UK Politics

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Government considering banning smoking in UK pub gardens and outdoor restaurants (www.bbc.com)

submitted 3 months ago by Mex to c/uk_politics

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[–] steeznson@lemmy.world 9 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (2 children)

There is the famous Yes, Minister argument about smokers being a net postitive for the NHS given that they are likely to die younger of smoking related diseases instead of requiring expensive care for more complex diseases later in life.

A study in Finland found that each smoker contributed a net positive of 133,000 euros to their health system by dying younger (on average). Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23233699/

I don't think people in the UK care about this though. People seem to be consistently in favour of banning anything that they don't personally partake in. This is despite the fact that smoking rates are at their lowest levels ever and still falling.

Labour are looking for a policy which is cheap for them to implement but has some popular support so they can basically say, "look at us; we're governing!"

[–] YungOnions@sh.itjust.works 6 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

From the same study you linked:

However, if each lost quality adjusted life year is considered to be worth €22 200, the net effect is reversed to be €70 200 (€71.600 when adjusted with propensity score) per individual in favour of non-smoking.

Then there are the risks to other people from second hand smoke: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/stopping-smoking/reasons-to-stop/dangers-of-second-hand-smoke/

[–] echodot 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

People seem to be consistently in favour of banning anything that they don't personally partake in.

If that's your takeaway then you're an idiot. People can smoke all they like, 50 packs a day if you want. Go for it.

But not near me. In your own house.

[–] Tweak 0 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (2 children)

Yes in your own house, but not in your garden or with your windows open, because that's too close to me!

You sound ridiculous.

[–] FozzyOsbourne@lemm.ee 2 points 2 months ago

but not in your garden or with your windows open, because that's too close to me

Where are you getting this from? There's a big difference between in a beer garden full of people and in your own garden.

[–] echodot -1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

If I can smell it it's too close to me. You explain to me how it is ridiculous to demand people respect social boundaries Unless of course you're a person who believes they should be allowed to do whatever the hell they want because they feel like it, in which case you can go walk off a short pier.

Please do better