NO SMOKING in bars from today HURRAH

[Guest wowpow]

I think that the ban will probably work but as a back-up plan I am thinking of arranging a team of Volunteer No Smoking Police. OK so my Volunteer Fashion Police was not a wild success other than in Bangkok Silom Soi 2.

 

I am gathering suggestions for uniforms, helmets and water pistol design - to put out offending burning objects. Should we travel by motorcy sidesaddle? Perhaps a Fag-mobile? I think an Emergency hotline to report incidences 1Cpouff?

 

Fines of 20,000 baht per establishment and 2000 baht per smoker are enshrined in the law. I am considering alternatives as so many farangs are wealthy. I thought a revival of the Chastity Belt might be a deterrent. For minor offenses such as carrying tobacco perhaps a Community Service order of Moderating Gay Thailand for 3 weeks?

 

Work in progress.

[Guest buaseng]

I am gathering suggestions for uniforms, helmets and water pistol design - to put out offending burning objects. Should we travel by motorcy sidesaddle? Perhaps a Fag-mobile?

A bunch of fags in fancy dress chasing fags ! Great idea - should prove hilarious for the on-lookers !

 

[PattayaMale]

A bucket of water poured over their head. If they object just say: "Sorry, thought it was Songkran"

[Guest xiandarkthorne]

The last time anyone tried to take away my cigarette (I don't smoke in no-Smoking zones), the poor dear couldn't walk for a week because I put my hands around my face in shock, screamed in fear, tried to run away and accidentally stepped on his foot so hard, three bones were broken.

 

Xian

 

PS

That's the first movement of an secret ancient Chinese martial art technique called Screaming Queen Elephant Stomp. The second move is Fainting Queen Butterfly Wings and results in broken ribs. The last move, Old Queen Falls In Love, is invariably fatal.

[Guest wowpow]

"Welcome to Tawan Bar Now NO SMOKING" was the doorman's greeting this evening. Inside the air was clear and head Mamasan said "much better" and my squeeze of the moment agreed.

[atri1666]

As nonsmoker i am very happy but i believe soon we will count the closings. Next low season is coming.

[Gaybutton]

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST:

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Strict Smoking Bans in Force

 

All Bars, Pubs, Discos, Clubs - and Markets

 

SURASAK GLAHAN AND AFP

 

A total ban on smoking in pubs and clubs throughout the country takes effect today, to the delight of non-smokers and the chagrin of smokers.

 

The ban covers all air-conditioned bars, pubs, discos and clubs.

 

In addition, the owners of outdoor restaurants and markets are required to designate smoking and non-smoking zones.

 

"They will have to cross the street to smoke over there," said Than Leebamrung, the 36-year-old owner of the Sapha Kafe (Coffee Council) bar, when asked what arrangements he had made to help his customers.

 

Other bars and clubs may simply ask customers to smoke outside in the doorways, but Mr Than was not sure if the same could be applied to his bar, which is in the Din Daeng area.

 

This is because it is situated in a commercial building, where smoking is not allowed.

 

Like Mr Than, most bar owners see the law as impinging on people's civil liberties.

 

"People going to these entertainment places find it acceptable to be exposed to cigarette smoke. I have never received any complaints from non-smokers," he said.

 

The owner of a bar on Khao San road, who asked not to be named, frowned on the ban, saying it would certainly affect his business.

 

"Lawmakers should instead allow operators to set up both smoking and non-smoking areas to be fair," he said.

 

The law previously exempted nightclubs and bars from a smoking ban which was introduced in 2002.

 

The original ban covered indoor public places, including air-conditioned restaurants.

 

The ban's extension is being hailed by health advocates who say it is another milestone for tobacco control.

 

"By banning smoking in pubs and nightclubs, Thailand has once again shown its leadership in tobacco control in the international community, following the examples of Ireland, Uruguay, the UK, France and others," said Bungon Ritthiphakdee, director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance.

 

"Hopefully, in the near future, all open-air restaurants in Thailand will be 100% smoke free," she added.

 

Health advocates said the new law would protect both patrons and workers in bars and clubs from the effects of second-hand smoke, which studies have shown can cause asthma, strokes and even heart attacks.

 

They said it would also help smokers quit the habit more easily.

 

Chonticha Putharak, a 21-year-old non-smoker who used to work in a bar, said she developed breathing difficulties and her eyes would also hurt when she was there.

 

"The law sounds good to me because I have an allergy," she said.

 

Chai Jeam-mornrat, a 33-year-old fashion designer who smokes almost a packet of cigarettes a night when visiting his favourite bars at weekends, said the new law is good as it would discourage him from smoking.

 

"I like to smoke when drinking alcohol. Being forced to go out of a club just to smoke outside could make me choose to not smoke to avoid the inconvenience," he said.

 

However, many are still doubtful about whether the law will be effectively enforced.

 

One bar worker said that bar owners may ignore the law and bribe police into turning a blind eye so that things could continue as before.

 

Karn Yaempetch, 33, who once co-owned the Original Sin club in the Chatuchak area agreed that it could be a problem.

 

"Now it all depends on how effective the law enforcement will be," he said.

 

"Law enforcement in this country rarely works.

 

"I think a voluntary measure with proper education on tobacco's impact on health would be more effective than the smoking ban."

 

The health ministry said bar and restaurant owners can relax, at least for now, because authorities won't begin fining the law breakers until June.

 

"Although the ban takes effect on Feb 11, we will focus more on educating people and issuing warnings rather than fining wrongdoers until May 31," said Seri Hongyok, deputy director-general of the Disease Control Office.

 

The ministry is prepared to advise businesses on how to comply with the new rules, and will distribute copies of the regulations by the end of February, Mr Seri said.

 

"If there is any breach of the law, our authorities will consider them on a case-by-case basis to ensure fair treatment," he said.

[Guest xiandarkthorne]

After my recent experiences with Thai Air and now this, a holiday at the beach on my own doorstep is beginning to sound like a very good idea.

[Guest buckeroo2]

They predicted gloom and doom for night clubs in California when smoking was prohibited in 2000. Quite to the contrary, smokers adapted to the new rules as they will in Thailand as well. The nightclubs are thriving and the air is healthier for patrons and bar workers.

 

 

As nonsmoker i am very happy but i believe soon we will count the closings. Next low season is coming.

 

[atri1666]

It is easy to give examples in every direction. I know already here in berlin about 10 bars/restaurants have been closed because of the new "big freedom". There is a new trend they establish smoker clubs - entry only as member - and it is working.

I will see next time in may in bangkok and in november in pattaya what the big "hurrah" is bringing really.

[Gaybutton]

The following appears in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS:

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Pattaya in a State of Confusion as Anti-Smoking Law Comes into Effect

 

You may or may not be aware that a new Law came into effect on Monday which bans smoking in air-conditioned entertainment venues and offices. The new law is surrounded by confusion and many business owners here in Pattaya are unsure of how to proceed. We can confirm that any business found breaking the law will be fined 20,000 Baht and 2,000 Baht for every smoker caught inside the venue. However, there is an initial 3 month reprieve until the Law is expected to be enforced.

 

This will give time for the Police and local Administration to understand more about the law and to clarify any points which are not clear and will also give time for venues to comply with the law. It is expected that some businesses will be affected in the short term, however, assuming the law is eventually enforced, the initial loss of business should be reversed.

 

We conducted a survey of venues on Walking Street on Monday Night to find out how many venues are complying with the Law. We visited 19 establishments on Walking Street and found that 6 of them were smoke-free. However the smoke-free establishments were found to have far fewer patrons that the ones who were still permitting smoking.

 

 

[Guest buckeroo2]

I went out on Wednesday evening and the following bars were enforcing the "no smoking rule" - Kaos - I know it has a new name but it is till Kaos to me, Toy Boy, Funny Boy, Throb/Splash/Boy Boy Boy and Cafe Royale

- I also went to 2 after hours clubs and smoking was permitted - Xray and Body Language - yeah, I know 8 bars in one night was a bit much

 

The following appears in the PATTAYA CITY NEWS:

_____

 

Pattaya in a State of Confusion as Anti-Smoking Law Comes into Effect

 

You may or may not be aware that a new Law came into effect on Monday which bans smoking in air-conditioned entertainment venues and offices. The new law is surrounded by confusion and many business owners here in Pattaya are unsure of how to proceed. We can confirm that any business found breaking the law will be fined 20,000 Baht and 2,000 Baht for every smoker caught inside the venue. However, there is an initial 3 month reprieve until the Law is expected to be enforced.

 

This will give time for the Police and local Administration to understand more about the law and to clarify any points which are not clear and will also give time for venues to comply with the law. It is expected that some businesses will be affected in the short term, however, assuming the law is eventually enforced, the initial loss of business should be reversed.

 

We conducted a survey of venues on Walking Street on Monday Night to find out how many venues are complying with the Law. We visited 19 establishments on Walking Street and found that 6 of them were smoke-free. However the smoke-free establishments were found to have far fewer patrons that the ones who were still permitting smoking.

 

[Guest]

I went out on Wednesday evening and the following bars were enforcing the "no smoking rule" - Kaos - I know it has a new name but it is till Kaos to me, Toy Boy, Funny Boy, Throb/Splash/Boy Boy Boy and Cafe Royale

- I also went to 2 after hours clubs and smoking was permitted - Xray and Body Language - yeah, I know 8 bars in one night was a bit much

 

Sounds like a great night to me. You missed Jimm Jimmy James? You almost made it to 10.