If the tobacco industry want to fight this ban, then why don't they drag ASH into court and get them to give what evidence they have that SHS has ever killed anyone. If they have intrinsic medical or scientific evidence, ie post-mortem evidence then they can produce it - or they must stop saying that SHS kills.

If they had this kind of physical residual evidence, then they would be shoving it down our throats every day of the week and twice on sunday's...but they don't have any do they?

I cannot understand the the tobacco industry for not doing this. Getting them to admit they have no evidence of this kind would completely destroy their credibility...and likewise undermine the smoking ban legislation.

I wish someone or some organisation could draw up the extended financial effects on economies that smoking bans have. Its not just bars and clubs that suffer. For example:-
I will not be buying a new car because of the ban as there is no social event that such transport would enhance . I no longer go on holiday as no hotels or bars exist for me a s a smoker anymore. My wife does not buy new clother anymore as there is no where to wear them . Days out are also a thing of the past for the same reasons as above. All airports and train staions are also of bouns as are cafes and restuarants. My wife and I have not had a night out for four and a half years now whereas we used to have 4 nights out a week. A life without holidays or days out and nights out is soul destroying. There seems no point in working hard if all play is outlawed. I believe that smokers as a group used to inject a vibrancy to the economy and life to communities. Its sad to realise that the quantity of signatures on Anthony Worall Thompson petition clearly will have no effect what so ever - we need millions. We need a smokers union with action groups. Seperate well ventilated bars are a very simple solution but will it ever happen - What if it does'nt -Help me

Chris Harris, I totally empathise and agree with you.

We rarely, if ever, go out anymore - we used to eat out at least once a week and go out to bingo once or twice a week - not any more.

On the subject of airports and holidays however, some airports do have outside smoking areas accessible from the departure lounge. Bristol and East Midlands are 2 I have experience of. There are usually more people out there than in the departure lounge!

Yes, some holiday destinations have had to clamp down, particularly those with financial issues just now, as the EU has forced them to take more severe steps with regards the smoking ban. I was put off returning the Majorca, especially when last March, due to the weather, we ended up spending the majority of our holiday in our hotel room! However, we returned in October and as the weather was much warmer then had no problem and still enjoyed our holiday and have booked to go again in April - it will be warmer than March! The important thing to remember is to ensure that whatever hotel you choose allows smoking in the rooms - most do have smoking rooms - abroad, at any rate. The other bonus is the cigs are a lot cheaper and whilst on holiday we bring back enough to last us until we go again and save a fortune!

In the meantime I believe all we can do here if we want an amendment to the ban is to lobby as many people as we can to vote UKIP in the next election. Know it is a way off yet, but never too soon to start rallying the troops, so to speak! None of the 3 major parties will ever, in my opinion, amend the ban - they are too cowed by the EU and their 'hidden' agenda!

As a reader and a smoker from Denmark I wonder if it is because of the Tobacco Master settlement agreements (MSA), that stops the tobacco industry to make any action against anti smoking campagnes. Is it right that they have signed a agreement to not say,do,speak.....plus to pay a huge million$ 'bill' until the year of 2025. This gives the anti smoking lobby time to enforce their bans worldwide.

Superb inforamiton here, ol'e chap; keep burning the midnight oil.

The problem is that you ncdsioer yourself as a smoker not a non smoker . Don't know how long you've been addicted but it can be so hard to adjust to a non smoking attitude. I know so many people who have told me that its easy, just stop. Unfortunately some of us DON'T find it that easy. There is always an excuse to put off quitting. Try to look at your mental picture of yourself and see you without ciggies in different situations. Then think of ways you could cope/deal with things without the automatic reach for the packet.It may take a few weeks but give it a try. If you need support look at my profile and email me. I'm struggling too but finding i smoke less as i keep on with the above method. No longer terrified of being without and that is a good start.