Smoking banned in Pubs

11.24.29pm GMT Tue 14th Feb 2006

Man smoking cigarette

Well MPs tonight have voted to ban smoking in all pubs and private clubs by a massive 200 votes - the vote was 384 votes for and 184 against. I am sure this is good news, I was initially undecided, caught in the classic liberal trap or if someones right to smoke was acceptable or if the passive smoking was too much intrusion on someone else's rights. However I am now convinced that the public health aspect outweighs the freedom to smoke argument.

The Labour Government completely managed to screw this legislation up by having a manifesto commitment, change their mind twice and not get out and there and argue the reasons for what they were doing. The evidence from the Republic of Ireland shows that this argument can be won.

Interestingly of the Liberal Democrat Leadership Candidates only Chris Huhne voted for a ban, both Sir Menzies Campbell and Simon Hughes voted against.

At least now I won't smell of smoke after a night at the pub!