76 replies to this topic

[£6 In Tokens]

With the smoking ban being imposed in Wales since 2nd April 2007, just isn't the same for us smokers.

Being a occasional gambler for over 20 years, I used to get to the arcade, get a cup of coffee, then sit at a bandit and lite up and relax wasting money. Seriously though, there has been a devastating impact at the arcades in Wales as the owner, since this ban has lost lots of revenue (although sympathy for owners I don't have) - But I do have sympathy for the smokers (gamblers) who only really play the bandits to unwind and relax, of which smoking and gambling goes together.

For me definitely is not the same and has in a way helped me, as now I don't even bother going down the arcade - This is due to my mates not going either and the atmosphere is dead - Will stick to the pub from now on. With this ban affecting England on 1st July 2007, I am sure this will have the same impact there, and will lose something of the atmosphere of the arcade when the smokers do not go there anymore. Even if you do not smoke there must be someone you know who does smoke from the arcade, who will be pretty pissed at this legislation (smoking outside is rubbish - I am not going to do it - And definitely not going to give up as my job is very stressful). The only way around it seems to be (for smokers) where you are allowed to smoke:

Care Homes (Can't see any bandits going there)
Hotels (Again probably 2 bandits max)
Prisons (Forget going there - I don't want to play pool and table tennis all day)

I think from now on will stick to playing the emulators. Also which is more disturbing is that no decision has been taken yet to stop people smoking in there own car - Yes that is correct - You might not be able to smoke in your own car (Absolute bull shit).

Does anybody know what plans arcades and casinos have to get around this rule, as they must be planning something (otherwise they will lose millions).

[jamesb99_1999]

The bingo hall near me is creating an outside smoking area (although they are not sure whether this is covered or not, and are looking in to it). I agree it will upset business, but without wanting to start this up again there are already 10000 threads on it... Do a search it might interest you.

Again though, if it stops people who are addicted gambling then good.. If it helps people give up smoking then good.. However it is a moderate infringement on peoples freedoms.. However smokers impose on non-smokers freedoms (like me, as I have ended up in hospital on various ocassions due to severe asthma exacerbated by smoke), so I am torn between thinking it's a very good thing, and thinking it's taking it too far.

Smokers deserve to relax too, so guess the govenment should really look at some form of legit compromise, however banning somebody smoking in their own car is just wrong.. While driving I can understand as it's as dangerous as a mobile phone.. Or if it's a work car, but anything else is wrong.

You see - mixed opinions (and that's just me)

[Daza5056]

Hotels (Again probably 2 bandits max)

I think you will find that smoking in hotels is limited to hotel BEDROOMS only. And then only a certain amount of bedrooms that follow strict guidelines will be allowed

Does anybody know what plans arcades and casinos have to get around this rule, as they must be planning something (otherwise they will lose millions).

The only way is to build SMOKING SHELTER which are located OUTSIDE the building - again these have to comply with STRICT guidelines. Any venue that flaunts the law and allows people to smoke will be liable for a fine of £2500...... Even the BIG BROTHER house can not get away with it (As it is classed as a WORK PLACE)




This is an old ongoing subject which I suppose some people will like the ban and others will dislike.

Personally as a non-smoker myself I will look forward to 1st July when I can go down to my local casino and spend an hour or two there without having to put up with the big smoke clouds inside and coming home stinking of smoke.

[jamesb99_1999]

Knew you'd want to say something as well. I am looking forward to July 1st as well mate My mom isn't though... But she has promised to use it as leverage to help her quit though, so fingers crossed as medically she desperately needs to... Now all I need them to do is ban fruit machines and she'll be loaded and leave me some inheritance at last

Yep in hotels it will only be the bedrooms (also the only place you are legally allowed to have sex- I questioned this as I thought you could also have it up the bum now), however try not to have sex while smoking... It can look vulgar and end up being painful.. If you are a girl and do have a cigarette while you are having sex, try not to get adventurous!!!!

[gambogaz1]

I personally cant wait for the ban to kick in. Obviously i'm a non smoker so i'm gonna say it but it will be nice to go in a pub and not only will we no longer come out stinking of smoke but in the busy pubs i'll have no more ash marks on my clean tops from inconsiderate drunken idiots waving there hands around. I also won't have to clear the Fruit machine top of empty fag packets to put my drink down or blow all the sodding ash off the top of the start button (1 of my biggest pet hates that is!)

[£6 In Tokens]

Dazza & James - Can understand you personally are looking forward to the ban as non smokers - but I tell you now - the atmosphere in gambling, whether it be Casino, Arcade, even Bingo Halls is DEAD compared to what it use to be like before the ban - Just wait and see.

Having a ban in the pub & arcade is bad enough - but your car is taking the piss - Will have to invent "hands free smoking kits" for us die hard smokers - although as yet I do not know how this will work - any suggestions welcome. As for Hotels - smoking & sex at the same time seems a good idea (killing 2 birds with one stone) - Must agree with James as this could end up in with the place being burnt down - or a nasty burn on the "unmentionables".

[Daza5056]

People will get used to it....... It may take a little time whilst they are pissed off and think bugga it I'm not going in there if I can't smoke, but hey where else are you going to go ?


People were the same way when smoking was banned on buses -- but people still travel on them

Also what about airlines ?? --- People still go on holiday (and with the average European flight of 2 hours 30 mins) well I am sure if they can go without a fag for that long then they can do the same elsewhere. And from 1st July you will no longer be able to smoke in the departure lounge also --- So that looks like a wait of over 5 hours for a fag !!


Put yourself in a non-smokers point of view -- If you were the same would you like to go home smelling of smoke? How would you like it if I was to stand at the side of you and spray you with the most disgusting spray I could find then you have to go around all day smelling like that?

[Daza5056]

Knew you'd want to say something as well.

Me ???? --- Don't know what you mean ..

[£6 In Tokens]

If that is the case for flying (cant smoke even in the departure lounge before a 10 hour flight - ridiculous) - will have to travel by car on my holidays. Goodbye India & America - Hello Minehead & Bognor Regis.

This government will be telling - no forcing us, on everything we do - More control all the time. In twenty years we will be like robots with either hypnotism or microchips built in telling us what to do next.

"Now then you have just had 3 pints of lager, I don't think you should have another three, The next one will be your last one, click, splat, splutter - memory error - please restart micro processor and reboot brain").

[mrmystery83]

Well i'll certainly miss the buttons being covered in fag ash or people using the pay out trays as ashtrays lol tends to happen more in pubs though to be fair. Imagine them putting machines in the outside smoking areas using extension leads lol

[bmr]

Its not quite going to be the same, gonna need to have a 'back in 10 minutes' sticker pernamently in my pocket for when i need a ciggie!

[mrmystery83]

Its not quite going to be the same, gonna need to have a 'back in 10 minutes' sticker pernamently in my pocket for when i need a ciggie!

Sure you won't be the only one mate. Think the arcades near me will have to invest in some more reserved signs. But you'll probably see a lot more sharks lurking round to jump on if people forget to put the sign on.

[fistandantilus]

It don't bother me as don't smoke or gamble (boring huh?) What I wanna know is which addiction will win out of "I desperately need a fag" or "I daren't leave this machine thats spanked me out of £XX's over the last few hours"

I have no sympathy at all for smokers after having clothes ruined from careless smoker and scars from where even more careless smokers have caught the back of my hand. Its unhealthy and it stinks and I for one wouldn't care if they were made completely illegal tomorrow haha

[mrmystery83]

It don't bother me as don't smoke or gamble (boring huh?) What I wanna know is which addiction will win out of "I desperately need a fag" or "I daren't leave this machine thats spanked me out of £XX's over the last few hours"

I have no sympathy at all for smokers after having clothes ruined from careless smoker and scars from where even more careless smokers have caught the back of my hand. Its unhealthy and it stinks and I for one wouldn't care if they were made completely illegal tomorrow haha

Oh dear. Me thinks this thread is now gonna get a bit more 'lively' lol. I gamble but don't smoke very often. I do reckon though certain arcades will notice trade getting hit. They may have to bring in extra promotions etc to tempt people back.

[£6 In Tokens]

Fact is - Whether you smoke or you don't smoke - Arcade, Bingo Halls even some small Casinos will be shutting down because of the lost revenue. Non smokers obviously can not make up for the lost revenue that comes with smokers not going to these places to gamble. It is a fact and has already started in Wales, will no doubt follow the same pattern in England.

You wont be saying that when you favorite place decides to shut up shop and close down, because of loss of revenue. These places may smell better, but will lose the atmosphere (like a pub with no alcohol). Places will be closing.

Putting a reserved sign on the machine is stupid - You will have poachers everywhere waiting to jump on machine you have already put £'s into - This will surely start fights (If I saw someone jumping on my machine that I had pumped full of £'s - I would kindly ask him to F*** Off from the machine or else).

[Daza5056]

As usual the UK is one of the last countries to introduce a no smoking policy.

New York did it 3 years ago
Most of Europe did it last year

Just get used to it......

[Picks]

Think I'll be inviting more and more people round to my house to party and play on my newly bought fruit machine, smoke all you want in there and fill my bandit with money, win win for me, although I'll miss the pub but can safely say I will spend a lot less time in there when the ban kicks in, a pint without a cig???? Doesn't bare thinking about!! Although I might try quit!!

[Daza5056]

Think I'll be inviting more and more people round to my house to party and play on my newly bought fruit machine, smoke all you want in there and fill my bandit with money

Highly illegal to use a personal machine for profit without a license - even if it is your friends !!!