Implies they will crack down on smokers, I expect they are aiming it at those who smoke in the open air in Ponty (and West?). As long as they don't force illegal smokers into the toilets we won't all go home with stale smoke on our clothes and in our hair.
What about the sides of the stands, does that count as a concourse? Always a massive congregation of folk next to the Ponty and that bit down the side of the East next to the stairs. I don't begrudge anyone having a *** as long they aren't inside, if they say no smoking at all once you're through the turnstile this could make a lot of people not want to go. Surely that's better than the farse you get at away grounds where everyone just smokes in the toilets so non-smokers and kicks haven't got a choice but to breath it in.
Playing devils advocate, those who enter and smoke are breaking their agreement they accept in their STs and matchday tickets. However, while smokers smoke away from the rest of us, unless authorities are closing in, let them smoke in aforementioned areas as they are not exactly passing places for fans at half time. On the other hand we all use the loos and not only will it be rammed by standing smokers (stewards will accept it rather than get abuse) we will all end up smelling of cigarettes. Not ideal if not planning put your pyjamas on at home at half five.
I'm not a smoker so have no idea but would have thought it wasn't that hard going two hours without a cig. Get into the ground at 2:55 and light up soon as you leave around 5ish.
The fact that it is on official website but they not put on Facebook and Twitter may just suggest they received an annual reminder from some authority, or a telling off, so putting statement out there but reluctant to start an us v them between smokers and non smokers, and club and fans.....
Have asked if there are plans to be allocated oudoor areas for smokers. Seems a little unfair if these have been withdrawn after folk have bought their season tickets. Will update if/when I get a reply.
Suppose in 'extreme' environments folk can survive i.e. on a plane. Looks like electronic cigarettes out as lot of concern about actual outputs of the smoke not exactly clean
hang them all ! im interested in what "smoking implements" are? seriously no one should be that desperate to smoke that they cant wait till 5pm.
Judging by what happens at many away grounds that don't provide an allocated area I would suggest this is exactly what will happen if there is a stadium wide ban at BFC
They should do a complete ban - its playing havoc with the decor in the west stand bogs! Crackdown in bogs - yes - but if they wanna go to the outside areas then let em.
as DB3K sez.... is it really that hard to go 2 hours without a ***. I used to smoke but gave it up in 1992.
Re: as DB3K sez.... A lot have a smoke after their half time pint. A smoking area would be best or as others have said the toilets will become the smoking area.
unlike many other reformed smokers I think... that areas provided for smokers to be ok. There are plenty of areas at Oakell that can put as an outdoor area for this. I personally have no probs with smoking in the stadium TBH as long as they are in designated smoking seats. I smoked for around 20 years or so, I gave up and have never gone back and that was 21 years ago. But I know just what an addiction it is and how the cravings are.
Re: unlike many other reformed smokers I think... People tend to smoke in the ponty nearest West Stand, Open air etc. This is good, what I don't appreciate is going to away matches and going for a piss at half time arriving in nothing but an opium den. Smoking areas should be designated.
I'm a bit annoyed by this. I smoke. I had no problem when the smoking ban came in, I think it's a good thing. The idea that we were ever allowed to smoke in pubs and restaurants just seems bizarre now. Clearly, it's better for all concerned that I just nip out and have a cig and don't get on anyone's nerves. Similarly, at the football, lighting up in the stand with so many people in close proximity just isn't right. But who am I hurting by going outside, as far away from the entrance as possible and having a crafty cig? Well, I'm hurting myself, obviously, but that's my choice. I'm not hurting or annoying anyone else. I even carry a portable ashtray with me so I don't drop any litter. I know the rules are that you cannot smoke in Oakwell, but it has been taken as read that we're allowed to use the outside areas. No steward has ever said a word to me for smoking outside. If the rules are to change and they're going to forbid smoking in any part of Oakwell, they could have told us before I bought my season ticket. I'm not saying I wouldn't have bought one, but it would definitely have given me something to think about. I won't be smoking in the toilets, it's disgusting for the people who want to use them, all that smoke in a confined space, but I do hope they will provide an outside area that smokers can use at half time. I don't expect any non-smokers to have any sympathy with me at all, but I think we should be allowed to stand up for ourselves, even if what we do is frowned upon by some.
"I'm not a smoker, but..." You're happy to tell us how easy it is for a smoker to go 2 hours without a cigarette, despite not sharing the same addiction? Aye alright then.
Well actually Jay I hate cigarette smoke with a passion but if you want to kill yourself slowly and it doesn't affect me, knock yourself out. Oh not that I want you to harm yourself but if you smoke then you are doing but what has that got to do with me.
Aye alreight John, can I take it you've never smoked ? I packed in over 30 year since I can tell you mate it isn't easy.
Personally I hate smoking I detest the smell of it but not to designate a area within the ground if this is indeed the case seems extremely unfair to me, surely if people enjoy a smoke at half time or whenever then it is only right they are allowed to do so,