March 31, 2004
Smokers in Retreat
I think I mentioned that one area of Tokyo was banning smoking in public areas. In France, they tried to ban smoking in cafes, and in New York, in bars and restaurants, but with mixed results.
Well, from this week, smoking is banned in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants, in Ireland. Apparently the country is looking to entice more tourists, by shedding the image of a country of Guinness-drinkers, propped against the bar with cigarettes dangling out of their mouths. The FT had an article about this change, which was fairly run of the mill writing until the last paragraph.
The writer mentioned that in large cities, the pubs and restaurants would probably comply, but the new law may be more difficult to implement in the rural areas. Previous central government dictates which caused rumblings in the countryside include "the row that erupted when the government tried to introduce rod licenses for trout fishermen inthe 1980s".
What a fantastic story. I hope John Murray Brown, the journalist, enjoyed writing that as much as I did reading it.
Resting after a hard days trout fishing?
Smokers are under attack in Denmark, as well, but this time it is not tobacco which is being outlawed, but cannabis. Until now, the Danish government has had a lenient attitude towards the weed, but now they are cracking down. I read a long time ago about Christiana, the 'hippy' section of Copenhagen, a kind of cross between Berkeley and Amsterdam. What I didn't know was that there was a hash market called Pusher Street in Christiana. You couldn't make this stuff up - if you put it in a novel or film, people would accuse you of lack of realism.
Posted by Gary at March 31, 2004 10:40 AMSmoking bans certainly have an effect on things. In California for example, you can now find more outdoor seating at restaurants than ever before. This has led some cities like Berkeley to ban smoking withing 20 feet of air ventilation ducts. Where will it stop?
On the other hand, a smoke free environment is really nice. I really enjoyed the restaurants and bars in California the last time I was there. As an ex-smoker, I find I am most tempted to light up when there are many people around me in bars who are smoking. This is not something I have to worry about these days though as I am not out as much and when I am I do not seem to think about cigarettes as much as I used to. Like many people, I started smoking again when I first arrived in Japan because it was(is) so prevalent.
One thing about quitting in Japan, if you can quit here, you can quit anywhere!
Posted by: chris at April 1, 2004 12:21 PMhi gary,
you remember mad uncle kobenhaven kev?
well he took us to christiania years ago. he doesnt like going there coz hes afraid people will think hes a cop! [fukcing scruffy one!] anyway the hash stalls are very drab and manned by ruffians who wont allow any fotos. the area is interesting, but utopia looks a bit muddy, dont know if i like it,
dave
One thing about quitting in Japan, if you can quit here, you can quit anywhere!
hey chris,
ive stopped smoking these past months. i read a bit of the allen carr book [think thats the name] makes lots of sense and i realised smokings not cool, rebellious, on the edge etc its v. smelly and rots yer lungs while lining the pockets of fat scumbag republicans....nothing new there just written very well.
not dying for a fag anymore,
dave
Dave,
Chris is American. Hope he doesn't take your last comment the wrong way...