Petition gains momentum
Support for the petition to overturn the Government's smoking ban is gaining serious momentum according to organisers.
With over 30,000 signatures already in and the backing of a member of the House of Lords, campaigners say they have been overwhelmed by the response.
Reaching far and wideLicensee Robert Feal-Martinez, who is co-ordinating collection of signed petitions from his Wiltshire pub, said:
"We are reaching far and wide now, websites across the world are now running our story with links to the petition, and with the support of the MA and regional papers the word is getting around that there is a fourth option - freedom of choice."With the support of the MA, word is getting around that there is a fourth option - freedom of choiceRobert Feal-Martinez, licensee
One area where the petition appears to lack support is among industry bodies.
Feal-Martinez said: "We do have the support of the FLVA but we are, to say the least, confused that BII are not even prepared to help by circulating the details to their membership. We are still awaiting responses from other organisations such as the FSB."
Small brewersFeal-Martinez said it was also surprising that small brewers who have been asked to circulate the petition to their pubs are also refusing to do so. He added:
"It is after all those brewers who will ultimately be faced with hard decisions on rents and beer prices when the inevitable downturn comes."
The petition closes in six weeks - to download a copy click here.To visit the Big Debate website click here.Will you back the petition? Is it too late or is it a great opportunity to let the Government hear what licensees and their customers really think about smkong in pubs Let us know by clicking here. Your CommentsMick Duffy via email 21/03/2006 "Brilliant idea re the petition against the blanket no smoking ban by the government. I will sign it, I have also passed it on to many of my friends. If there is anything I can do to overturn this ridiculous ban, I will do it."Robert Feal-Martinez via email 20/03/2006"Terry, thanks for you kind words. However it is far from being a lost cause we are getting more and more support on a daily basis. Only this weekend an entire family of 10 came to my pub to express their support after having read about Freedom to Choose. They have taken away Petitions which they intend to copy an circulate to everyone they know, as well as their social club, snooker club and others. Feel free to join the fight Terry download the Petitions spread the words Freedom to Choose, they will become synonymous with a Public fight back to defend Democracy. Regards Bobfm"Terry Richardson via email 20/03/2006
"I fully support your petition. All of my life I have worked hard and paid the exhorbitant taxes that successive governments have visited upon us.
I enjoy going to the pub for a pint and a smoke. What right has any policitician got to take that simple pleasure away?
Politicians are no longer about representing their constituents - they are about controlling them.
I do feel sorry for the publicans. I for one will not being going out to the pub in the cold winter months for the indignity of having to stand outside in the freezing cold to have a smoke. Good luck, Terry"
