Wales Update
Wales Report Claims that Smoking Ban Reduced Heart Attacks But Fails to Present Data, Which Show an Increase in the Expected Number of Heart Attacks December 10, 2009 By Michael Siegel, MD, MPH Data released today from Wales show that the smoking ban failed to result in any decline in heart attack admissions in that country during its first two years. These findings, combined with those from England, Scotland, and the United States cast into serious doubt the conclusions of the IOM committee and many anti-smoking groups. It will be interesting to see if any of these groups publicize the findings from Wales, or whether they continue to try to cover up the truth. While the failure to find any short-term effect on heart attacks is not unexpected and has no bearing on the rationale for passing smoking bans, it could harm efforts to promote these bans because we have put so much emphasis on the fact that smoking bans result in immediate, dramatic declines in heart attacks. This is precisely why we need to be more careful and never lose our scientific rigor. The commentary appears today on my tobacco policy blog. Read
Pub banned from selling alcohol 2008/07/08 A pub has been banned from selling alcohol for a month after police said it was having a "negative impact" on the community. The Forest Hotel in Treforest in the south Wales valleys is to go dry after local police applied for a review of the pub's licence. It followed concerns about underage drinking, crime and disorder. As well as the alcohol ban, Rhondda Cynon Taf's licensing committee imposed a number of requirements on the pub. The council's licensing committee was told by South Wales Police of underage drinking as well as associated crime and disorder. It was also told of violence and disturbance relating to the pub's outside space. The committee issued strict enforcement measures on the licensee which include banning the sale of alcohol for a month as well as installing a high quality colour CCTV system. The pub was also ordered not to allow its customers to drink from bottles or cans and no glass was to be used in its outside areas. Staff training was also ordered to be carried out. 'Shortcomings' Cllr John David, cabinet member for communities and joint chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: "This is an important piece of work as it shows the power the Licensing Authority has when it comes to dealing with premises that are causing community concern. "The police called for a review of the licence because of the ongoing concern of the community in relation to underage drinking at the Forest Hotel and the negative impact its patrons and their behaviour were having on the community. "This process has allowed us to work with the establishment to identify its shortcomings and put into place stringent measures that allow people to enjoy the Forest Hotel in a safe and legal manner, while not causing suffering or upset to the wider area. "Again, this review has taken place in an area that has been the focus of partner agencies for some time because of the calls from residents, on which we must act. "We hope this case once again highlights the powers agencies have and the fact we will use them in order to respond to community complaints and protect the public." Story from BBC NEWS: Read
Wales: smoking ban one year on Today is the first anniversary of the introduction of the public smoking ban in Wales. The Welsh Assembly government is telling everyone how "successful" the ban has been. Only 79 people and one business have been prosecuted. What did they expect? People don't willingly break the law, especially if the penalty is relatively severe. "Support" for the ban, we are told, has "risen" from 71% to 84%. I'd like to know what the question was. Prior to the ban, had you given people in Wales (or anywhere else in the UK) a choice of smoking and non-smoking facilities, only a third would have supported a comprehensive ban. Poll after poll (including research carried out by the Office for National Statistics) showed that 68-70% favoured anything but a blanket ban. Restrictions yes, ban no. Needless to say those results have been consigned to the dustbin of history and the only "choice" people are now given is a stark "smoking" or "no-smoking" with nothing in between. Taking Liberties April 2, 2008 To comment, go to: http://takingliberties.squarespace.com
Smoking ban sparks new venture Nov 7 2007
by Sion Barry, Western Mail THREE former executives at a South Wales parachute company have established a new venture on the back of the smoking ban. For more than 20 years Philip Thomas, David Hirst and Gary Sargeant held managerial positions at parachute specialists Irvin-GQ, whose involvement in parachute technology stretches back more than 80 years. Now they are applying their knowledge of fabric technology – as used in parachute design – in their new venture Shelter Tec Systems. In a unit on the Litchard Industrial Estate, near Bridgend, they have spent the last five months perfecting the prototype of a modern system of shelters. It will start life as a smoking shelter, but will evolve and be adapted for a variety of uses – including educational, industrial, agricultural, military and sporting. Mr Thomas spent 26 years at the Llangeinor-based parachute company, with his last role as managing director. Mr Hirst, former engineering director, devoted 22 years to the business and received the OBE in recognition of his services to the defence industry, while financial controller Gary Sargeant contributed 28 years. All lost their jobs at the American-owned venture as part of a restructuring exercise. A year down the road and the three came together to mull over the future and it was the only smoker among them who suggested exploring the business opportunities presented by the smoking ban. “The smoking shelter concept was Phil’s,” said Mr Hirst. “He was always the driving force at the factory so we listened and took his ideas on board. “We have used the same knowledge, expertise and software as is used in the design of advanced ejector seat parachutes to get the geometry and fabric structures right to produce a lightweight shelter system capable of coping with the rigours of the most demanding weather. “We believe the provision of smoking shelters is a huge market, locally and nationally. But, because of the time of the year it was introduced in Wales and England, this new, specialised industry is unlikely to reach its full potential until pub landlords start thinking about cold, wet nights and complaining regulars, but at the same time it is likely to have peaked within two years. “When we embarked on this new venture we all knew it was going to be more than a smoking shelter – although the catalyst for the business is the smoking ban. What we are able to bring to the table is fabric technology and the knowledge we can modify it – making it fit awkward spaces.” Shelter Tec Systems is celebrating its first deal – installing a shelter at the Rose and Crown, a popular village inn in the heart of Nottage, near Porthcawl – and continuing a dialogue with breweries, restaurateurs, schools, farming and sporting organisations and the military. “The shelters can be linked together and they can be used as temporary classrooms – and if a school wants to know how much protection it will provide children from ultra violet rays and how much light it blocks out, then we can give them an answer,” added David Hirst. “Like-wise we can tell farmers, who can use it as an animal shelter, if it is vermin-proof – and how easily it can be camouflaged or adapted for military use. “Adaptability is key to the product’s success and we are confident that, just like the parachutes that dominated our lives for years, this shelter business will soar.” Read
Smoking ban loophole on platform 7 October 2007 Train passengers are being allowed to smoke at Fishguard railway station in Pembrokeshire for health and safety reasons, despite bans elsewhere. Station managers say the end of the platform, which is a level crossing, is "too dangerous" for smokers to congregate at because of heavy traffic. So they are allowed to smoke on the platform instead. A council spokeswoman said the platform was exempt from the ban because it was not enclosed enough. Smoking in enclosed and substantially enclosed spaces became illegal in Wales in April, and in England in July. The law covers most public premises including public transport and many public buildings. Smokers risk a £50 fixed penalty if they are caught lighting up where they are not supposed to be. The responsibility for enforcing the smoking ban in Fishguard is that of Pembrokeshire Council but they are allowing smoking at the station to continue. A council spokeswoman said it enforced smoke free premises in enclosed and substantially enclosed public places but that the Fishguard platform did not fall within these definitions. "It is a matter for the railway operator," she said. Many stations in England and Wales are owned by Network Rail and leased to train operating companies. The Association of Train Operating Companies brought in a ban on smoking across these stations, including on platforms. But because Fishguard Station is owned by the Stena Line ferry company, it is outside of the train operator's jurisdiction. Stena Line, which runs services to Rosslare, Ireland from Fishguard, said the only place where ferry passengers could smoke if it were banned on the station would be at the level crossing at the end of the platform. But it said it was not safe for passengers to gather there. A spokesman for the company said: "It is a health and safety issue because we feel it is too dangerous for passengers who want to smoke. "The end of the platform is a very busy level crossing and is a main thoroughfare for haulage vehicles. "Coaches and taxis also use this area regularly. Congestion in this area is a main concern." A spokeswoman for Arriva Trains, which operates services into and out of Fishguard, said they had no power to enforce the smoking ban in Fishguard railway station because it is owned by Stena Line. "It seems that because it is such a busy thoroughfare, smoking on the platform is the lesser of two evils," she said. The smoking ban loophole was described by one passenger using the train and ferry service as a "merciful release". John Patterson, 38, of Newbury, Berkshire, added: "It is excellent to find a place where we can escape the nicotine police who seem to be on every corner." Read
No fines over smoking ban June 30, 2007
Rhodri Clark NOT a single fine has been levied in Wales since smoking was banned in enclosed public places three months ago, it emerged yesterday. The statistic comes as pubs and restaurants in England prepare to introduce a similar ban from tomorrow. Despite the lack of financial penalties, scores of warning letters have been sent to businesses in Wales, as councils appear to be taking a “softly softly” approach in the early months. And there have been some high-profile breaches of the new law since it was introduced across the nation on April 2. Former Guns’n’Roses guitarist Slash was seen smoking at the Cardiff International Arena during a gig with his new band Velvet Revolver, and rock singer Paul Weller smoked during a concert at the council-owned Newport Centre. Powys Council issued 59 warnings to operators of public spaces in April and May, but activity has varied across Wales. Denbighshire has issued no warnings and Swansea and Caerphilly just one each. Rhondda Cynon Taf has sent eight warning letters about non- compliant premises, but a spokeswoman said, “This does not necessarily mean that the ban was being flouted. “In some instances smoking shelters were found to be substantially enclosed, and therefore technically an offence had been committed as the ban applies to these shelters.” Blaenau Gwent council has issued five warnings, including one to a supermarket over non-display of no-smoking signs. Pembrokeshire has issued 33 warnings to businesses, eight for failing to prevent smoking in designated areas, and the rest over signage. A spokesman for the All-Wales Smoking Cessation Service said, “To date nobody has been fined. Despite there being over 25 breaches, this may be due to many councils opting for the softly softly approach to enforcement. “Advising and informing people rather than being heavy handed appears to have been successful. Although many may moan and protest at the legislation, the high level of compliance says a lot about the true feelings of the people of Wales.” A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said, “Introduction of the ban has gone smoothly. Press coverage to date has been positive, reflecting feedback from the public and businesses. “A number of licensees have commented that, far from having a negative impact on sales, the initial response to the ban has been that trade has been busier.” However, there are fears of a downturn in trade if colder, wet weather makes smoking outside unappealing. Philip Lay, retail director at SA Brain – Wales’ biggest brewer and pub operator – said, “The worry we all have is what’s going to happen when we get to the end of the summer and the bad weather comes.” Some Welsh publicans in border areas feared losing customers during the months when smoking was banned in their pubs but still permitted in England. But Kerry Marsh of the Saltney Ferry pub on the outskirts of Chester, said, “I don’t think we’ve lost any trade. People were warned beforehand. They’ve been really good.” At the Corner Pin, also in the Flintshire part of Saltney, barmaid Barbara Melia said some smokers had defected to nearby pubs in England, but they were balanced by wives of regular drinkers coming to the pub because it was smoke free. “I’ve been a barmaid here for 29 years. Now I don’t have the smoke in my hair and clothes,” she said. One landlord in Chepstow said the smoke-free environment was already helping with staff recruitment. Nick Meyrick of the Coach and Horses Inn said two young women who had joined his staff, said they would not have considered the job if smoking was still permitted inside. “Our daytime trade has increased. We’re opposite quite a few offices, and we’re getting more people from them having lunch with us. It didn’t look good if you went back to the office stinking of smoke,” he said. “On weekends we tend to get a lot of people coming over from the English side because we’re smoke free. “I’ve asked two people to put their fags out. In both cases they were English people who had made genuine mistakes. They were fine about it.” Arriva Trains Wales banned smoking on all its stations in April, including English stations such as Hereford and Shrewsbury. A spokeswoman said she was not aware of any objections from the public, although newspapers in England had accused ATW of pre-empting the ban. “We can’t police it all the time, but I think the message is getting through, because the announcement is made on the train and we have signs on the stations and trains. We don’t see that many cigarette butts on the stations,” she said. Read
Ex-drug smuggler Marks flouts smoking ban Jun 24 2007
by James McCarthy, Wales On Sunday
NOTORIOUS law-breaker Howard Marks has done it again – this time by breaking Wales’ smoking ban. The 62-year-old grandaddy of dope was captured puffing on a roll-up cigarette, which looked suspiciously like a joint, inside a marquee at Swansea’s Escape Into The Park last weekend. Marks, who makes a living from speaking engagements about his life as an international drug smuggler, was performing in a side tent at Singleton Park’s all day rave when he sparked up. But smoking in enclosed public spaces, whether made of bricks or canvas, was banned in Wales in April this year. Anyone caught lighting up faces a £50 on-the-spot fine while premises can be ordered to cough up £2,500. The Kenfig Hill cult figure’s disregard for the law is well known. At the height of his trafficking career, he had 43 aliases and spent years in jail after being caught smuggling consignments of up to 30 tons from Pakistan and Thailand to America and Canada. As well as campaigning to legalise marijuana, the Oxford-educated Mr Nice is an outspoken critic of the ciggie ban. Marks could not be reached for comment but he has previously told Wales on Sunday: “Banning smoking is a load of b*******.” Swansea Council could not confirm whether it would take action against Marks or event organiser God’s Kitchen. A spokesman said: “We supplied full information to bar operators at Escape Into the Park regarding their responsibilities to display signs indicating that smoking is banned in enclosed public places and to prevent smoking in these places. “Information was also supplied confirming it is an offence for individuals to smoke in an enclosed public place. “Any information regarding contravention of the ban on smoking in an enclosed public place should be passed to the environment department for it to look into.” God’s Kitchen declined to comment. It’s the second time a star has been in trouble for smoking in Wales. Former Guns ‘n’ Roses guitarist Slash lit up on stage in Cardiff International Arena where he was performing earlier this month with metal supergroup Velvet Revolver. Cardiff Council called the CIA and wrote asking them to explain how they will ensure stars don’t smoke on stage. Clubbers who smoke forced to wear wristbands Jun 4 2007 SMOKERS are being marked out for all to see in nightclubs across the city. Clubbers who want to light up are having to wear wristbands at some of Cardiff’s most popular nightspots in the wake of Wales’ smoking ban. Nightclubs are also being forced to pay thousands of pounds for extra door staff to supervise the smoking area and monitor the queue of smokers entering and exiting the clubs. Cardiff Bay’s Evolution has hired three more door supervisors while Liquid, in St Mary’s Street, Cardiff, has had to take on another two with an average cost of £13 to £16 an hour for each. Liquid issues coloured wristbands marked “smoker” to allow clubbers outside to smoke and then re-enter. Alex Budge, general manager of Liquid and Life, said: “People say ‘everyone will know I’m a smoker now’ but they will smell of smoke anyway. We have other wristbands for hen nights and birthdays and it’s just a way of identifying them. “Because of where we are, our customers are out on the street so we look out for their safety. The last thing we want is someone to walk past and assault them, which is not a million miles away from what can happen with what St Mary’s Street is like on a Friday night. “There is the cost factor but the cost of non-compliance with a fine or losing your licence is more than hiring extra staff.” Cardiff Bay’s Evolution also uses wristbands for smokers to allow them to smoke outside. Deputy manager Chris Winston said: “The door staff have to keep an eye on the extra people outside. “It was a bit of a nightmare with queues to get in as people want to come out but we’ve got used to it now. “Everyone seems happy enough but it’s a pain for us to fork out the high extra costs.” Clwb Ifor Bach, in Womanby Street, Cardiff, has found that the few who try to flout the ban are pointed out by other clubbers for them to be stopped. The club uses stamps to identify smokers and even lends them umbrellas to shelter from the rain. Promotions manager Richard Hawkins said: “It can be quite hard because we have separate floors and sometimes two events on at a time. “It’s not perfect at the moment and we’re looking for a solution. “One problem in some places is the smell without the smoke to mask it but we haven’t had that here.” Read
BAN IS TOO CONTROLLING
23 April 2007 Now that the do-gooders and prophets of doom have consigned smoking and smokers to the ashtrays of history, what next? Have they now set their sights on alcohol? The propaganda war has now started, for example, 140,000 people a year attend A &E because of accidents caused by the demon drink. Cirrhosis of the liver massively increased, binge drinking out of control. How to control all this mayhem? Increase the age limit to consumer alcohol to 21, or even 25. Issue smart cards to limit your alcohol intake to what is legally good for you. Far fetched? I don't think so. Our basic civil and human rights are being eroded faster than ever. The control freaks are in charge of our lives. Gwynfor Thomas Rhydwen, Rhosaman, Ammanford Read
Another little loss of liberty
April 2, 2007
By Simon Clark
An early start to my day in Cardiff. Smoking in enclosed public places was officially outlawed at 6.00am. Shortly after seven I'm on Radio Wales, broadcasting from the old Welsh Assembly building which is still used by the BBC. It's not a studio as such - just a spartan office with an ISDN machine on the desk. Apart from three security guards, the building seems to be empty. Mid morning (after a FULL Welsh breakfast) I'm back in Cardiff Bay for a live outside broadcast on News 24 plus a pre-record for the local lunchtime news. Channel 4 News want an interview this afternoon and I've been invited to appear on Wales Today in another live OB - this time from the Miskin Arms in Miskin, near Pontyclun, a few miles outside Cardiff.
The point I try to make - as reasonably as possible - is that we're not against smoke-free environments. In this day and age, when the majority of people are non-smokers, smoke-free should be the norm. But why does smoking have to be banned in EVERY pub, club and bar? What's wrong with smoking and non-smoking pubs, or separate, well-ventilated designated smoking rooms, or private smokers' clubs, all of which are now illegal.
Evidence from Ireland and Scotland suggests that most people will adapt and accept the ban (while continuing to smoke!!). But that doesn't make the law RIGHT. Legislation based on dubious research and inconclusive evidence (about passive smoking, for example), legislation that is out of all proportion to the actual (rather than the perceived) risk, is WRONG. Likewise, legislation designed to force people to give up a legal product is social engineering. Unjust laws weaken society because they bring the law in general into disrepute.
It's only smoking, some might say, it's no big deal. But they'd be wrong. Look at the bigger picture. After tobacco politicians and campaigners will target something else. They've already started. Little by little, bit by bit, the noose controlling our public and private behaviour will get tighter until we are all clones of Big Government. They can't help themselves. That's what they do. It has to stop. Read
Smoker builds 'pub' to avoid ban April 2, 2007 Wales starts smoking ban A smoker opposed to new laws banning lighting up in public places in Wales has built his own "pub" in his garden. Kerry Morgan, from Briton Ferry, near Neath, has constructed a 90-seat bar complete with jukebox, big screen TV, beer on draught and no ban on smoking. Because all the pub-goers are "invited" by Mr Morgan they do not constitute the public, and avoid being subject to the new law. The ban on smoking in enclosed public places became law in Wales on 2 April. Pubs, restaurants, offices and public transport are all covered by the ban, with those found ignoring it facing on-the-spot fines of £50. Those in charge of premises could also be fined for allowing smoking. 'Ridiculous law' Mr Morgan, 50, who gives away the drinks, said he acted because he was so annoyed by the new law. The building has been named the Malcolm Davies Bar after a close friend who died last year from a heart attack. Guests are invited by Mr Morgan - with drinks on the house "It is a stand against this ridiculous law," he said. "[It is] nothing more than a stand but it is proving to be very popular. "I don't want anyone dictating to me what I can and cannot do when I go to my local pub. "I will not be going any more - I am going to pop round here instead." Mr Morgan, a property developer, said he had already given up taking holidays in Ireland and the United States because of anti-smoking rules there. He added: "Anti-smokers are going over the top as far as I am concerned. "I work hard all week and when I go to the pub on a weekend I want to relax in the way I want to. "That happens to be holding a pint in one hand and a ciggie in the other." Read
Grandad builds his own 90-seat pub to beat the smoking ban
2nd April 2007
A grandfather was so outraged by a Wales-wide ban on smoking in public places he built his own private pub.
Property developer Kerry Morgan, 50, feared the simple pleasure of smoking and drinking a pint was about to disappear forever.
As a result he built an extension to his home, in Briton Ferry, Neath, south Wales, and transformed his garden into a substantial public house.
Now the 90-seater boozer is his own personal refuge from a smoking ban which came into force across Wales on Monday.
Punters caught flouting the new law, which has taken effect three months earlier than in England, face a £50 fine.
But friends and family of Mr Morgan can puff away regardless, safe in the knowledge they are perfectly legal.
While set up as a protest against the ban, Mr Morgan charges nothing, and does not allow the general public inside.
The pub was started a year ago in anticipation of today's ban, but originally had room for just 50 people.
But the private watering hole proved so popular he has since extended it to its present 90-seater size.
Anyone wandering in from outside by mistake could be forgiven for confusing the private venue for an authentic pub.
Boasting a wide screen TV, juke box and bar with draught beers and lagers it is even named the Malcolm Davies Bar after a deceased friend.
"To all intents and purposes, it is a pub," Mr Morgan said.
"Once you sit in there, you could be in any other pub - except everything is free.
"It's 100 per cent a stand against the ban - I don't make any money out of it. "I would rather do that than be dictated to about not smoking in pubs. The ban is over the top as far as I'm concerned, and the same goes for my friends. It really annoyed me - so I decided to build a pub on the side of the house."
"When I go for a few beers, the first thing I do is relax with a cigarette. A pint of beer and cigarette go hand-in-hand.
"I work hard all week and want to go out and enjoy myself and relax as I choose." Read
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