Ban New Smokers

I do agree with all you have said Iam64. I used to do Aikido and suffered quite a serious neck injury which required months of physio (and this was around 1980) - looking back, it was a risk I undertook but, to be honest, it never occurred to me that I'd end up beating myself up that bad lol

As you have said, once you start to hold one group accountable, where does it stop? Think of driving - the sheer number of accidents; will we all have to insure ourselves against accidents to cover the cost of medical treatment as we chose to drive?

Holly, I can vouch for horse riding being dangerous, though I never tried ecstasy. I know many younger folk who did, much to the anxiety of their parents. They're all now in their 30's, hard working, contented individuals, focussed on buying a home, having children - and keeping said children away from drugs

I had a very serous fall in my mid twenties, from a bad tempered horse who took a lot of pleasure in unseating his riders. Serves me right for thinking I could calm him down eh. But, there's a thought. I was in hospital for 5 days, endless X-rays etc, but their main worry was the concussion rather than the neck injury. I didn't get physio then (who knew it existed in 1974) but subsequently have had physio on the nhs for the residual problems in my neck. As we all know horse riding is dangerous, should we make folk who get chucked off, despite their best attempts to avoid this, pay for treatment.

I'm not defending those who indulge in excessive smoking, drinking, drug taking, and other health damaging practices. But, life is full of risks and dangers, its part of what makes us human to learn to negotiate our way through this. I don't support this idea, as I do wonder where it would lead us

Iam64 - your post reminded me of the chap that was brought in to look into ecstacy usage and he ended up stating that people were more likely to die from a horse riding incident than from using ecstacy; he didn't last very long did he (not sure how true his comments were but I don't recall reading that he had a vested interest in ecstacy production).

I also recall 'them' wanting to stand outside McDonalds (and other fast food places) with scales to weight overweight people; I can't imagine why that one didn't take off

Thin end of the wedge - it reminds me of the poem often quoted on here that begins - first they came for the……. smokers, then it'll be the obese/anorexic, and onwards and upwards until folks are demonised for any form of activity that could contribute to health problems. Will climbing, horse riding, cycling (especially on main roads), playing any form of sport etc etc be demonised.

I know I was a grump earlier, but I've been a long walk as a result of which I feel more cheerful. Well, all apart from my right foot, it's attendance tendons and the achilles tendon, all of which are inflamed, and have been for several months. So, the advice on the internet is the rest said foot. If I do nothing for a day, the foot feels a bit better, but the rest of me doesn't.

And what about those born after 2000 who are already hooked - and we hear of cases all the time...

<pedant alert>
I don't think it is illegal to smoke under the age of 16. It is just illegal to supply cigarettes to people under that age.

I don't think the police would be too thrilled if they had to patrol the bike sheds of all the schools in the country apprehending illicit smokers.

This ban should please the MPs who use the Smoking Room at Westminster then, due to their DOB! Of course Westminster is exempt as it is classed as a place of 'residence'! One rule for them and, one rule for us!

My DH was hectored and lectured about being pre-diabetic by a very fat practice nurse.

I agree Iam and I am beginning to see more of this in the police force too.

I know smoking kills but so does excessive alcohol and few peiple beat up their wives or children because they were smoking or crashed their car killing others like drunk drivers. Demonising smoking doesn't seem even handed. And I am actually amused by signs in theatre warning that "There will be smoking"!! Actually DD tells me these are often e-cigarettes because of the fire hazard!

Iam your right to be irritated

demonising smokers - irritates me.

obese health care professionals (usually nurses) irritate me

oh dear, better get a grip and cheer up

If it had been April 1st...

The legal age for smoking in the UK is actually 16.

I agree, though, that enforcing such a ban would be impossible.