Smoking ban

[Martin Burford]

Does anyone have any views that there may be an increase in domestic fires, fatalities injuries, following the introduction of the ban on smoking in enclosed public places, after the 1st July
Conqueror.

[CivvyFSO]

Good point. It is possible that people may decide to stop in their homes and have a few beers rather than go somewhere that they are not allowed to smoke. So you are faced with more potentially drunk people smoking at home. Also if someone has been out drinking all night and unable to smoke, they are probably more likely to light up once they are at home and a bit drunk, whereas previously they might have had so many cigs in a night that they didn't have another one at home.

On the flip side, many people may stop smoking, which may counteract the other increase, and also people may actually drink less if they decide not to go to pubs to have a pint and a cig, so you may get less drunk people altogether.

Only statistics will show. Are there any statistics for the countries that have already implemented a smoking ban?

[Martin Burford]

Civvy

I don't think the ban will effect the smoking habits at all, but there has been a survey carried out for Direct Line Insurance.. and they believe that as a consequence of more smoking in the home will lead to an increase in dwelling fires, and the survey also identified that of the 500 smokers polled 1:10 did not have a smoke alarm fitted.
Conqueror.

[Chris Houston]

I would agree with Civvy.   It will lead to less smokers, which can only be a good thing for fire safety and health.

What did this direct line survey actually say? How many more fires were predicted?  How many non smokers had smoke alarms?

[Martin Burford]

Chris
As I stated only smokers were polled....not much point polling non/smokers!
The report states that 60 house fire a week are caused by smoking materials.
Further more the FPA were involved in this poll.
The report seems to imply that scores of fires of a domestic origin may result from the effects of the smoking ban.
The Manchester Evening news carried this story on 18th April
Conqueror

[Andy Cole]

DSFRS have aired a concern about this in the local media I think

[afterburner]

interesting question, which is not borne out by Scottish fire statistics which reflect a smoking ban in enclosed public spaces which has been in effect for more than a year. If there has been an increase, it has not registered on the 'concern radar'

[Midland Retty]

I'm a smoker, and generally see the smoking ban as a good thing (it will probably make me quit).

I cant see how the ban will lead to any greater risk of fire in homes - because your average smoker will have always smoked in his/her house.

One area which may be of concern is RES CARE homes where residents will be permitted to smoke in individual bedrooms etc.

[Pip]

I'm a smoker, and generally see the smoking ban as a good thing (it will probably make me quit).

I cant see how the ban will lead to any greater risk of fire in homes - because your average smoker will have always smoked in his/her house.

One area which may be of concern is RES CARE homes where residents will be permitted to smoke in individual bedrooms etc.

Private res care homes can enforce their own 'smoking ban' i.e. if you don't like the rules you can take your custom elseware.In 'council' homes,there (in my area)is a ban on smoking in rooms,although a 'smoking' room is provided with pukka ventilation etc.

[wee brian]

I dont think a smoking room will be allowed anymore so grandma will have to go back to her bedroom to smoke her pipe.

[CivvyFSO]

Yes, next to her oxygen cylinder.

[Pip]

I dont think a smoking room will be allowed anymore so grandma will have to go back to her bedroom to smoke her pipe.

I am not sure whether it will be classed as a 'public enclosed space',somewhere a balance having to be drawn between it being their home and the effect on non smokers.I shall enquire on what is going to happen come the 'Ban'.

[Pip]

I dont think a smoking room will be allowed anymore so grandma will have to go back to her bedroom to smoke her pipe.

I am not sure whether it will be classed as a 'public enclosed space',somewhere a balance having to be drawn between it being their home and the effect on non smokers.I shall enquire on what is going to happen come the 'Ban'.

just checked-smoking room still to be alllowed,no smoking in individual bedrooms,staff to smoke outside away from building

[Tall Paul]

Is that what you would call 'grandfather rights' with regards to new legislation??  

[jokar]

Smoking rooms will still be allowed in certain establishments, gentlemens clubs as an example.  Care homes have 1 year from the 1 july to alleviate the need for smoking on the premises.