Smoking Ban Effective July 15th...

...I guess that's today!!

I see that Couples resorts has made an announcement that, effective today, guests are no longer allowed to smoke in their bars, restaurants, rooms...and even balconies. Which I think is nuts considering the law reads "enclosed" areas, and I wouldn't consider a balcony to be an enclosed space.

Since it seems this new law is far reaching and includes all "enclosed places" including bars and nightclubs, will other hotels in Negril also be banning smoking as well?

Will this be one of those laws that are rarely enforced?

I seriously doubt it will be made a rule in all the other hotels...there is too much competition for guests to have rules like that .imo anyway.

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Originally Posted by biggbxguy

I seriously doubt it will be made a rule in all the other hotels...there is too much competition for guests to have rules like that .imo anyway.

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http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...king--campaign

This ban is island wide. However, it will start being enforced in stages (i.e. public transportation, restaurants, bars, larger hotels etc.) but one day soon, it will be enforced everywhere (or so it is planned).

Personally, I am a non-tobacco smoker so I appreciate not having to breathe second hand smoke. Plenty of space to smoke outside. Banning it on the balconies is a bit of a stretch but, why not?

To a smoker, "The world is their ashtray". :p

Peace and Guidance

Another thing I don't understand....why the ban on e-cigarettes and vaporizers as well?? They are "healthier" than cigarettes in that you don't inhale the tar associated with burning tobacco (It's the tar that causes cancer and other lung-related ailments, not the nicotine.) In addition, no one is subjected to second hand smoke or the smell associated with cigarettes or ganja. Seems to me that people should be encouraging the use of these devices rather than banning them along with smoking.

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Originally Posted by Muck

Another thing I don't understand....why the ban on e-cigarettes and vaporizers as well?? They are "healthier" than cigarettes in that you don't inhale the tar associated with burning tobacco (It's the tar that causes cancer and other lung-related ailments, not the nicotine.) In addition, no one is subjected to second hand smoke or the smell associated with cigarettes or ganja. Seems to me that people should be encouraging the use of these devices rather than banning them along with smoking.

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Where did it say anyone was banning "e-cigarettes and vaporizers" in public places? Did I miss that somewhere? Should they be banned, I think so. Saying "They are healthier than cigarettes" is like saying "stabbings are less fatal than shootings".

True, no one is subjected to second hand smoke or the smell but these e-cigarettes do contain some cancer causing carcinogens along with nicotine.

Seems like a bad idea to encourage their usage.

Peace and Guidance

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Originally Posted by Accompong

Where did it say anyone was banning "e-cigarettes and vaporizers" in public places? Did I miss that somewhere? Should they be banned, I think so. Saying "They are healthier than cigarettes" is like saying "stabbings are less fatal than shootings".

True, no one is subjected to second hand smoke or the smell but these e-cigarettes do contain some cancer causing carcinogens along with nicotine.

Seems like a bad idea to encourage their usage.

Peace and Guidance

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Here is a study that says there are NO carcinogens present in the vapor from e cigarettes:

"Moreover, there are approximately 56 other carcinogens that have been identified to be present at high levels in tobacco smoke, while there are no other carcinogens that have been identified to be present in electronic cigarettes. "

Granted, he does say that there still needs to be further study on the health effects, but as of now, e cigarettes are no more harmful than nicotine patches or gum.

http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/...omparison.html

Smoking in restaurants is probably the only thing I seriously dislike on my JA trips. I am so glad to see this law passed.

If they could get the less polite smokers to stop leaving their butts on the beach, that would be fantastic...

As a smoker here is my two-cents..lol..I totally agree smoking should be banned in an "enclosed" restaurant or bar. I see no problem with an "open air" restaurant or bar allowing smoking..I also agree with the comment about the beach. Smoking should be allowed, I smoke on the beach but I do dispose of all my butts and usually clean up others messes also, along with plastic cups, styrofoam dinner boxes and black plastic bags...

Second hand smoke does not go away just because an area is not enclosed. I have had to sit next to people on the beach that are smoking and it is every bit as annoying (and dangerous) as sitting next to them in a restaurant or any other enclosed place. The same goes for balconies where I have had to endure the wafting smoke from nearby. It is a quality of life issue and slowly but surely the world is catching on.

For some reason, most smokers think that it is socially acceptable to litter the world with their butts. On the other hand, it is not socially acceptable to litter with cups, bags or food containers. It is very noble to clean up the latter but I don't think it has anything to do with the bigger issue that smokers have created. Accompong said it best: To a smoker, "The world is their ashtray".

But it's O/K to burn the sugar cane that the smoke travels to the whole island,right?

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Originally Posted by Lax1724

Second hand smoke does not go away just because an area is not enclosed. I have had to sit next to people on the beach that are smoking and it is every bit as annoying (and dangerous) as sitting next to them in a restaurant or any other enclosed place. The same goes for balconies where I have had to endure the wafting smoke from nearby. It is a quality of life issue and slowly but surely the world is catching on.

For some reason, most smokers think that it is socially acceptable to litter the world with their butts. On the other hand, it is not socially acceptable to litter with cups, bags or food containers. It is very noble to clean up the latter but I don't think it has anything to do with the bigger issue that smokers have created. Accompong said it best: To a smoker, "The world is their ashtray".

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I disagree. Smoke outside will dissipate, whereas smoke indoors will hang around due the enclosed space.

My allergies act up when someone walks by wearing lots of perfume or cologne. Should we ban perfume and cologne because it can trigger an allergic reaction in me? Can we also shut down the jerk vendors on the beach? Because as you probably know there are many carcinogens in burning charcoal (not to mention that some people are also allergic to smoke from charcoal grills and woodburning fires)? While we're at it, let's euthanize all the dogs on the beach because they may carry worms or parasites.

Or maybe sometimes we just need to put up with, or "endure" (as you say) things we are offended by or things that might not be healthy. Because, believe it or not, you might occasionally do something that will offend someone else...maybe without even realizing it. Do you drive a car with a gas engine? Do you ever bbq? Have you ever built a bonfire in your backyard? Have you ever cooked authentic Indian cuisine with an open window facing your next door neighbor?

I don't have a problem with keeping smoking outside of enclosed spaces, but I don't consider a balcony an enclosed space. It will be interesting to see how vigorously this new law/policy will be enforced.

And smokers....PICK UP YOUR BUTTS!!!!!! The world is NOT your ash tray.

This will probably go away as the Starbucks smoking ban has where I live. I frequent a business next to a Starbucks & was thrilled when the smoking ban went into effect. Was in Negril for a month plus & just went there today. Smokers are back, ignoring the ban & polluting the business I frequent as their outdoor tables are right next to the door. Ugh! This is from a former smoker. Laws of any sort will only be followed if people have respect for the law & for others who may be impacted by their behavior whatever it is... smoking, speeding, you name it.

I hope I'm at the Pelican Bar when the smoking police sneak up in scuba gear!

[QUOTE=Lax1724;101400]Second hand smoke does not go away just because an area is not enclosed. I have had to sit next to people on the beach that are smoking and it is every bit as annoying (and dangerous) as sitting next to them in a restaurant or any other enclosed place. The same goes for balconies where I have had to endure the wafting smoke from nearby. It is a quality of life issue and slowly but surely the world is catching on.

So don't sit next to smokers on the beach....Its a BIG beach. Personally I prefer to smoke on the balcony rather than in the room. I guess I will have to start asking rather smoking is allowed on an "outdoor" balcony before I book in the future.

Having stayed at Couples many times I see more "guest" enforcement than staff. The hard working folks sure aren't going to PO guests and risk a bad review on the exit form. I say this because the resorts history of doing little to nothing about large out of control groups that take over facilities and make it impossible for others to have a spot there without their out of control acts.

I smoke,and would go with whatever rules exist, but I see others spending their vacations being the smoking cops with the recent changes. Oh...BTW I have NEVER seen ganja policed there.

i have been an on and off smoker for a long time. i totally get not smoking in enclosed spaces. also i DO NOT leave butts on the beach but nonsmokers who freak out about second hand smoke kinda bug me, especially as they sit in their idling cars. whether we like it or not we all contribute to air pollution in some way or another.

cigarettes are just obvious and don't smell great.

Just out of curiosity, does Canada have the same sort of draconian laws against smoking that we have in the US? It is my perception that the Canadians are more aggravated by this than Americans... The discussion about this is less than civilized on some other boards.

We have had this ban for years .....way before the States did......I was a smoker and have not smoked for a few years now but...I will say that non smoking people can get pretty ridiculous at times...as I witnessed when I was in a football field with about 50 other people and the one standing next to me said I shouldn't smoke because it was bothering them....I suggested that they move since I had been smoking when they chose to stand beside me and there was a whole field available to them ....(I was standing away from the other people at the time.)....I think it takes just a little common sense on both parts.

I'm a non smoker, and would prefer no smoking in a restaurant. Outside, I don't much care, unless someone is right in top of me. On some other boards I frequent, I would say the hostility is pretty much evenly divided (smokers vs non) and it's turning into a ridiculous argument.

In all honesty, I see nothing coming from this for tourists, except maybe an end to smoking in jamaican restaurants. I think some folks just look for a chance to argue or make outrageous statements on the Internet. Really, for the US and Canadian citizens (thanks for education, Robin) it is really no different than at home...

The debate I believe, mostly comes from people who think Jamaica is one big beach offering open air restaurants....this is all lovely & fine, for the major tourist areas but much of the population of the rest of Jamaica lives with buildings designed as government offices, hospitals, enclosed restaurants & bars, air conditioned stores, etc....with over a third of the population living in Kingston alone, this is a greater concern in Kingston & more in the city centres around Jamaica. The law does need to be defined more for tourist areas, patio areas etc...but it was designed with the most effected areas of the island in mind.

Bnewb, when reading the Gleaner online i have seen several requests for the government to define the conditions of this change. Seeing nothing come forth. Couples adopted their version of the new law. It is what it is. Folks will make their decisions on travel from what is known.

Enclosed public spaces is such a vague term some guidance should have been specified. I guess it is if it has a roof you can't smoke.

For smokers it would seem to now be Jamaica...some problem mon.

LBR...that's why I said the law needs to be defined more for tourist areas, patio areas etc.
As happened with my old hometown....the government has chosen to give warnings out until everyone gets a handle on this new law and also I'm sure to become more definitive in their interpretation of the law. :)

Lisa, after posting I went to the Couples message board for their latest take on the subject and they have backed off the no smoking on the room patio or balcony.

I couldn't agree with you more with the Government needing to define the law further.

Interesting...thanks for the info LBR!

This law is for revenue generation. Come on, with all the issues in Jamaica this should be way down the list of priorities!

I appreciate the no-smoking bans. Because of an auto-immune disease, I have to use supplemental oxygen to breathe. Second hand smoke, whether on a beach, an open air restaurant, anywhere, makes me have to make a quick "exit". It ruins my experience, and endangers my health. I would like to continue to breathe, and be able to visit Negril, until I'm below ground, but I don't want it hastened by second hand smoke.

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Originally Posted by kmon

I appreciate the no-smoking bans. Because of an auto-immune disease, I have to use supplemental oxygen to breathe. Second hand smoke, whether on a beach, an open air restaurant, anywhere, makes me have to make a quick "exit". It ruins my experience, and endangers my health. I would like to continue to breathe, and be able to visit Negril, until I'm below ground, but I don't want it hastened by second hand smoke.

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Sorry to hear about your condition. Do you have the same issue with bon fires and charcoal burning grills?

Yes, any noxious smoke such as bon fires and charcoal burning grills are not good for me to inhale.

i,cough cough..don't know cough cough cough why governerments are cough hack hack..sticking their cough hack.in our business cough cough..ork ork..spit yellow sludge

Here is what I have learned on this thread:

1. Smokers rarely if ever litter by tossing their cigarette butt out the window or on the beach. However, they do regularly pick up other trash that they come across.
2. The harmful effects of cigarette smoke (including second hand) is no different than burning sugar cane, charcoal and bon fires.
3. The surgeon general's findings about smoking are not nearly as valid as those that have been provided by the good folks at the tabaco companies.

ya mon, i agree, soon come

Hello Lax, fact is I pick up cigarette butts on my beach for exercise lol. Daily I find no less than 1-2dz butts!
I look at it as a love law. We love you now quit smoking! Also smoke lingers in rooms, so much work to "un smoke " a room. Drapes have to be washed etc..
So now that the ban is in effect I will have to do some alternate exercise hopefully.

I'M a non smoker but love the sweet smell of pot and drool at the smell of charcoal and wood fires. I love the aroma of most pipe tobacco. Incense is probably unhealthy as well but adds a pleasurable dimension to a room. I will avoid anyone who has just finished a cigarette and get annoyed when a waft of cigarette smoke floats by my dining table even on a terrace. Ignoring the obvious health issues cigarettes just smell really bad. So please if you have a need to smoke in front of me .....make it a sub. Thank you for not smoking cigarettes!

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Originally Posted by goldilocks

This law is for revenue generation. Come on, with all the issues in Jamaica this should be way down the list of priorities!

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Goldilocks,

While this may be your opinion, the Jamaican Health Minister Dr. Ferguson has a different take on it, including counseling:

" Ferguson urges smokers to respect rights of others

Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson has said he is willing to look at the possibility of allowing businesses, especially in the tourist industry, to have a special area outdoors to facilitate smokers.


Speaking on the Jamaica Information Service programme 'Issues and Answers' on Thursday, he was clear about not allowing smoking rooms.


"The evidence is clear that smoking kills. The evidence is clear that passive smoking kills. So, to put 10 to 15 persons in this room, what you are essentially setting up is a death chamber, because you now have concentration of smoking," he said.


NOT A WHOLESALE BAN


He pointed out that the new anti-smoking regulations are not a wholesale ban on smoking. "What we want to define is that once it (smoking) is going to impinge on someone else's right, then the ban chips in. So, in essence, if you want the right to smoke, do it where you do not affect the public in general," he said.


Ferguson said he was not averse to having a second look at the penalties for breaking the ban, to include mandatory counselling for offenders.


"I know some persons are a little worried about the fines, and even conviction. My thing is not about sending anyone to prison. So, probably we might need to look, in revisiting, at some kind of mandatory counselling sessions, because cigarette smoking is an addiction, and to that extent, it oftentimes require professional help," he said."


http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2...ead/lead5.html

All of this seems like a rather common sense approach to a well known health hazard...

Will the smoking lounge at MBJ close because of this?

It will be interesting next April to see how all of this is playing out.

More interesting news about how the smoking ban will be playing out, especially for the tourism areas...

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/article.php?id=46614

It will be nice when cigs are a thing of the past. They stink. period.

Boardies,
The last day we were in Negril, we were told that the Jamaican government had instituted a really strict smoking ban.. No smoking in any public place - including the open air restaurants like the one we ate at at Fun Holiday.. Milton (the manager at Fun Holiday) indicated that the hotel can be fined for allowing folks to smoke in "public" places! He said they may even start to stop people from smoking in the streets or on the beach.. Maybe Rob can clarify some of this.. We also heard an add on the radio on our way back to the airport that talked about the ban.. I like a cigar when I am on vacation... I am not thrilled about this - I just hope they enforce this in the same way they enforce the "other" smoking laws!