Make room!
“Turkey” said smokers can’t be left out, they have to be areas designated for them.
Sun, August 08, 2010 - 12:00 AM
Barbados’ largest wholesaler of cigarettes, Brydens Barbarees Limited, has come out in support of legislation restricting smoking in indoor public places but is urging Government to create designated outdoor smoking areas.
In a Press release yesterday, the wholesaler said Government should be cautious of “social exclusion”, which could have a negative effect on certain sectors of the hospitality industry.
“We do not believe that people should be allowed to smoke anywhere; however, appropriate areas should be made available so that smokers – whether citizens or tourists – do not experience social exclusion,” the release stated.
“Sure enough, it is also necessary to differentiate between the specific needs of different public places: a hospital, bar, or restaurant are not the same since their nature and purpose differ completely,” it continued.
Right to smoke
The Press release said people in areas like pool decks and beaches should not be penalised for smoking and also called for rum shop patrons to maintain their right to smoke outside those venues.
The new legislation which will take effect from October 1 outlaws smoking in public places, rum shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, Government buildings, libraries, museums and other places.
The legislation which seeks to protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke comes with some stiff regulations and fines.
Smokers found guilty of breaking the regulations may face a $500 fine or a 12-month prison term, or both. Proprietors found guilty of allowing people to smoke under their roof can also be fined $5 000 or be imprisoned for 12 months or both.
Brydens noted that very few countries had adopted total smoking bans.
The exception
“Worldwide, total smoking bans in public places are the exception, not the rule. Therefore, we ask the Barbados authorities to consider a balanced approach to public-place smoking, for the benefit of the entire population and retailers,” the release noted.
“Smoke-filled environments can be uncomfortable and a reason for concern for some people; but also recognise that a portion of the adult population smokes and that any regulatory initiative must take into consideration the legitimate interests of both non-smokers and smokers,”the wholesaler added. (CT/PR)
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As a regular visitor to Barbados and a female smoker, I have have no issues with the smoking ban, which is also in force in England! I’ve always felt that Barbados was an anti-smoking Island. I’d get told by strangers that,“good girls did’t smoke” and ” why spoil such a beautiful smile?”. I actually smoke less in Barbados than in England, even though cigarettes are cheaper in Barbados! As in England, I’ll smoke outside or at home, if need be!
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Comment LinkI have asked smokers to put their cigarettes out and be ignored. I have had to run for cover. I have the right to breathe clean air. You show scant disrespect for fellow human beings. If any of you smoke around me public I will be taking a picture and calling the police for you and the owner of the establishment.
Buy the entire stock of cigarettes and go smoke yourself out at home!
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Comment LinkI will now be able to patronise certain establishments. Less of my tax payer’s dollars will now be spent of caring for people who know full well that smoking causes cancer and then expect the state to assist with their medical cost.
Mr. Minister I am ALL FOR IT.
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Comment LinkThe article by A.S. Bryden is on point. If I may add that although I am not a smoker, I applaud the Government of Barbados for their effort to control and prevent second hand smoke by implementing this smoking ban in public places, they should be very careful not to alienate those people who chose to smoke. By not making it incumbent on businesses and other public social places to provide designated areas for smokers, this can have a negative effect not only on Bajans who smoke but also tourist who smoke. The majority of International countries have similar non-smoking policies, however, the regulations provide for businesses and other places of social gathering to have designated smoking areas. The Government, while having the best interest of the People at heart, cannot run the risk of alienating a sector of the population who chose to smoke. They should re-visit this legislation and make the appropriate amendment to accommodate smokers both locals and visitors.
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Comment LinkIs this ban not for inside public places and not outside? I understand it to be a ban in all public places (with a roof) and it’s grounds. Some people should read the proposed ban before they decide to persecute smokers, who chose to smoke outside! IT WORKS AT THE AIRPORT! If smokers can control themselves on an 8 hour flight, getting through immigration and customs, I believe they can wait and then take a few steps outside to have a smoke! Most tourists will be used to a smoking ban in some shape or form, it is the locals that might find it difficult!
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Comment LinkIt’s not just working tax payers that pay for sick peoples’ care. Where does the tax from cigarettes go to and will the money be greatly missed, once people cut down or stop smoking? Smokers pay a lot of tax also, not just non-smokers!This ban should be seen as bringing Barbados in line with other major countries. Barbados is forward thinking enough to realise that this will not damage the Island, but help develop it! It’s not to punish smokers, but to protect non-smokers in public places and to make Barbados and it’s people more beautiful!!
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