Thursday, December 09, 2004
Enforcement not the issue
My Right, like many others, will be sparking up his last fag in a pub this evening. Having always been inclined to go outside for a fag rather than smoke inside, the new law tonight will have very little impact for me.
But change is afoot and today during question time Deborah Coddington asked:
12. DEBORAH CODDINGTON to the Associate Minister of Health: How does the Government expect to enforce the ban on smoking in bars, and what measures will be implemented to deal with patrons and bar-owners who flagrantly disregard the law?I think this is missing the point - the Government is effectively legislating for a social change. 24 'enforcement officers' will be operating with the backing of every punter brave enough to stand up for themselves and others. It will be an interesting transition to observe.
And not without issue I am sure. Any regular of Courtenay Place will be able to envisage one hell of a mess outside The Sports Cafe - wait for half time of the first big game. In fact - not many of the bouncers on that stretch will be looking forward to tomorrow night at all. I would not like to tell a pissed up punter that I was going to seperate him from his beer before he could have a smoke.
It will be an interesting transition - but I don't think the interest will lie in the 24 enforcement bunnies. It will be how Joe Sensible and Joseph Pissy Eyed Public choose to handle things that will hopefully not create headlines.
