Walking the Tightrope: Nanny State - Sometimes
"I don't see why I should have my meal ruined by the addicts at the next table who chain smoke between courses...'' Although Sally Codman is suspicious of Nanny State policies, she finds herself supporting public smoking bans and the banning of adverts directed at children for sweets and fast food.
When it comes to supporting a 'Nanny State' you can usually count me out. As I've said before in this column, anything that smacks of a 'Big Brother is watching You' type of Government usually sets off alarm bells.
Despite the above guidelines, the last couple of weeks have seen a few policy suggestions that some would label 'Nanny State' but would have my support anyway
A ban on smoking in pubs, clubs, restaurants and other enclosed public places would get my vote, along with 73% of some 9,000 people polled in a BBC survey where people were asked for their views on public health issues.
I'd also be supporting the 81% who backed a ban on fast food and sweet adverts on T.V. when children are watching and the 72% who want vending machines full of crisps, chocolates and fizzy drinks banned from schools.
As one of the lucky people who never picked up an expensive and health-destroying smoking habit when I was younger, I've spent years resenting being forced to inhale second-hand smoke. I rarely visit a pub, club or restaurant that doesn't impose a ban on smoking.
I don't see why I should have my meal ruined by the addicts at the next table who chain-smoke between courses and blow their smoke in my direction. As for those pathetic little corners designated for us non-smokers - don't make me laugh! - anyone with a brain cell will know that smoke drifts, usually in the direction of the non-smoking area.
Then there's the little matter of the smell. I hate going for a night out and returning home with my clothes and hair smelling as if it was bonfire night and I'd been the person elected to light the fire.
Those are just the more light-hearted reasons why I'd support a smoking ban. The more serious side of the argument was brought home to our family last year, when a member who appeared fit and healthy, suddenly developed chest pains and ended up with a quadruple heart-bypass. He was told his furred-up arteries were the result of a lifetime of smoking, started many years ago before anyone realised how bad it was for your health.
That brought back memories of a former heavy-smoking colleague of mine who died young whilst waiting for his heart operation. He left behind a wife and young family and an office full of people determined to give up the evil weed.
In between those two personal experiences I also read local lad Roy Castle's bittersweet autobiography. Roy, a non-smoker all his life, died slowly and bravely of lung cancer. He and his family were convinced this was caused by the years he spent as a trumpeter, breathing deep lungfuls of smoky air in clubs and pubs around the country.
These days I spend my time worrying about the effects of second-hand smoke on Eldest Daughter, who has a part-time job in a pub and comes home smelling horribly smokey.
As for the T.V. adverts aimed at kids, I've always been against them, whether they're peddling burgers, bikes, big bags of sweets or the latest brand-name sports gear
Never underestimate the power of advertising. After all, many adverts have all the drama and humour of the best films and a large marketing budget behind them to ensure they can buy the services of the best in the business. These advertising spin-docs have the latest psychology at their fingertips and they're using it to brainwash our kids.
Be afraid, very afraid and keep them away from impressionable hearts and minds (not to mention stomachs) until they've had a chance to grow up.
Vending machines full of rubbish in schools? - well, we survived the day on schools meals and drinks of water. I'd love to see machines full of fresh fruit, nuts, chilled spring water and fruit juice in our schools, but given the perishable nature of these goods we've probably got a long wait ahead.
Yes, I know the argument that if they're banned in school the kids will just buy their snacks at the local shops on the way home but in the meantime they might eat the apple in their lunchbox. And that'd be one step closer to the five-a-day portions of fresh fruit and vegetables currently recommended to stay healthy.
So call me 'Mary Poppins' if you like - it's a price I'll willingly pay to be smoke, advert and vending machine free.
