Barman attacked for enforcing smoke ban
Fears that bar staff and licensees would be put in a vulnerable position when enforcing smoke bans have proven true for at least one Scottish pub worker.
The 23-year-old Edinburgh barman is recovering after being glassed by a punter who grew angry at being asked to smoke outside.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Scotsman newspaper: "He came up to the bar blowing smoke in my face and shouting 'Who the f*** are you to tell me what to do? I can smoke where I f****** like'.
"He then punched me above my eye. I stumbled back and he threw a glass off the bar at me, which missed. He then threw another which hit me on the back of the head."
A police spokesman said: "I have never heard of any other incident involving the smoking ban."
Scottish Licensed Trade Association chief executive Paul Waterson told the newspaper: "Our staff are very vulnerable when they have to enforce the smoking ban. We hope these incidents are isolated."
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Your CommentsAlastair Elliott via email 18/04/2006"The First Minister has to hold himself responsible for bringing in this crazy law, there was bound to be trouble at some point and there will be more looking ahead.
Dictating to people and mix it with drink does not have a good affect on some folk. Rethink this law Jack, compromise is the only solution to any situation in a democracy otherwise more of these appalling attacks and like the one that happened to the Nurse the other week will re-occur."
Robert Feal-Martinez via email 19/04/2006"It would seem that this barman has now left his job and moved home for fear of reprisals if the matter ever gets to court. And for what a smoking ban based on Lies, and all the Police and politicians want to do is play down these incidence. Are violent incidences played down when a drunk gets angry for refusal to serve a drink. No it's yet one more example of why alcohol should be controlled, say politicians, what hypocrites."
Paul Gray via email 19/04/2006"This was the first time i saw this about a scot getting glassed i can see alot more off this being a landlord myself thinking were are we going to stand now what if he had lost his sight i think he should sue the goverment for alot of money after all they started this nonsence yours, Paul."
Patrick Farmar via email 19/04/2006"Regarding the very unfortunate Edinburgh barman who was abused by the extremely ignorant and violent customer, there is a comment that the barman should sue the government because of this. I'd say that, actually, it is the violent individual who punched and threw a glass at him that should be sued - and barred. Whatever happened to personal accountablility? Customers are on the premises with the permission of the landlord and simply cannot do anything they want to - without exception, whatever the landlord rules are."
Steve Smith via email 03/05/2006"We knew that this legislation would lead to isolated incidences of violence.
The trade are always left to police unworkable rules and regulations.
We have to face it down because it's the law, but are not the police trained to help in these situations, or is it as usual, we in the trade are left to fend for ourselves.
