meeting scheduled for December 12.