Even my occasional social smokes typically happen at private residences these days - the non-smoking public tends to have that holier-than-thou "YOU ARE THE CAUSE OF CANCER!" look on their face when watching a smoker's huddle in public spaces. I don't need that judgment...
The French have a particularly acidic holier-than-thou stare (primarily when aimed at Americans). I am curious to see how the French adaptation of the CANCER STARE will look... anyone have pictures already?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7163178.stm
| French cafes set to ban smoking | ||
The health ministry said smokers would be allowed a 24-hour "grace" period for the New Year festivities. The ban, which will also cover casinos and hotels, comes on top of a partial ban on smoking in public places that took effect in February. Similar bans are already in place in Britain, Ireland, Italy and Spain. The French health ministry said the wider ban, due to take effect on 1 January, would not be monitored strictly during the New Year festivities, in a gesture of "tolerance". Any smoker caught flouting the ban thereafter faces a 450-euro (£332; $662) fine, while those who turn a blind eye to smokers on their premises can be fined up to 750 euros. France has about 13.5 million smokers among its population of 60.7 million. In February smoking became outlawed in French airports, railway stations, hospitals, schools, shops and offices. The new ban is seen as a big cultural shift for France, where smoky cafes have long been the haunts of famous artists and philosophers. The ban does not include pavement tables or open-air terraces. In 2004, Ireland became the first European country to introduce a comprehensive smoking ban in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants. | ||
2 comments:
Hi. I read your blog a couple of weeks ago and some of it stuck in my brain. So I've linked it to mine. I would attempt to reciprocate, but my site is protected. If you're interested in reading it, send me an e-mail at yourperfectstranger@gmail.com and I'll add you to the list. Cheers, KM
They banned smoking in Italy a few years ago, and it's actually worked pretty well. I was shocked because Italians have always loved their cigarettes. They say that cigarette sales are down there. I'm thrilled by the ban... I hope Virginia joins the ranks of ciggy-loving European countries soon!
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