Why is smoking well-tolerated in the UK and other European nations?

Question

I love the UK and Europe, really I do. But why do you many of you (them) seem to accept invading other people's space with your stench acceptable? I can barely breathe in some restaurants there and wonder what's so attractive about yellow teeth, yellow nails, and dragon's breath. Yet, smokers seem so shocked that their repulsive smell is not well-tolerated and actually is "not pleasant" to healthier people.

Answer 1

oh boo hoo...bc smoking is great....go to better ventalated restaurants or stay at home...a lot of people like to smoke after they eat....im a smoker and my teeth are white....my nails are healthy....oh yeah and my breath doesn't stink....actually a lot of people can't tell i smoke unless they see me....i chew gum i wear perfume...im good to go...its people like you that are ruining it for us...so shh

Answer 2

I live in England and there have recently been smoking bans implemented in many establishments so it is not that well tolerated. Yes some smokers will say it is their right to smoke but they do not consider the non-smokers right to not smoke. People do not need to smoke, it is not a necessity. I also know many smokers who agree. I know a lot of smokers who choose to sit in a non-smoking area in pubs and restaurants because they don't like having other people smoke while they are eating. You will also get smokers saying "what about..." this, that and the other. But they will usually be of no basis such as the point about fat people. Fat people don't usually choose to be fat, smokers choose to smoke. Fat people don't force ill health on everyone around them by making them breathe in their fatness. I don't mind people smoking in open areas or in their own homes or whatever but surely even smokers feel overwhelmed by the amount of smoke in some public places, even if they are ventilated. Some of the more selfish smokers think you should not have the choice to go to the places you want. Even a non-smoker has said to me that if you don't like it then don't go to the smokers places. But what if all the places allow smoking? Does that mean non-smokers who don't like it shouldn't go out at all? Or if you have been going to the same pub for years and the smoking hasn't bothered you before but something happens to make you feel differently. Should you not use your local any more?

Answer 3

I am a smoker and also a believer in freedom of choice.

In England, as stated, it becomes illegal to smoke in any public place from next summer.

in Ireland, where it already banned, pubs are losing a lot of money. Many are going bust because people prefer to stay at home and have friends around for a drink. It is cheaper and less hassle,as they don't have to risk drink driving and is less expensive.

Why can't there be a compromise?

Allow pubs to apply for smoking licenses. That way everyone has a choice. If non-smokers don't like the smell, health risks etc..they can choose to go the pub next door. If staff are worried, they can get a job in a smoke-free pub.

Everybody is happy!

Oh, I almost forgot.How will all the lost tax revenue from cigarettes be replaced?

It's enough to drive a man to drink...but he can't have a ciggy at the same time! KC UK

Answer 4

I agree with you. Smoking is a bad habit, and non smokers shouldn't have to pay for! You should move to Scotland. They have just banned smoking in public places. eg, pubs, restaurants, places of work. It is great to be able to breathe fresh air! England will be doing the same soon i think. However, it does make for a boring night out as alot of smokers stay home now and even if they do go out they spend most of their time outside having a cig and its cold! I do like coming home from a night out and not stinking of smoke. I sleep better and my eyes don't hurt as much. A person should be free to make their own choices. Being fat doesn't harm anyone else medically but fat people drain the NHS of money due to heart attacks etc. Smokers should have sympathy for those people who do not smoke but have to put up with the affects of it. I could go on and on but i won't. I always love a good smokers debate!

Answer 5

Those nations have had smoking around alot longer than we have. Not to mention many more people in those countries smoke, which means non smokers are outweighed (hence the shock that it bothers you). To top it off, the yellow teeth and nails, as well as the "dragon's breath" Would probably be based more off of bad hygiene than smoking. I and others I know smoke and have done so for many years. While its true that its HORRID for your health (I'm working on it) It's bad hygiene that give you yellow teeth, bad breath, and yellow nails, not the smoking, unless ofcourse your smoking a pack or more a day, and then its yellow fingertips (only the ones you smoke with) and slightly yellowed teeth (but next to unnoticeable if you brush regularly). So In summary, if you find a culture's habits repulsive, you can deal or leave.

Answer 6

Hello Kylie



Firstly Smoking is not well tolerated in most of the UK but it is still too tolerated. It is about to be banned completely from all public places and work places. This ban already exists in Ireland and now Scotland and is about to hit England and Wales very soon thank goodness. The acceptance does vary across tho country so you must have visited a bad spot.



Smoking is disgusting and I personally believe it should not be legal to even be sold a product which causes cancer and a myriad of other diseases.



You answered a question of mine yesterday and called me arrogant but I think you missed that it was supposed to be a bit light-hearted, so sorry you took offense. If you look through my other questions I hope you will see that most are just for fun. And there is a difference between mis-typed and mis-spelt, hope you can forgive me for not spell checking the question concerned.

Answer 7

I live in the UK. My local hospital banned smoking in the hospital, outside the hospital, on the hospital car park and even people sitting in their own cars couldn't smoke. Then the Accident and emergency department burnt to the ground. The hospital and a anti-smoking obsessed administrator said it was arson. The community say it was someone in a linen cupboard or somewhere like that having a smoke. They are addicts. All addicts find a way. In another hospital not far away - they allow people to smoke outside and there is a smoking room. If you can get out of bed - you can smoke! I couldn't get out of bed for a week. I thought - if I can go a week - I can go the rest of my life. I've since saved £4,500 - money I was just burning. That's $7,500 and I sort of got them cheaper than the shops! Smoking will soon be banned in public places like restuarants - but if they take it too far - there will be people who will accidentally start fires and worse smoke at home in front of their children. That not only effects child health but generates another generation of addicts. We need to start understanding why amongst teenagers - more are smoking, binge drinking and using illegal drugs like cannabis and crack cocaine. Is it our rat race - grab the latest ring tone society that we have created. Is it the Orwellian nightmare of neighbour being encouraged by government to act like the former communist states and spy on their neighbours - reporting every transgression. I saw a women threatened the other day with imprisonment for having a UPVC door in a "conservation" area. She couldn't open a heavy wooden door because of disability. Anyone, know a good place we can all emigrate to that isn't quite so bloody silly.... Excuse the spelling - even the spell checker has given up!

Answer 8

Firstly, the UK is vastly different from mainland Europe.



Scotland has just banned smoking in public spaces and are pushing forward with even more measures to protect peoples health. Ireland (also part of Europe) was the first to ban smoking in public spaces (like cafes and pubs etc). France and Spain though have low tax on ciggies and are very lenient towards smokers (you'd have to ask a French/Spanish person about their countries views)

Answer 9

I think most people in the UK do not smoke. even in the traditional pubs , smoking is being banned. there are hardly any restaurants left that permit smoking, You Can not smoke on trains or buses, or taxis. Most people do not tolerate smoking in cars or in there homes. I live in the southern part of the UK and anyone smoking in public usually gets grunted responses. Not so certain about the north, they always take a little longer to catch up on things.



I would agree with you about the rest of Europe, with the exception of Germany, are all heavy smokers. In particular eastern Europe and France.



I am afraid I must disagree with your broad sweeping statement. people are becoming more aware of the effect of smoking in particular in the UK.

Answer 10

Actually, it has got a lot to do with the idea of letting people do whatever they want to do. It's very much a culture of "which govt -- that *I* elected -- is going to tell me where I can and cannot smoke *my* cigarette?" I see your point about it being difficult for other people around the smoker, but honestly, I find it easier to leave the place than to hold up your suggested can of Lysol. I don't recall ever being tied to a chair in a restaurant.



May I respectfully suggest that you simply leave when smokers get in your way?

Answer 11

Because.. American's think that they can impose however they feel about things on other people, even if it means taking away their liberties, freedomes, and privacy.



Europeans on the other hand value their freedome and liberty. If someone doesn't like smoke around them, then they will go to a restaurant where there are sections for smokers and non smokers, alike.

Answer 12

I don't think it is particularly well tolerated anymore, It certainly was but things have changed a lot in the last few years. Among young people in the UK a small proportion of people now smoke compared to the near majority you would have found 10-20 years ago.



Smoking is now illegal in all public places in Scotland without any exceptions for bars, clubs or private member clubs of any kind. The only slight exceptions are prison cells and private rooms in nursing homes, which are considered to be akin to private homes.



It is also illegal in public places in the Republic of ireland. England, Wales and Northern Ireland will follow suite next year.

Answer 13

I am originally from England, moved to Canada 20 years ago. Calgary is very strict with their smokers, most restaurants don't allow it any more and its banned from all public places thank god. I don't begrudge anyone their vice, mines tetley tea, but have some courtesy, especially around young children. We have to pay for health care here and people who smoke pay higher insurance premiums, maybe if there was additional costs to smoking people would think twice. Most companies do not hire smokers, being unhealthy costs millions a year to the work force. People need to educate themselves on the effects smoking has on their health, its a hard habit to kick, but adds years to life if you do, I want to see my grand kids get married so please keep it out of my face.

Thanks Bev

Answer 14

To all the people who *think* people can't tell you are a smoker, you are soooooooo wrong! You can smell it a mile off. If you spray perfume to cover up the smell it makes it even worse!



Well, the dirty, sticking smokers will have to smoke outside in the UK from next summer (already banned in Scotland). A complete ban is coming into force. I can't wait!

Answer 15

I think it is because so many people do smoke.In Ireland(where i live)1 in 3 people smoke.Also some of the people who make the rules on smoking are smokers themselves.However i think attitudes are changing and i think smokers are beggining to accept peoples rights to be in public places without having to inhale peoples second-hand smoke.

Answer 16

It's all changing now, no smoking in pubs, restaurants etc. unless they have a valid reason for exemption e.g. If it's an exclusive club and all members smoke anyways. (uk)



Some smokers are stupid (see first answerer) and don't think it affects other people, some people know it affects other people but don't care and you do get the odd few who are polite enough to ask if you mind them smoking when you're eating etc.

Answer 17

I am a smoker and do not light a cigarette inside any restaurant even if there is a smoking area.Heck I don't even light up one in my own home if someone visits that is a non-smoker.Maybe they are so tolerant because it is their choice not a law.We have so many laws now that I can't keep up with them.

Answer 18

It's well tolerated because people in different countries have different opinions about yellow teeth, nails and dragon's breath. By the way, my teeth are white, my nails are just fine, and unless I smoke like three in a row, you cant tell I've been smoking.

Answer 19

im in the uk and smoking is becoming less tolerated,most places now u cant lite up. im a smoker n it doesnt bother me not bein able to smoke in restaurants, i dont like people smoking wen im eating... BUT... u talk about freedom,wot about our freedom to be able to smoke wen n where we want,dont u think we have the rite to chose wot we do? you've been given a choice,u can go into woteva public place u want n its smoke-free... our choice has bin taken away,we cant smoke where we want,dont u think thts an infringement of our civil liberties becos i do!!!

Answer 20

it is out of respect for each others freedom of choice.

you are free to choose to go to a restaurant or pub or bar that is none smoking as much as smokers can go to places that allow them to smoke.

i like having the choice and also know that everybody will die one day. some people from smoking related deceases and others not. some people are quiet happy to take their chance.

if you don't like the smokers repulsive smell don't go near them.you can choose your friends as well.

Answer 21

Even in the USA smoking was considered a social past-time. Because of America's working towards better health at such a frantic pace, it quickly became so unacceptable here. In other countries, they are a bit more relaxed about things such as drinking, smoking, pot use, etc.

Answer 22

If you were a smoker, how would you feel about your little rant? We (smokers) choose to smoke, that is a civil right. why should we stop? we know the facts, if you dont like it, visit indonesia

Answer 23

It is now illegal to smoke in confined public places in Ireland and Scotland and there is a partial ban in England and Wales so come back to Europe soon!

Answer 24

I LIVE IN THE UK AND YES IM A SMOKER AND AS FAR AS IM AWARE ITS NOT TOLERATED AS MUCH AS YOU THINK.

TRY GOING TO NON-SMOKING ESTABLISHMENTS, MOST RESTAURANTS AND PUBS HAVE NON-SMOKING AND SMOKING AREAS.

JUST BECAUSE SOMEBODY SMOKES DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE NOT HEALTHY- I AM VERY HEALTHY, IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE YOU HAVE A DEEP ROUTED PROBLEM AS REGARDS TO SMOKERS.

YOU ARE A VISITOR TO OUR COUNTRY THROUGH YOUR CHOICE, NOT OURS.

TOLERATION IS THE KEY, THE UK IS A COUNTRY WHERE THERE IS FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND CHOICE.

IF YOU DONT LIKE IT THEN DONT VISIT OUR COUNTRY.

Answer 25

There is a long-history of social tolerance in the UK and European nations.

Answer 26

Sarah I just have to say if you are gonna call smokers dirty stinkers at least spell it right. You are as ignorant as they come. Who say's smokers are dirty? I'm very clean, I just happen to be addicted to nicotine just like so many others are additcted to alchohol and drugs

Answer 27

You sound like my boyfriend. Roll on 2007 when the ban comes in here in the UK. Woo-hoo!

Answer 28

Personally, I wouldn'y consider smoking so acceptable in the UK!

Answer 29

I advise moving to ireland where smoking in public places has been banned. I has been welcomed by all and will no doubt pay dividends for our future health.

Answer 30

I agree with Chichiruka. She answered it perfectly. It's because people in Europe are polite and tolerant. They are laid back and know how to get along with people. Where do you think tobacco originally came from? Tobacco shops are abundant in Europe. They know fine tobacco.

Answer 31

i agree that smoking isnt a nice thing but there are new rules in da uk that say you arent allowed to smoke in public places so that helps a bit.

Answer 32

i live in ireland and we've followed suit of the usa with the non smoking ban,other countries are following the example.... downside?smoke used to cover other odours such as b.o etc..

Answer 33

people in the united states are inconsiderate.



its funny that you say "healthier" people.

because "obese" people are in just the same predicament, just a different scenario. the same goes with people with diabetes and any std.

Answer 34

Because quite simply they are not puritanical hypocrites as the americans are. Also, they are way cooler.

Answer 35

have to smoke outside in ireland.wish we didnt.but dont mind that much.