Scotland Updates...
The result of the Westminster General Election is a government asking us what we want repealed. We are also faced with extensive public spending cuts.
See link here in which Sheila Duffy discloses the amount to the Health & Sport Committee in May last year. Read. Action on Smoking and Health is a publicly funded lobby group created by government to campaign on smoking and health issues. With the rest of the anti-smoking lobby it has gained enormous influence, in Scotland handling over £900K of public money and further money (£11 million) allocated via health boards. The attached document from ASH details Westminster spending on smoking cessation (Scottish public health area allocations at Read. These levels of spending are not sustainable at a time when frontline services are being cut back. Read. Please see the attached letter (STUB OUT NHS WASTE) which puts this problem in its proper context. Please circulate this letter to your friends esp to any working in the health service who might be affected by cuts; send this letter or (better) write your own to your local paper, or to your Member of Parliament, Scottish Parliament/Welsh Assembly as appropriate with any information you have about your local situation. June 14-15 sees the 2010 UK Smoking Cessation Conference. Shortly before this event we will produce a press release. We have just released the following notice on the Freedom to Choose public discussion forums and on Facebook. Please support this event as much as you can by spreading information, and come if you are able.
Smoking26 October 2009
BY MICHAEL J. MCFADDEN Increasing heart disease has steadily paralleled the rise of motor vehicle use. I would like to recommend a regulation requiring speed governors on private vehicles operating within Scottish borders, limiting them to a top speed of 10kph. Aside from the obvious reduction in accident deaths such a limitation would encourage many Scots who currently drive, to walk or use healthy bicycles instead. The increased exercise would greatly reduce deaths from heart disease while serving as a healthy example to our children who would see driving “denormalised” and spurn future licenses. I grant that “there is no data” that such a regulation would cut heart deaths in half, but “this is cutting edge legislation and will create new evidence.” Hey, these were the arguments used to promote tobacco sales display legislation, according to such personages as Dr Gruer, Director of NHS Scotland, and Shona Robison, the Minister of Public Health & Sport, at Holyrood’s Smoking Conference on September 23, so why not apply it to cars as well? If it makes sense for one, then it should make sense for the other, right? Why am I writing to you from Philadelphia? Simple: the antismoking movement is worldwide and coordinated through multi-million-pound international conferences where thousands of paid professionals and activists plan out these campaigns years in advance. Your “Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill” is more easily passed there than here at the moment, but it will eventually be used to pressure legislation in the States as well. I saw the Scottish pubs in the early stages of being destroyed during an otherwise wonderful visit in early 2006 and I hear daily tales of continued destruction to that backbone of Scottish cultural life in almost daily emails from friends there. This “Bill” is simply one more step in a carefully orchestrated plan to socially engineer smokers out of existence through what they like to call “DeNormalization” – the final solution to “The Smoking Problem.” I don’t believe the Scottish people would approve if they became aware of the full scope and conscious planning of such actions or if they truly understood the extent of the lies upon which imposed smoking bans and their extensions are based. That is why I am writing from Philadelphia. Despite loud claims to the contrary, there’s no real evidence that display bans have anything at all to do with “children smoking.” They’re simply another small step promoting prejudice, discrimination, and denormalisation of those adults who have decided they enjoy a certain somewhat unhealthy pleasure in life. Read
CELTEXMUSIC and FREEDOM TO CHOOSE (SCOTLAND) PRESENT FUNDRAISING EVENT STRETCH DAWRSON AND THE MENDING HEARTS, 2 pm, Sunday 30 May, CISWO Club, North Street, Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland Please consider attending this event, and invite friends, especially Fifers who enjoy good music! 'Celtexmusic' in association with 'Freedom2Choose' (Scotland) proudly present Scotland's premier Western Swing Band 'Stretch Dawrson & The Mending Hearts, just back from their successful tour entertaining audiences in the USA. Their latest CD 'Celtex Swing' will be on sale at the event. Grab your cowboy hats, boots, and dance, dance, dance. Scotland's premier Western Swing Band, just back from their latest tour of the USA. No 8 in the Western Swing Charts FREEDOM TO CHOOSE (SCOTLAND) AND CELTEXMUSIC UNITED AGAINST THE BLANKET SMOKING BANS Smoking bans are the creation of governments and vested interests that wish to denormalise smoking. That is to say, they wish to marginalise smokers from respectable and responsible positions in society, and isolate them from social interaction with non-smokers, careless of the lost social cohesion that results. These authorities have created a climate of fear surrounding second-hand smoke, which is one of the weakest toxins known to humankind. INTOLERANCE IS A LEADING CAUSE OF INEQUALITIES
Heart Attack Mortality – another riddle February 09, 2010 A report on Sunday states, 'Last night, sources close to the government admitted there had been no significant decline in smoker numbers.' The number of people smoking in Scotland has barely dipped from 2006 levels. Smoking ban supporters will declare that stopping people smoking was never the point. The point was to protect hospitality workers from the effects of secondary smoke. But it is hard to see exposure levels declining much when people are smoking as much as they were before. The report also reads 'A separate Scottish government report shows that since the smoking ban there has a 19 per drop in heart attacks among smokers.' .Actually this is not quite true. It refers to Jill Pell's much discussed study of 2007 claiming that heart attack admissions had dropped 17 per cent. The 17 per cent was an average of 21 per cent non-smokers, 19 per cent former smokers and 14 per cent active smokers. But the question remains: How does a 14 per cent heart attack among active smokers come about when smoking has dropped by only 1 per cent? Are the drops claimed in the other groups plausible? The 17 per cent claim went round the world and was replicated everywhere. Freedom to Choose (Scotland) challenged its use last year in the Scottish Government consultation document Achieving smoke-free mental health services in Scotland, but the government stood by its claim, even claiming that routine data covering the whole of Scotland (revealing a gentle decline over many years that was unaffected by the smoking ban) were somehow irrelevant. It will be interesting to see if the heart attack miracle can be sustained, in the light of this new information that only 1 per cent has quit. Time will tell. Read
Scottish Display Ban Becomes Law 29th January 2010 The Scottish display ban was voted into law on Wednesday 27 January, with just 15 dissenters. Late amendments to shelve the display ban element in the law and to allow radio-controlled vending machines in licensed premises were voted down. A full report of proceedings is here. The main story (link below) focuses on the Tory amendments and Mary Scanlon MSP's claim (using statements quoted from the parliamentary record) that the law is not supported yet by an evidence base. Health Minister Shona Robison's reply is less than convincing: The Conservatives believe that it is simply not true to say that removing the final marketing tool of the tobacco industry will reduce the attractiveness of tobacco to children and young people. I believe that they are wrong on that. Very few countries have yet introduced a tobacco display ban, and those that have have done so only recently. As with the ban on smoking in public places, we are pioneers. From the work of Cancer Research UK and others, we know that the display of tobacco in the most prominent place in 11,000 shops in Scotland is having an impact on our most vulnerable. It is making a product that kills half of its long-term users more attractive to children and young people. Therefore, I contend that the evidence for banning displays exists. For me, the most compelling point is the need to remove the last advertising loophole. I reassure the chamber that the Government is committed to evaluating the impact of all the provisions in part 1. (col. 23103) [my emphasis] The fact that displays enhance the visibility of products does not lead naturally to the conclusion that removing the displays will remove demand for the product, especially from young people who already acquire tobacco illegally because they are not of age, in addition to other illegal substances. The Scottish government's desire to keep pace with anti-smoking legislation is critical. 'Moreover, if the bill is passed it will reinforce the Parliament's position as a world leader in tobacco control and in public health more generally—that is important' (col. 23148). Dr Richard Simpson MSP also mentions 'denormalisation', another consistent theme of government policy on smoking. His contribution to the debate has also been colourful, featuring a debate with the Health Minister on 17 January (link now expired) on vending machines, raising false hopes that the issue might prove to divide the Scottish Parliament along party lines. In spite of advocating the use of radio controlled vending machines in this debate, he remained quiet on this issue during debate in the Chamber on Wednesday and voted finally against the amendment. Rhoda Grant MSP, the Labour member of the Health & Sport Committee who brought the amendment to allow radio controlled vanding machines, was also persuaded by the Health Minister's arguments and voted against her own amendment. It is remarkable that such decisive victories can be won by a minority government in cases where supporting evidence is so slender. The wish to be pioneers in the anti-smoking legislative juggernaut and to render smoking increasingly unacceptable clearly out-trumps common sense solutions and any semblance of moderation. Showing that the devolved parliament has teeth might also play a part. Is the official view of tobacco that it kills, or that it is a contributory factor in 'smoking-related diseases'? Tobacco both 'causes almost one in four' deaths in Scotland (col. 23149) and 'kills one in two of its long-term users'. Very few estimates put Scottish smoking rates at 50 per cent in any age group and the average rate across age and income groups seems to be a little over a quarter of the adult population: the Scottish government has set a target of 25 per cent for young adults this year . If tobacco kills one quarter of Scots, that suggests that it kills almost all of its users, long-term or otherwise, and certainly more than one in two. This is an inconsistent picture of the damage caused by smoking that badly needs to be cleared up. The lack of an evidence base behind the significant measures of this bill – removing displays and banning vending machines (even though an alternative exists that would make underage purchasing very difficult) remains a problem, and retailers claim that the requirements of the legislation are still unclear. Freedom to Choose profoundly regrets the passing of this regressive legislation. Read
Mary Scanlon Proposes Removal of First Three Sections of Tobacco Bill January 25 The amendments are listed here. The three relevant sections of the Bill include the section that prohibits tobacco display, which is the key element of the Bill. Mary Scanlon is a Conservative MSP who has consistently argued against the Bill and against claims in the Bill that suggest the evidence supporting it is watertight. Also lodged by Rhoda Grant (Labour, supported by Mary Scanlon, Con) is a motion that will permit radio-controlled vending machines for tobacco. This provision includes a clause enabling it to be removed by Ministers, in the event that radio controlled machines fail to curb the problem (the perceived problem?) of underage sales. Her Labour colleague in the Health & Sport Committee Dr Richard Simpson has also spoken in favour of trialling vending machines Retailing organsations have not given up their fight to save tobacco displays, amid continuing arguments about the cost to retailers of meeting the new requirements..They will use the remaining months until 2013 to continue to put their case. Both Westminster and Holyrood face elections in this period – interesting times lie ahead. Read
Smoking 26 October 2009 Increasing heart disease has steadily paralleled the rise of motor vehicle use. I would like to recommend a regulation requiring speed governors on private vehicles operating within Scottish borders, limiting them to a top speed of 10kph. Aside from the obvious reduction in accident deaths such a limitation would encourage many Scots who currently drive, to walk or use healthy bicycles instead. The increased exercise would greatly reduce deaths from heart disease while serving as a healthy example to our children who would see driving “denormalised” and spurn future licenses. I grant that “there is no data” that such a regulation would cut heart deaths in half, but “this is cutting edge legislation and will create new evidence.” Hey, these were the arguments used to promote tobacco sales display legislation, according to such personages as Dr Gruer, Director of NHS Scotland, and Shona Robison, the Minister of Public Health & Sport, at Holyrood’s Smoking Conference on September 23, so why not apply it to cars as well? If it makes sense for one, then it should make sense for the other, right? Why am I writing to you from Philadelphia? Simple: the antismoking movement is worldwide and coordinated through multi-million-pound international conferences where thousands of paid professionals and activists plan out these campaigns years in advance.
Your “Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill” is more easily passed there than here at the moment, but it will eventually be used to pressure legislation in the States as well. I saw the Scottish pubs in the early stages of being destroyed during an otherwise wonderful visit in early 2006 and I hear daily tales of continued destruction to that backbone of Scottish cultural life in almost daily emails from friends there. This “Bill” is simply one more step in a carefully orchestrated plan to socially engineer smokers out of existence through what they like to call “DeNormalization” – the final solution to “The Smoking Problem.” I don’t believe the Scottish people would approve if they became aware of the full scope and conscious planning of such actions or if they truly understood the extent of the lies upon which imposed smoking bans and their extensions are based. That is why I am writing from Philadelphia. Despite loud claims to the contrary, there’s no real evidence that display bans have anything at all to do with “children smoking.” They’re simply another small step promoting prejudice, discrimination, and denormalisation of those adults who have decided they enjoy a certain somewhat unhealthy pleasure in life. MICHAEL J. MCFADDEN Read
No 'same again'. . it's water for you! 28 August 2009
By Adam Morris BAR staff in Edinburgh have been banned from asking customers if they would like the "same again" – and told to offer a glass of water instead. The move, which was today branded "ludicrous", has been introduced as part of the Licensing (Scotland) Act which comes into force next week, aimed at tackling binge drinking. While the city council insists it has still not decided how to interpret many aspects of the new legislation, mandatory training courses for bar staff in the city are already under way. Staff who have been on the courses say that as well as being told not to offer customers the "same again" so as not to encourage drinking, they have been advised to always offer a glass of water. A prize of "cash behind the bar" can no longer be given as a reward for winning a pub quiz, while special offers such as "buy two glasses of wine and get the rest of the bottle free" have also been outlawed. And offering free drinks to customers who have perhaps waited too long for a meal or suffered some other inconvenience has also been prohibited. One source, who had been on the training course, which all bar staff will be required to undertake, said: "Some of the things we have to do are completely ridiculous, like not asking folk if they'd like the same again, and instead offering them water. "There are a lot of changes to make, so no more up-selling of stuff, like offering to make spirits a double for a pound extra." Some publicans say they have even been told to keep a note of how much each individual customer had consumed. Pedro Tomas, the manager of Mr Modos on Lothian Road, said: "I don't know how you are supposed to run a pub quiz without there being a prize. "When bar staff ask customers if they would like another drink, it is just an act of courtesy." All bar staff will need to prove they have completed a Scottish Government approved training course. Although ignoring even minor parts of the legislation would constitute a breach, industry insiders said it was probably too early to say how stiff punishments would be. Labour councillor Ian Murray, who also runs Aspin Bar on South Bridge, said: "On the whole I welcome this legislation, because we and many others run a very tight ship, and it's those who don't who've got us to this position. "But training courses telling staff not to offer say, someone who's had half a lager and lime, another one is ludicrous." Another pub manager, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Evening News: "It is hard enough right now to try to run a bar, the smoking ban hit everyone really hard. And now this. "We have had all of our freedom taken away to try to run a bar, and provide a social and fun place." It was revealed last week the city council was going to take a tougher stance on its interpretation of the legislation than any other local authority in Scotland, although officials have stated they are yet to meet formally to rubber stamp their policy. The city's licensing leader Cllr Marjorie Thomas said: "The board has not made any decisions regarding the interpretation of these conditions, relating to either type of premises in the city. "We will be taking advice from both our license standard officers and the police." A Scottish Government spokesman said it was up to local licensing boards to interpret the rules.
ALL CHANGE
Some of the new rules affecting city pubs: • No asking the customers if they'd like the "same again". Instead, if returning to the bar, offer a glass of water. • No more "cash behind the bar" prizes for pub quiz winners. • Prices of alcohol cannot change for any less than a 72-hour period – meaning no more "happy hours". • No more two-for-ones, or similar deals. • The end of "up-selling" – i.e buy two glasses of wine and get the rest of the bottle free. • Stricter conditions surrounding entertainment such as karaoke and live music.
Your Say: Do the new licensing guidelines go too far?
Ian Barclay, 37, shop manager, Polwarth: "If someone is old enough to be in a pub then they are old enough to know what they want and how much." Jane Hughes, 31, music tutor, Polbeth: "So many pubs ignore recommendations about selling cheap drink. If a pub plays by the rules, it should have no concern about these." Scott Clark, 41, IT manager, Parkhead: "This is an insult to bar workers and their managers. It isn't in their interests to sell drink cheaply, or to have heavily intoxicated people in their pubs." Read
Press Release - Fierce Lobbying Continues in War over Tobacco Display and Vending Machines.
June 8, 2009
A committee of the Scottish Parliament has been hearing evidence in Stage 1 of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services Bill,1 which proposes to ban the use of tobacco vending machines and the display of tobacco products. The British Medical Association has declared to the media that many of its opponents in the debate are tainted by tobacco funding and that the primary concern of these organisations is financial,2 and has urged the Scottish Government ‘not to be swayed’ by their evidence.
Freedom To Choose (Scotland) has already published evidence that Tobacco Control activities throughout the world are heavily backed by pharmaceutical interests who have an enormous stake in the war against the tobacco industry.3
The Health & Sport Committee has received written responses from various organisations, including those with vested interests on both sides of the debate. It has also received well-argued responses from independent, self-funded organisations including civil liberty organisations and a retailers’ alliance.
“Ignoring the well-known vested interests of Tobacco Control organisations, the BMA in Scotland is bending over backwards to describe voices opposed to the introduction of display bans as tobacco industry stooges,” claims Eddie Douthwaite, chairman of Freedom To Choose (Scotland). “This is misleading. Most of the independent organisations opposed to this Bill were not invited to provide their evidence.”
Of those organisations opposing the Bill, the majority invited at Stage 1 of the Bill were those known to be funded by the tobacco industry (including those named by the BMA). These parties were asked to declare the extent of their tobacco funding by Ian McKee MSP.4
“The Committee has chosen to listen to stakeholders from both sides of the argument and has overlooked the centre view of non-aligned organisations putting forward the views of the public and the consumer,” continues Eddie Douthwaite.
“The fact that this tactic was used appears more than coincidental to many. Why were more independent organisations not called to give oral evidence at this stage? How can they make themselves heard with this pick and choose system of law-making to suit the agenda of the day? This is not democracy in practice.”
Health Minister Shona Robison has already declared, even before completion of Stage 1 of the Bill, that the Scottish Government is committed to banning the use of vending machines,5 in spite of evidence that there are several different ways to ensure age-restricted sales from vending machines.
The Health Minister will present evidence at the final oral evidence session, to take place on Wednesday, 10 June.
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