One whiff of CIGARETTE smoke and you could drop over dead on the spot...Right?

From The Sun.co.uk via Fark.com :

By BEN ASHFORDJuly 14, 2007

BARMY council officials ordered a pub to shut its windows to stop cigarette smoke drifting INSIDE.

The enforcement officers warned that fumes from smokers outside could waft through and violate the ban.

They told staff to keep all windows and doors closed throughout the summer months — or risk being fined.

But last night the order was branded “ridiculous” by regulars at The Greyhound in Maidenhead, Berks.

They said there had been no cigarette smoke inside the Wetherspoons-owned pub since the smoking ban came in on July 1.

Regular Vince Wyre said: “I was at the bar getting a pint when the two officers came in and spoke to the manager and they then closed windows.

“There was no one smoking outside at the time. I like to sit there and watch the world go by and get the fresh air with my pint. I was so angry my beer was disrupted by these men that I asked for my money back.

“I’m a supporter of the smoking ban, but this was an overzealous way to enforce the new law.”

The pub’s manager Zoe Hodge initially complied with the order and closed the pub’s continental-style floor-to-ceiling windows.

A JD Wetherspoons chain spokesman said: “This is the first time we have heard of a request like this but then the smoking ban is only two weeks old.”

But the pub later reopened its windows after lawyers said there was nothing in the anti-smoking laws to prevent them.

Neil Rafferty, of pro-smoking group Forest, said: “It’s an absolutely ridiculous situation.
“It just shows what an effect the scaremongering from the anti-smoking fanatics has had.

“There’s no risk to anyone from a bit of smoke off the street. It goes to show what a stupid law this is.”

Royal Borough of Maidenhead and Windsor Council defended their officers’ actions.

Environmental health officer Gillian Taylor said: “I can confirm we advised the premises that the windows be closed.

“This is in keeping with good practice to ensure compliance with the spirit of the legislation.

“Every situation is different and we need to ensure nonsmokers don’t have to endure smoke blowing in from outside.”

b.ashford@the-sun.co.uk

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