New smoking restrictions - consultation

[trying]

I'm not convinced public opinion has much if any sway on policy direction these days but in the hope that it might I have responded to the consultation not to bundle cigars in with cigarettes and vapes. I know some have, thought others might wish to respond too.

[ha_banos]

Done

[YoelD]

I'm not convinced public opinion has much if any sway on policy direction these days but in the hope that it might I have responded to the consultation not to bundle cigars in with cigarettes and vapes. I know some have, thought others might wish to respond too.

Different issue, but it seemed to have had a good result regarding the previous proposed lead ammuntion ban and changing firearms legislation and guidance, and shooting is certainly a small niche activity.
Early days yet, and I'm sure the lead ban will happen eventually, but it's surprising how much the general public were on the side of shooters and countryside organisations over proposed restrictions.

Can't hurt to take part, especially as public opinion over new smoking laws appears to be against the proposals.

[PeeJay]

#metoo

[mcdee]

Thanks for sharing. I've contributed too. I'd urge everyone else on here to do the same.

[Monty Cristo]

Good point, Trying, thank you. For those interested, I submitted the following:

"I am a lover of cigars. I am also an author. I have written many articles and books on the subject and I like to say that the difference between a cigarette and a cigar is akin to the difference between a can of Special Brew and a bottle of Chateau Lafite. They are both alcohol. They are poles apart. Cigars are a lifestyle choice; a small, family, artisan industry creating hand rolled works of art in much the same way as they have been made for centuries. They are enjoyed by intelligent, inquisitive people who love life and all the good things it has to offer. Those who sell fine cigars are also educated, intelligent, diligent tax payers who appreciate that people are different. They support those families in cigar making countries - many of whom come from impoverished backgrounds - and offer something unique and timeless to their customers; peace. Smoking a cigar is akin to meditation. It relaxes and encourages friendship, collaboration and compromise. Cigars should not be mentioned in the same breath as cigarettes. They are a source of joy to many and are an intrinsic and important part of our culture and history. Cigar smokers are not second class citizens, criminals or pariahs. They are law abiding, tax paying, contributing members of society. Children do not smoke cigars. Alcohol causes infinitely more damage to our health, wealth, societal problems and self worth than any amount of cigars could ever do. Please be aware of nuance and definition. The proposed law is not a black and white, blanket solution to nicotine addition when it comes to cigars. It would prove an unnecessary punishment to those of us who choose to enjoy a handmade product with like-minded friends from all over the world."

[Rich B]

I also added a response.

[Simon Bolivar]

I'm not convinced public opinion has much if any sway on policy direction these days but in the hope that it might I have responded to the consultation not to bundle cigars in with cigarettes and vapes. I know some have, thought others might wish to respond too.

Thanks for posting this, hadn't come across this consultation before (although I had heard about their intentions). I have replied in detail but of course, we are a small minority, sure it's easier to ban everything than make exceptions. I would support a ban on kids buying, smoking & vaping until the age of 21yo. Few would be likely to start after & most don't start smoking cigars until their 30's, when ythey used to be able to afford it! But start banning anyone & any age & it's probably the begining of the end.

[Tomm783]

So this has passed the first set of voting to effectively ban ciagarettes which from my perspective, isn't a bad thing other than taking away peoples choices. It's not passed yet but it's looking more likely.

I'm curious though, how will this affect cigars? They've always been carved out (look at smoking indoors). Will they become a haven for the historic cigarette smoker out of necessity (I don't know many cigarette and cigar smokers)? Will the younger generation get more involved in cigars? Will big tobacco use cigars as their diversification strategy and if so, will that then turn attention to cigars by the government?

Discuss!


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[potpest]

I don't think this is just cigarettes, it's all tobacco. There was a discussion of an exemption for cigars but at this stage that hasn't been included. If it's on the table I presume it will be an amendment at a later stage.

[ha_banos]

Not read the whole document! But the opening basically categorises as follows and no mention of cigars in the paper.

1 Sale of tobacco etc (1) It is an offence to sell any of the following to
a person born on or after 1 January 2009—
(a) a tobacco product;
(b) a herbal smoking product;
(c) cigarette papers.

So in about 15 years I expect the cigar industry here to be affected I guess. As the customer market starts to disappear.

Before then I expect total smoking bans in public spaces. Probably pub gardens too.

They just want to shut this door. A distraction from other issues.

From the debate: The other reality is that big tobacco has been trying to get many of its products, such as heat-not-burn and cigars, exempted from the Bill—exemptions that would undermine the Bill before it even takes effect. Those products still contain tobacco and harmful products, and still cause damage to people’s health. We cannot allow those exemptions to happen.

[BullittBoy]

Personally I think it will be like NZ - the ban will come in.. and then be revoked as unmanageable. Or people will just buy from abroad.

[potpest]

Smoking is pretty unpopular amongst voters, they just want to be seen to be doing something that's actually beneficial to voters for once.
This is a simple one to administer, and virtually cost free.

As this bans the sale of tobacco products and not smoking itself, expect duty free to disappear soon.
Technically bringing cigarettes back from abroad wouldn't be illegal I don't think.

[potpest]

Personally I think it will be like NZ - the ban will come in.. and then be revoked as unmanageable. Or people will just buy from abroad.

It wasn't seen as unmanageable in NZ.

There was a new coalition government, New Zealand First wouldn't let foreign buyers back into the property market as part of the deal. This was part of the plan to fund tax cuts, the smoking ban was overturned instead to fund the cuts.

Unlikely in the UK given Labour voted for it and are looking likely to be the next government unless something really crazy happens.

[liles]

I don't see how cigars would be exempt from this legislation.

I would be interested to see the cost-benefit analysis of a change like this. We can all agree that ultimately stopping the usage of tobacco will increase health overall, but I wonder at what detriment other issues like obesity, alcohol and drug use will plug the gap. I would always advocate for better education for individual choice in regard to vice, whatever that may be, versus an outright ban.