Smoking Spies Better Known as the SS.
Several local authorities up and down the country are being given funds by the government to recruit and train Smoking Spies. Hereinafter known as the “SS” However there is no truth in the rumour that they will be wearing a ‘Swastika’ armband and black leather jackboots. Sums of money ranging from £42,000 to £173,000 have been reported.
The SS’s brief will be to enter into premises disguised as an ordinary customer to snitch on anyone lighting up a fag, cigar or pipe after 1st July 2007 when the nationwide smoking in public enclosed spaces ban begins.
Apparently they will have the power to issue on the spot fines of £50 to anyone who lights up and fines of up to £2,500 for the premises owner. The general public will also be encouraged to report lawbreakers on a specially set up hot line.
Now there is an exercise in fostering neighbourhood friendliness.
Having pushed forward a ludicrous law it is only to be expected that enforcement would follow but an SS force? Isn’t that going over the top somewhat?
None of this ‘Big Brother’ stuff would have been necessary if Blair and co had listened to a not unreasonable suggestion to allow the pub/restaurant/factory/office owner, after consultation with the workforce, decide to be either smoke free or not. But then since when has being reasonable been a forte of this government?
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