Originally Posted by Thrush
Take a look at our country now - we have a no smoking policy coming into effect for resturantes, pubs, bars n clubs next year... It was onlya few years ago that the first smoking ban was brought into effect in public places elsewhere in the world. It will only take a few more years for smoking to be outlawed everywhere in every major city/country. Once the ball has started rolling, it gathers much moss
I would doubt it for several reasons. Firstly, the reason that the bill got through parliament was based on the implications for public health, and there are hardly any for smoking outdoors. Secondly, big Tobacco still has lobbying power. Thirdly, it would be massively unpopular, and governments have to get reelected. Most smokers that I know, although they dont like the ban, they can see the reasoning for it, which I doubt would happen with an overall ban. Especially in these days of middle ground politics, I cant see both parties reaching a consensus on this, as even if they both agreed, opposition to such a ban would be a vote winner. I dont see any nonsmokers complaining about people smoking outside, so you wouldnt win many votes for that either.