Rebecca Sinfield was speaking out last week in response to the introduction of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2006, which will prohibit smoking in certain premises.

Ms Sinfield raised her objections to the introduction of the bill and said: 'I am 100 per cent in agreement with smoke-free work environments, but feel that the government should turn back the clocks to when public houses had lounges and smoke/public bars. 'The modern day trend adopted by brewers to one open-plan bar has taken away the opportunity for patrons to have a "choice" of bars.'

She called on government to have a 'more open-minded and realistic attitude and consider the options available instead of following, like sheep, the UK legislation'.

Smoke or public rooms should be maintained and air conditioning installed, she suggested. Smoking should be banned in pubs where there was just one room and in areas where food was sold and/or consumed.

Ms Sinfield is a smoker, but she said this wasn't the reason for her objection and she was inspired by the erosion of choice the bill represented.

She added there was is a 'code of courtesy' among smokers to respect wishes of friends and family and not light up if required. She continued: 'I despise the pathetic smokers who feel the need to hide in airport toilets and airplanes and light up with complete disregard for fellow travellers should their thoughtlessness activate the fire alarms.'

Alan Grace pointed out: 'There are 2,000 or more carcinogens in one cigarette, that it is impossible for a filter system to remove.'

He asked Ms Sinfield if she was suggesting that 'one person's choice should infringe on everyone else's'.

'If a person wants to smoke, they should not go into a public place,' he said. 'Is your choice more important?'

Ms Sinfield said: 'I won't go into a smoke free room and smoke.

'Someone has to speak up for smokers.'

The board agreed to respond to the Department of Local Government and the Environment that the legislation had provoked 'strong comments' for and against its introduction.


Do you agree with Ms Sinfield? Is she right to speak up for smokers, or should they accept the new restrictions? Write to Your Views, Isle of Man Examiner, Publishing House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5PZ, fax 611149 or email newsdesk@newsiom.co.im – remembering to include your name and full address.

Or give your views online by visiting the views and comments section at www.iomtoday.co.im