Love blossoming from the smoking ban?

• Wednesday, 04 July 2007

The new smoke free England may be a blessing in disguise for many singleton smokers who can now experience new social encounters when going outside for a cigarette. Specialist office recruiter La Crème, which has offices in both the UK and Ireland, says that when the ban was introduced in Ireland, a new trend developed. Jo Stuteley, Director of La Crème UK, says: “The ban meant that smoking in pubs became illegal as it was the work place for bar staff. This situation actually gave birth to a huge subculture in Irish society as smoking patrons of the pub stood outside with a cigarette and struck up conversations with like minded people. This phenomenon became know as ‘smirting’ (smoking and flirting) and many a relationship flourished from this interaction.”

Despite this social aspect of smoking, the Irish example would suggest that the ban will aid many smokers’ quest to quit. 90% of La Crème’s Irish candidates feel that they have smoked less since the ban was implemented. Stuteley adds: “The poll came back with the resounding answer from the vast majority of smokers that the legislation was one of the best things that happened for them in terms of cutting down or quitting altogether.”

“The immediate response when the smoking ban was introduced in Ireland several years ago was grumblings from smokers about the increasing power of the ‘nanny state’. However it has been a hugely positive experience with a lot less teething problems in terms of people’s ability to accept it than had originally been anticipated.”

Sam Woodward
BlueSky PR
0845 1308290
sam@bluesky-pr.net
www.bluesky-pr.net

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