Smoking in public places - possibly allowed again !
Discussion
The Dutch are considering allowing smoking in public places where the floor area of the room is less than 70 m2 and the only staff working in there are the owners.
This means small Cafes and Pubs will be able to allow their customers to smoke indoors if they wish. Holland, like the UK, has a lot of very small Cafes and Pubs, many in relatively remote locations.
Although I'm a non-smoker (and a non-drinker for that matter) I consider this to be a positive step forward - allowing the owner of a small business to decide how it's run.
This will not apply to any establishment which employs staff or is greater than 70 m2 - smoking will still be banned as it is now.
Any comments ?
This means small Cafes and Pubs will be able to allow their customers to smoke indoors if they wish. Holland, like the UK, has a lot of very small Cafes and Pubs, many in relatively remote locations.
Although I'm a non-smoker (and a non-drinker for that matter) I consider this to be a positive step forward - allowing the owner of a small business to decide how it's run.
This will not apply to any establishment which employs staff or is greater than 70 m2 - smoking will still be banned as it is now.
Any comments ?
This will also resolve the coffee shop conundrum.
Following the Dutch ban on smoking tobacco in public places, it meant that it was now illegal to smoke cannabis mixed with tobacco on the premises and (supposedly) illegal to smoke it off the premises.
The direct and unintended result of the legislation was an increase in the smoking of pure cannabis (without the tobacco) which is altogether another hobby.................
I cannot recall a coffee shop larger than 70sq m either.
Following the Dutch ban on smoking tobacco in public places, it meant that it was now illegal to smoke cannabis mixed with tobacco on the premises and (supposedly) illegal to smoke it off the premises.
The direct and unintended result of the legislation was an increase in the smoking of pure cannabis (without the tobacco) which is altogether another hobby.................
I cannot recall a coffee shop larger than 70sq m either.
Im a smoker and I think the ban is brilliant! (I hated the idea of it, them in charge running my life etc etc). Most places got a decentish smoking bit and if the weathers really bad then I wont bother. Quite possibly a million times better regarding nightclubs, get to go outside and get some fresh air (and then smoke a fag 
)
The best bit, as the OP says, is letting the small business's have a say in there rules.
)The best bit, as the OP says, is letting the small business's have a say in there rules.
I have to say that the ban on smoking in public premises is the best improvement I've ever experienced. At a stroke premises that before stank and were offensive have now been opened to me. I now go to restaurants on a weekly basis, sometimes more than once. And do not come out stinking of cigarette smoke. Result. Pubs are so much more pleasant places to be in.
I belong to a rugby club and since smoking has been banned the number of members who stay after the match has increased no end. To the extent that we have employed more staff to deal.
However, I have to say that I accept that the proposed slackening of restrictions in Holland is reasonable. As long as there are no staff employed and that the fact that smoking is permitted is clearly stated on the outside of the premises then so be it.
I belong to a rugby club and since smoking has been banned the number of members who stay after the match has increased no end. To the extent that we have employed more staff to deal.
However, I have to say that I accept that the proposed slackening of restrictions in Holland is reasonable. As long as there are no staff employed and that the fact that smoking is permitted is clearly stated on the outside of the premises then so be it.
t hole (show me one that isn't) but sold cracking dopeBusa_Rush said:
The Dutch are considering allowing smoking in public places where the floor area of the room is less than 70 m2 and the only staff working in there are the owners.
This means small Cafes and Pubs will be able to allow their customers to smoke indoors if they wish. Holland, like the UK, has a lot of very small Cafes and Pubs, many in relatively remote locations.
Although I'm a non-smoker (and a non-drinker for that matter) I consider this to be a positive step forward - allowing the owner of a small business to decide how it's run.
This will not apply to any establishment which employs staff or is greater than 70 m2 - smoking will still be banned as it is now.
Any comments ?
Yes - hope it doesn't happen. Not here, anyway.This means small Cafes and Pubs will be able to allow their customers to smoke indoors if they wish. Holland, like the UK, has a lot of very small Cafes and Pubs, many in relatively remote locations.
Although I'm a non-smoker (and a non-drinker for that matter) I consider this to be a positive step forward - allowing the owner of a small business to decide how it's run.
This will not apply to any establishment which employs staff or is greater than 70 m2 - smoking will still be banned as it is now.
Any comments ?
Of all the legislative changes* that I've seen over my 52 years, I'd say the smoking ban is possibly the greatest thing of all - possibly easily the one thing that has improved the freedom and rights of the 60 million people of our country.
(* I dare say I'm now going to be embarrassed by a long list of far greater legislative changes.
)
Does anyone's local still have an indoor smoking area?
Been in two pubs over the past couple of months where they have a little room out the back and people can go and smoke. Add to that I know of a couple of Shisha (arabic water pipes used to smoke flavoured tobacco) bars which still let you smoke indoors.
All of the above examples are in the North West. The authorities obviously turn a blind eye.
As a non-smoker I supported the smoking ban (hated going out at night only to come back stinking of smoke) however I really can't see why there can't be a designated room indoors within a pub/club for those who wish to smoke.
Been in two pubs over the past couple of months where they have a little room out the back and people can go and smoke. Add to that I know of a couple of Shisha (arabic water pipes used to smoke flavoured tobacco) bars which still let you smoke indoors.
All of the above examples are in the North West. The authorities obviously turn a blind eye.
As a non-smoker I supported the smoking ban (hated going out at night only to come back stinking of smoke) however I really can't see why there can't be a designated room indoors within a pub/club for those who wish to smoke.
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