I am in favour of the smoking ban in public places, does anyone think it should be extended to include cars, it angers me to see

Thank you for your fair and unbiased view.

That's okay ;). We all have habits that other people can't understand - is best not to judge other people. I know that is easier said than done - after all we're only human. Think we need sometimes to remember everyone has their own reasons for doing things!

Im with Rosie you have to learn to smile inwardly and respect others as long it does not affect you

I do rather take offence at being referred to as 'They'. As a smoker I do not expect heaters to be provided. Smokers are not outcasts of society, even though that's the latest fashion. Wait till the in-thing is to wage a vendetta against drinkers, it'll be great to be able to walk through town late evening without drunken people staggering, singing, throwing up, urinating etc etc. Before you say 'Not everyone who has a drink is like that'... think on!! Not everyone who smokes does it around their children and the public.

I apologise for grouping you up as one big society that suggests you all the same. I know that some people won't do it around their children, my sister doesn't, however, my brother in law does and they argue about it all the time.

I personally think the at the time it was introduced, it could be done in most places, and afterwards, non-smokers noticed a difference. I used to hate eating in a restaurant if it allowed smoking because I could smell it all around.
Now this is just me, I'm sure there are other people that are like this, and I'm sure that other people will completely disagree.

It must be very difficult having something that you have become so used to, taken away from nearly all places. I think it would have been better to introduce the ban incrementally instead.
I would agree with the drinking ban though, not to drink in or by a street etc, just because it would be better for the average person to be able to walk down the street without seeing/hearing/being involved in drunken events. The same I would apply to the smoking ban. To the average person, they don't want to be in a restaurant and smell smoke around them.

Again, maybe just me with this opinion, but I am sorry if it has caused offence. I retract the heater comment. I think it is better for business if the companies include them outside, so that smokers who use them don't feel as singled out.
Sorry, =)

Thanks ryancarte. I do agree that there are some people who have no regard for others when they do things. I cannot abide people smoking when I am eating and I do agree that smoking should not be allowed in public places as it does affect everyone. I can only say that I, as a smoker, am not one of those people, and I pray for the day that other 'anti-social' habits (drinking, loutish behaviour and so on) start getting the same huge amount of attention as the subject of smoking. But it is vital that everyone realises that not everyone is the same and the 'grouping' of all into one big society is unfair. I appreciate your apology and thank you for taking the time to respond.

That's okay, anytime. =). If anyone does take offence to something I say I will always find the time to stand back and look at what I have said and interpret it differently for them. I don't even consider them to be in that group. My sister smokes, my dad smokes. It's just, I can't stand the smell of it, but by growing up with my dad, I've seen how difficult it can be when some smokers are told they're not allowed to do something they love.

I do think it would be great it attention did concentrate more on anti-social behaviour and 'binge drinking'. It's not like they're out of the public eye, but I think more could be done with it all.

Sorry if I appear to have upset you, I have strong opinions of drunks too.

its not worded right but if smoking and second hand smoking causes health problems that cost the NHS millions so if thats cut down then all the up coming cuts and tax increases would be less extensive, this goes for drunks too and even overweight people. People complain about the NHS so much and yet they are given more and more to do with less money.

Then I think I should post a comment about my ingrowing toe nail, as this costs the NHS and ultimately costs everyone who pays taxes in this country. With this condition I find it difficult to drive and so have to use public transport, which increases the strain on the service and can contribute to delays and breakdowns and this costs the economy a great deal of money in lost working hours, stress, which leads to further health issues!!! I think this question is tenuous to say the very least!

think that is a bit harsh. There is a wealth of research into the negative effects second hand smoke has on people, and we know smoking related illnesses cost the NHS billions. I think a good forum opens up discussion, and a bit of political/sociological debate doesn't hurt...

The question in itself is not a money or finance related question. It became one because of your spin in answering it. The question as phrased is purely a socio-emotive one. There are numeros other sites where people can discuss these issues and I don't think MY Money is one of them! Sorry, I am not intending to be harsh just honest in my appraisal of a question and the replies it has garnered.

Guess we will have to agree to disagree. I don't see why we can't have some discussions that branch out (actually thought that was what a good forum did). That said, maybe the refinements for categorising discussions should be increased, so that you have 'pure' money/finance related as you define it, and questions that have a wider remit...