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Protesters hit at pub smoking ban
Published 16th November, 2004.
Story from Evening Times Online: http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/print/news/5030370.shtml
A smoking ban could have "crippling consequences" for jobs in
Scotland, campaigners were warning today.
The Freedom2Choose campaign was launching with protests across Britain
against smoking being banned in pubs.
Campaigners claim any such ban would also hit the leisure industry and
pubgoers.
Last week First Minister Jack McConnell visited Dublin where a ban has
been successfully implemented.
He said then: "I'm more convinced now that something approaching
an all-out ban is enforceable, practical and desirable in Scotland."
He said an announcement would be made by Christmas as to the extent smoking
will be banned in public places.
Freedom2Choose, which was launching its protest in Glasgow in the Doublet
bar, said business has fallen in licensed premises in Ireland by almost
a third because of the ban.
Its spokesman said: "We see an outright ban as way over the top.
It would ostracise millions of people who smoke. Far more serious is the
risk such a ban would have to jobs."
