MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Debate on public smoking ban reaches Falklands

The public smoking ban controversy has definitively reached the Falkland Islands, a community of heavy smokers.

The Malvina House Hotel in Stanley is to become the latest public venue to ban smoking on its premises. This follows a recent decision from another famous Stanley house, Falklands' Brasserie.

During July, the Malvina House Hotel asked customers to complete a questionnaire about their views on smoking in the hotel. The results of the questionnaire have now been collated and Manager of the Hotel Carl Stroud notes that out of a response of 103 completed forms an overwhelming 75% of respondents would like a complete ban on smoking in the bar and public areas.

Mr Stroud says that in view of the customers overwhelming response, a total ban throughout the hotel will commence from the 14th August, which he believes will give a much more pleasant environment both for the customer and staff alike.

The issue of a debate on smoking in public places was recently addressed at the Islands' Legislative Council, although it was finally postponed.

Councillor Dr. Richard Davies, a sponsor of the initiative, said that the debate postponement will have disappointed some people but he also insisted that when the debate takes place it should be well informed "...particularly if we're going to try and come to a specific conclusion, at the end of that debate and I hope people will understand that".

Councillor Davies said that by way of a pre-emptive strike, those who know him are probably aware that he is an ex-smoker himself. "I still struggle from time to time and occasionally succumb to the temptation of a cigarette; I don't see this in any way as being inconsistent with supporting a ban on smoking in public places which I think would be to the benefit of the community, and I hope that it actually gives me some ability to understand the views of smokers".

He said he did not wish to deny smokers the right to smoke, but added, "...I think that we've come to the time that it shouldn't be permitted to do so in a public place and expose other people to the smoke".

Councillor Mike Rendell added his support to the principle of banning smoking in public places. However, he said, if this goal is to stand any chance of being approved by Legislative Council, "...there is still much work to be done, in working out the practicalities of such a ban in, for example, pubs and restaurants".