Smokers out in cold
Smokers who 'nip outside' for a quick puff at Scottish pubs and clubs could find themselves locked out in the cold.
The smoke ban will come into effect in Scotland this weekend and already there are concerns about how it will be policed and the practicalities for pubs and bars.
CurfewsIn areas where late night curfews have been imposed as part of a premises' licence there could be problems with smokers popping out for a fag after the curfew.
In some authorities in Scotland people are barred from entering licensed premises after 11.30 although once inside they can stay later.
However, if they want to go out for a cigarette after that time they might find themselves stuck - with no way back in.
A spokesman for Inverclyde Council one area with a curfew told the Daily Record: "It is true that there will be no entry to licensed premises after 11.30pm. That applies to pubs and clubs. If a smoker goes out for a cigarette after the curfew, he or she will not be permitted back in."
ProblemsTrade experts have warned this could lead to serious problems.
Paul Waterson, of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "It's very difficult to police who's coming in and who's not.
"This could have serious implications for late-night premises, pubs and night clubs because having patrons outside the premises will create the potential for problems, including violence, noise and litter." Your CommentsEllie via email 22/03/2006"Thanks for running this story MA.
It is close to my heart as I was born and brought up in Greenock where the smoking ban coupled with the noise curfew will really hit the town hard. With many job losses in the area, no council coffers for even bare amenities like public toilets, and now the prospect of no night life after 11.30pm - it is really Scotland's shame.
I see no reason to further 'punish' those who smoke when life is already bad enough."Peter Eveleigh via email 22/03/2006"First tobacco police, now banning re-entrants to clubs etc. Not only are the SE laying themselves open to the possibility of injury or deaths from road chases as their tobacco Zsars "chase" either the road haulage (etc) professionals or pub / club leavers who smoke in their vehicles; now this.
This is Social dictatorship, not "engineering". If the SE were truly interested in health of their nation, they would be addresssing MRSA, or the equivilant of 1/2 billion cigaretts worth of NO which is dropped on Glasgow district by incoming / departing aircraft from their TAX FREE FUEL EVERY DAY. And all this from an Executive which is not the subJect to scrutinising from any Upper chamber. Democracy - Pah!"Robert Feal-Martinez via email 21/03/2006"If this was not such a serious issue for Scottish pubs and clubs, it would be laughable. The Scottish Executive have shown time after time that they do not have the skills or the knowledge to run a country. They couldn't even get their Parliament built to budget and on time, and now as I understand it there are serious building concerns. But these curfews above all else shows that is no communication between the regions and the executive. How can you not allow someone back in who has spent his/her money all night. The total stupity of this matches only the stupidity of the ban in the first place. I have 2 Irish guys staying with me who yet again confirm what we already knew, the ban in the villages and small communities is being ignored. Lies,Lies,Lies all the way from Governments and politicians wonder why few people vot. But there is one vote you can rely on. Vote for Freedom to Choose you can make a difference as the thousands that have are realising."
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