Smoking in Public

McSteviet



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1089

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 09:35

I have finally found something I don't like about TRNC.



Having lived with a smoke free environment since last July in the UK, I went back to TRNC this week and can't believe how much we have got used to a smoke free life and how smoking is still prevelant, even when sitting in a restaurant.



Most bars don't have much or any extraction to get rid of the smoke and indeed had to leave some bars as the smoke was so bad.



MC

Bear 1



Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 65

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 12:11

MC, Smoking in bars and a nice cigar after a meal is one of the reasons I love the TRNC. As for the UK, I don't go to bars or restaurants anymore, as they have had the knee-jerk reaction of banning it totaly, instead of the more reasonable policy of allowing some smoking licenced premises. I fully agree that non smokers should have smoke free enviroments, but to ban it totaly is a liberty. Horses for Courses





Phil

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 12:59

A smoking ban is on the way and I think very soon with severe punishments. Smoking will be restricted even in open air and about time too. I stopped going to Salamis amphitheatre for any event because of unthoughtful smokers. Some think that it is ok to smoke in open air even when they sit next to you.

ismet

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 13:47

Role on that day Ismet!



During the colder months we rarely go out to small bars and restaurants where we can't get away from the smoke.We end up in the more expensive places like the Malpas, Jasmine Court or Ezic Premier where no smoking areas are available.



It's not to bad in summer as sitting outside is very nice and we're not to bothered by the smokers.



Maybe also, one day they'll ban dogs from restaurants. It's interesting to note that I've only ever seen foreigners with their pets in restaurants and not locals. I would have thought it would be the other way around as foreigners can't do it in their own country, so why do they think they should be able to do it here?

Bear 1



Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 65

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 14:41

I presume that you are all happy with sitting outside a restaurant inhaling carbon monoxide from motor vehicles, which there is far more of, and is more dangerous. You don't hear of people committing suicide by going into their garage and lighting up a cigarette.

JamesB


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 14:56

No I am not happy with any kind of pollution.



But some can be reduced easily with some thought, and if I must say a bit of a weak argument!



Regards

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 15:09

I feel a bit like pig in the middle with this topic,I smoked for many years and although I would never smoke in a restuarant I did feel that it was very harsh to bring in a total ban in pubs and felt sorry for the people standing outside in all weathers having a ciggy. However following a heart attack last year I stopped smoking, so as a consequence it was better for me that smoking was banned in public places and buildings.

Then earlier this year we went into a bar in Lapta where of course smoking is allowed, to be honest I felt as if I was in an opium den, my eyes were stinging, my throat was sore, it was horrible and I could fully understand what non smokers ( my husband included) have had to put up with in the UK for years.

I don,t know if there is a happy medium that will keep everyone happy, I suppose it all comes down to whether you are a smoker or not as to what your views are.

Hattikins

wackyjim



Joined: 04/06/2007
Posts: 760

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 15:24

Bear1



Unfortunately smoking is one of the most selfish habits you can have as you share it with those around you.



I am one of those annoying reformed smokers ( 40+/day) and its only now that I realise how bloody disgusting cigarette smoke is. I don't advocate a total ban but I do believe that non smokers are entitled to clean air and smokers should respect that by sitting out in the pouring rain to get their fix



Your argument regarding car emissions is only partly true as Carbon Monoxide whilst easily absorbed by the body and deadly during concentrated exposure( your garage scenario) its also very quickly removed with fresh air, the concentration at street levels are minute in comparison . The important point is what are the health risks of car pollution at pavement level compared to sitting in a smoked filled bar/restaurant for perhaps hours on end night after night?



I would think its pretty Obvious????



Jim

lovelife


Joined: 07/07/2007
Posts: 231

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 15:39

I too enjoy a smoke free atmosphere and like others had to get use to the smell of cigarrette smoke again whilst in the TRNC.



I feel that perhaps smokers should have a designated area well away from non smokers, a ban has little effect on committed addicts who will continue to smoke come what may.



Now into health professional mode-:



As for breathing in carbon monoxide, cigarrettes have 4,000 chemicals in them, 50 of them known to be carcinogens, and one of the chemicals is carbon monoxide, a heavy smokers ability to carry oxygen around the body is reduced up to 15%.



LL

Perry


Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 15:53

Carbon Monoxide / sitting outside is the most ridiculous argument !!!

Carbon monoxide is completely odourless - What smokers clearly dont get is that it is extremely unpleasant to sit in a smokey atmosphere - let alone whilst you are eating !! This is on top of the health risk. It is also really nice to return home with your clothes and hair stinking of other peoples cigarette smoke.



Roll on Cyprus joining the rest of the civilised world and banning it in all public places.

pilgrim



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1404

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 17:14

Although I detest smoking I relise some countries outside Uk have populations where smoking has become part of the cultural habit, like in Trnc groups of village men having a tea/coffee and smoke, I accept these traditions and in fact think they add to the ambiance of life in TRNC and think it would be sad if they are outlawed.

However I welcome the day food outlets (restaurants) have no smoking areas.

gottheyips


Joined: 28/12/2007
Posts: 444

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 22:27

I to detest smoking and have in the distant past been an in excess of 40 ciggies a day smoker.

For you guys and gals that still smoke do your best to consider others, more importantly try even harder to give it up !!.

I'ts not easy but a huge percentage of mortals have succeeded.

For the never have smoked, and the anti smoking brigade go easy take a smoke break , and lighting up.

suntanman



Joined: 18/04/2007
Posts: 721

Message Posted:
15/03/2008 22:50

Not one addition to this post from a smoker!



OK Guys, I admit it, I am a smoker, and it is a disgusting habit, but the recent restrictions in the UK are a little harsh to say the least.

To be fair, wouldn't it have been more sensible to allow individual owners of public bars etc to make their own decision whether to allow smoking on their premises?

I used to frequent a bar in Scarborough which had a sign on the door stating ' smoking is freely allowed on these premises'. So if you were a non smoker, the choice whether or not to enter was up to you. Smokers now haven't even got that choice, and are treated as outcasts in society!

livethedream


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
16/03/2008 17:56

Well said suntanman. Too much big brother in UK, if you can't stand the smoke get out the restaurant! Having said that apparently there is a law in TRNC about smoking in enclosed places, it just hasn't been enforced. As a smoker, non-smoker, smoker, non-smoker and now smoker (I know, I'm weak!) I can understand both sides of the story, but as I say, if you don't like the atmosphere - don't frequent the premises.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
16/03/2008 18:19

hi all , i have to say that it is hard to find a restaurant that is non smoking , and it seems that a lot of young people smoke quite heavily too , last year in famagusta every place we tried there were people smoking inside and outside i was with a lady with asthma , who was finding it quite stressful because she could'nt use the eateries and as we were with her we couldn't either ,and so she was feeling guilty about spoiling it for others , we had to go back home in the end . but you know people with asthma have to eat too , so where do they go ?

TonyH


Joined: 22/11/2007
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
16/03/2008 18:24

Dreadful, dreadful smokers.



Fear not, now big brother has made their nasty habit on a par with having herpes in the UK, they will switch their big brother attention to all those dreadful people who enjoy a drink and do their best to ban it and make it socially unacceptable.



After all the social problems caused by the wicked drink far outweighs the awful effects of having a ciggie. Violence, health damage..........



Once they have sorted the drinkers out,........anybody who enjoys a McDonalds/Burger King you're next......fatties beware.

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
16/03/2008 18:56

The simpliest way to stop the smokers here is to, as they've done in the UK, tax each pack to a level that makes them out of reach for the majority.



I appreciate that the levels of income here are lower but still a worker works for 30 minutes here to get a packet, in the UK it's an hour or more. The TRNC government should do the same.

TonyH


Joined: 22/11/2007
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
16/03/2008 19:02

Problem is Timothy, only 2 out of every 3 packets in the UK is subject to UK tax, the other 1/3 have been bought elsewhere and shipped in. (Belgium, France, Spain etc)



Increase the tax and the above ratio will adjust accordingly, the masses will always find a way to get their snout.

suntanman



Joined: 18/04/2007
Posts: 721

Message Posted:
17/03/2008 00:34

Quite correct Tony,

I haven't bought a packet in UK for several years, if I had to pay our prices I think I would have to give up smoking!

turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
21/03/2008 20:50

Smoking in an enclosed area should be banned everywhere.

I used to think how rude it was of people sitting around a table to light one up whilst other members at the same table are still eating.

Dont get me wrong, I am a smoker, a very thoughtful smoker, even if I am sitting in an outdoor part of the restaurant I wont light one up if there is someone eating withing smoke sniffing distance.

I am all for non smoking establishments, food tastes better and I know that if I want one I can go outside.

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
21/03/2008 21:35

Will be banning glue sniffing next........thin edge of the wedge I say.........

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
22/03/2008 09:43

hi turbo , hope you are enjoying the curry , you , and people like you are very few and inbetween , drinkers don't interfere with the air that we breathe and fatties dont harm you , unless they fall on you rendering you breathless , but seriously it would be nice to eat your food and enjoy it in a smoke free environement ,

have a good day , simbas

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1974

Message Posted:
22/03/2008 11:16

hi guys

i have to agree with turbo,

i am a light smoker too and thers nothing worse when you are eating your food in a resturant and the place is full of smoke or when you are eating and someone next to you lights one up how selfish!!!!!, after i have eaten i normally go outside and light one up

in bars even thou everyone sparks up a sociable (thats what i call them when people have to have something in their hand or mouth) i dislike it because in enclosed areas the smoke play havoc with my eyes, clothes stink of smoke and i come out of the bar feeling like i have just smoked a 100 fags in one night

so for me especially here in turkey i cant wait for the ban cos they smoke everywhere here from the police station to the peterol station and whats wrong if you want to spark up a cancer stick then you can go outside and not pass on your secondary smoke which is more lethal than actually smoking it

regards

ukturk

jokers2theright


Joined: 18/02/2008
Posts: 174

Message Posted:
22/03/2008 14:06

İs it true do they smoke in the Cinemas here?

McSteviet



Joined: 11/05/2007
Posts: 1089

Message Posted:
22/03/2008 14:43

I'm glad to hear that there is a smoking ban coming.



When I started this thread I had no idea that there was such support for one, but that doesn't currently reflect peoples action on the ground.



I just wish people would use more consideration to others.



MC

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
22/03/2008 18:51

Having given up smoking my pipe a few weeks ago, I fully support the ban and did so before I gave up. I even hate walking through the cigarette smoke that hangs in the air by the entrance to buildings where smokers gather. I'd prefer it that the ban includes all restaurants and outside tables.

Martin