A Eurosceptic MEP has told how he believes that sheer “bloody-mindedness” has proved to be a way to beat the ban on smoking indoors.
With just three months until a total ban on smoking in public places comes into force in England, Ukip leader Nigel Farage has revealed how a similar rule became unenforceable in Brussels… inside the European Parliament buildings.
And it is possible that similar actions could lead to the collapse of the new law that came into force in Wales this week, with England to follow on July 1.
On New Year’s Day this year smoking was banned in the European Parliament building.
But a dedicated band of smokers – including South East England MEP Mr Farage – refused to obey the regulations.
Now the Euro Parliament buildings in both Brussels and Strasbourg both have dedicated smoking areas in bars, coffee rooms and offices.
And it has left Brussels Eurocrats in a difficult position when they force ordinary people across Europe to obey new laws.
Mr Farage, who lives in Bromley, said: “I found the rule that the European Parliament building should be smoke free unacceptable and ignored it from day one.
“I just carried on smoking in the areas I always had done so. The whole thing just fell apart as other smokers were doing the same. Once one smoker refused to obey then other people joined in. So the rule has now been thrown out.”
Mr Farage emphasised that he was “breaking building regulations, not the law” when he defied the Euro-ban, and he said he could not encourage people to light up in pubs when the law comes into force.
“Lawmakers cannot be lawbreakers and so I can not urge people to break the law,” he said.
“But I totally understand their frustration with it. Either we are adults or we are not.
“If we believe that the people of the British Isles are responsible for themselves and their lives then we must allow them to choose how they live by themselves.
“If a publican wishes to go smoke free great, that is their choice. If they don’t, that is also their choice.
“What is unacceptable is that this Government thinks it can impose its own solutions in private spaces.
“It’s not of their business to legislate on morality.”
Mr Farage added he is totally opposed to the new law.
“The only word I can use to describe it is monstrous,” he said.
“What I am hoping is that tolerant zones – maybe resembling Chicago-style ‘speakeasies’ – can be set up in pubs and bars where people can exercise their right to choose.
“This is one of the most draconian laws which has ever been bought in and although I know pubs will have beer gardens and may even find other ways to get round it, it is extremely bad news for the freedom of the individual.
“It is also very bad news for the pub business. In rural areas – such as many parts of Kent – we have seen many establishments closing in recent years and this move will be a further blow to trade, as has happened elsewhere.”
POSTED: 07/04/2007 04:00:00
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