Smokers' group to challenge ban

A LOBBY group has been set up to fight the smoking ban. The goal of Support Our Smokers (SOS) is to drum up enough support to try to get the recent States decision to prohibit smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces overturned.

A 10-strong committee has been formed, with Hampshire Lodge licensee Peter Leigh as its president.

The group plans a series of high-profile events in the coming months.

'We just think the law is unnecessary and unpoliceable,' said Mr Leigh.

He said it had never been proved conclusively that passive smoking kills.

'In the latest report from the British Medical Journal, it's all guesstimates. There are suggestions more people die at home from passive smoking than in the hospitality industry,' he said.

SOS is planning a protest march in August.

'We do feel we were liberated but are now being oppressed,' said Mr Leigh.

'People should still have a choice to do what they want in their lives and if they want to smoke, they should be allowed to.'

The group is seeking public support and will be distributing leaflets island-wide shortly. They will form a petition asking deputies to look at the issues again.

'We have support from half-a-dozen deputies who attended a meeting recently,' he said.

'This is not just a matter for licensees and publicans but the public and people in workplaces. This is going to affect all walks of life including bingo halls, theatres, clubs and even your own van or car if it's your workplace.'

The States took the historic decision on 30 March to follow places such as Ireland, Scotland, Canada, New Zealand and some American states in stubbing out smoking in restricted areas.

It approved Health and Social Services' proposals for a total ban. A compromise to impose the ban only on premises that served food was defeated.

*'Anybody interested in joining SOS or who wants to offer support can contact Mr Leigh on 252070, Carrie at the Victoria Arms on 715058 or Nicole at The Yacht Inn on 715488.