Callers react to pub garden smoking ban plan | LBC

Summary

The transcript discusses the high taxes on cigarettes in the UK compared to Croatia, arguing that the tax revenue does not necessarily benefit the NHS. The conversation touches on the health risks of smoking, littering issues, and the responsibility of publicans to maintain cleanliness. It also debates the government's role in public health, suggesting a broader approach to harmful substances like alcohol and sugar, rather than focusing solely on smoking. The retired GP emphasizes the severe health consequences of smoking, with a significant number of smokers dying from smoking-related diseases.

Takeaways

• 💡 The price difference for cigarettes between Croatia and the UK is primarily due to tax, not manufacturing costs.
• 🚬 The high taxes on cigarettes in the UK are claimed to support the NHS, but the speaker questions whether it directly benefits the health service.
• 💸 The speaker argues that the tax revenue from cigarettes might be more than the healthcare costs they impose, suggesting smokers indirectly subsidize the NHS.
• 🤔 The speaker expresses sympathy for smokers struggling with addiction but also resents the litter they create.
• 🍺 The discussion extends to other public health issues like alcohol and sugar consumption, which also have significant impacts on the NHS.
• 🏖️ The speaker describes the littering behavior of smokers in public places, such as beer gardens and beaches, as 'disgusting'.
• 🚭 A suggestion is made to designate smoking areas in public places to mitigate the littering issue.
• 🚭 The speaker is not in favor of an outright ban on smoking in outdoor venues but acknowledges the rationale behind such measures.
• 🍹 The conversation highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to public health, addressing not just smoking but also alcohol and junk food.
• 👨‍⚕️ A retired GP emphasizes the high mortality rate among smokers, with 50% of them dying from smoking-related illnesses.

Q & A

How much can one save by purchasing cigarettes in Croatia compared to the UK, according to the speaker?

The speaker indicates that a packet of cigarettes costs five Kuna in Croatia, which is significantly less than the £17 they would pay in the UK.

What does the speaker believe is the primary reason for the high cost of cigarettes in the UK?

The speaker believes that the high cost is due to taxes, not the actual cost of the product, as the same brand and company are involved.

Does the speaker think the tax revenue from cigarettes goes directly to the NHS?

No, the speaker clarifies that while the tax revenue goes to the government, it does not necessarily go directly to the NHS.

What is the speaker's personal stance on smoking?

The speaker is a smoker who wishes they weren't and has tried to quit multiple times, acknowledging their addiction.

How does the speaker feel about the littering caused by cigarette butts?

The speaker expresses strong resentment towards the littering caused by cigarette butts, citing examples such as beer gardens and beaches.

What solution does the speaker propose for the issue of cigarette butts in beer gardens?

The speaker suggests designating a specific area of the beer garden for smokers, so that non-smokers can occupy the rest of the space.

What is the speaker's opinion on banning smoking outright in outdoor venues?

The speaker is not in favor of an outright ban but believes in providing alternatives and considering broader public health discussions, including alcohol and junk food.

What does the retired GP mention about the health risks of smoking?

The retired GP states that out of 100 smokers, 50 will die as a direct result of their smoking habit, indicating a significant health risk.

What is the speaker's view on the government's role in regulating smoking and other health risks?

The speaker believes that if the government is going to regulate smoking, it should also address other health risks like alcohol and junk food in a comprehensive manner.

What is the speaker's opinion on personal freedom regarding lifestyle choices like smoking?

The speaker values personal freedom and does not want everyone to be treated as if they are automatons, suggesting a nuanced view on lifestyle choices.

What is the speaker's stance on the argument that smokers subsidize the NHS through taxes?

The speaker disagrees with the argument, stating that the taxes paid by smokers do not necessarily benefit the NHS and that the health costs of smoking outweigh the tax revenue.

Outlines

00:00

🚬 Smoking and Taxation: A Personal Perspective

The speaker begins by sharing a personal experience of the significant price difference for cigarettes in Croatia compared to the UK, highlighting the impact of taxation. They argue that while taxes on cigarettes are high, the funds do not necessarily go directly to the NHS but to the government. The speaker, a smoker, expresses a desire to quit and acknowledges the health risks associated with smoking. They also discuss the economic argument that the taxes paid by smokers outweigh the costs to the NHS, suggesting that the NHS would be worse off without smokers. The speaker also touches on the social aspect of smoking, expressing frustration with littering by smokers and suggesting designated areas for smokers in public places.

05:01

🍺 Public Health and Personal Freedom: A Debate

This paragraph continues the discussion on public health, focusing on the broader context beyond smoking. The speaker argues for a comprehensive approach to public health issues, mentioning alcohol and sugar consumption as examples of behaviors that also negatively impact health and the NHS. They advocate for consistency in addressing public health concerns, suggesting that if measures are taken against smoking, similar actions should be considered for alcohol and junk food. The speaker also brings up the cultural aspect of smoking, using Cuba as an example, and emphasizes the importance of personal freedom. A retired GP contributes by sharing a statistic that 50% of smokers will die prematurely due to their habit, reinforcing the health risks. The conversation concludes with a debate on the possibility of banning cigarettes completely, with the speaker expressing support for measures to reduce smoking but also acknowledging the complexity of the issue.

Keywords

💡Cigarette Tax

Cigarette tax refers to the excise taxes imposed on the sale of cigarettes. In the video, the speaker discusses the significant price difference of cigarettes in Croatia versus the UK, attributing this primarily to the tax. The tax is highlighted as a means to fund government services, though not necessarily earmarked for the NHS, which is a common misconception. The script illustrates this by comparing the low cost of cigarettes in Croatia to the high cost in the UK, where taxes are much higher.

💡NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) is the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. The script mentions the NHS in the context of the costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses. The speaker argues that the tax revenue from cigarettes might not directly fund the NHS but is still a source of government income, which could indirectly support healthcare services.

💡Smoking Addiction

Smoking addiction is a term used to describe the physical and psychological dependence on nicotine, a component in cigarettes. The script includes a personal account from the speaker who identifies as a smoker and expresses a desire to quit, indicating the struggle with addiction. This concept is central to the discussion on smoking, as it relates to both personal health choices and public health policy.

💡Littering

Littering refers to the act of improperly disposing of waste, such as cigarette butts, in public spaces. The script describes the littering caused by smokers, particularly in beer gardens and beaches, which the speaker finds upsetting. This keyword is tied to the broader theme of public health and environmental concerns associated with smoking.

💡Public Health

Public health encompasses the measures taken to protect the health of the population at large. The video script discusses public health in the context of smoking, highlighting the negative impacts on both individual smokers and society. The speaker argues for a comprehensive approach to public health that addresses not only smoking but also other harmful behaviors like alcohol consumption and junk food intake.

💡Alcohol

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that, when consumed in excess, can lead to health problems. In the script, alcohol is mentioned as a comparison to smoking, with the speaker noting that alcohol consumption also has negative health impacts and contributes to preventable deaths and NHS costs. This keyword is used to argue for a balanced approach to public health policies that consider a range of harmful substances, not just tobacco.

💡Sugar Consumption

Sugar consumption refers to the intake of sugar, which can contribute to obesity and other health issues. The script briefly touches on sugar as another example of a public health concern that is not being targeted as strictly as smoking. This keyword is used to emphasize the need for a holistic approach to public health policy that addresses multiple risk factors.

💡Nanny State

A nanny state is a term used to describe a government that is overly protective or interfering in people's lives, often in the name of public health or safety. The script mentions the concept of a nanny state in the context of potential bans on smoking in outdoor venues. The speaker argues against the idea of a nanny state, suggesting that individuals should be free to make their own choices, even if they are harmful.

💡Freedom of Choice

Freedom of choice is the ability of individuals to make decisions for themselves without undue interference from authority. The script discusses the importance of freedom of choice in the context of smoking, with the speaker advocating for individual autonomy and against overly restrictive regulations. This keyword is central to the debate on the role of government in regulating personal behaviors for public health reasons.

💡Carcinogens

Carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer. The script mentions carcinogens, specifically the chemical compound benzo[a]pyrene (benzine), which is found in cigarette smoke. This keyword is used to highlight the health risks associated with smoking and to support arguments for stricter regulations or public awareness campaigns.

💡Chemical Compounds

Chemical compounds are substances formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together. The script refers to the thousands of different compounds present in cigarette smoke, some of which are known to be harmful or carcinogenic. This keyword is used to emphasize the complexity of cigarette smoke and the potential for multiple health risks associated with smoking.

Highlights

The price difference for a packet of cigarettes between Croatia and the UK is due to tax, not manufacturing costs.

Tax revenue from cigarettes does not necessarily go to the NHS, despite popular belief.

The tax paid on cigarettes outweighs the NHS costs associated with smoking-related illnesses.

The argument that smokers cost the government and NHS more money is debunked.

The speaker, a smoker, expresses a desire to quit smoking.

Cigarette smoke contains harmful compounds, including carcinogens.

The discussion includes the negative impact of smoking on public health and littering.

The suggestion that a designated smoking area in beer gardens could reduce litter.

The idea that public health discussions should not focus solely on smoking but also on alcohol and sugar consumption.

The speaker's concern about the littering habits of smokers, particularly in public places like beaches.

The responsibility of pub owners to maintain cleanliness in their establishments.

The potential for a ban on smoking in outdoor venues and the speaker's mixed feelings about such a measure.

The comparison of the health risks associated with smoking to those of alcohol and sugar consumption.

The speaker's belief in personal freedom and the importance of not treating people like 'automatons'.

The retired GP's point that 50% of smokers will die as a direct result of their habit.

The presence of the carcinogen 'Fenine' in cigarette smoke, explained with a chemistry background.

The potential benefits of starting to drink alcohol later in life, according to some studies.

Transcripts

my wife is Croatian I've just been out

into Croatia uh just come back a few

days ago I can buy a packet of M or what

won't mention a name but I can buy a

packet of cigarettes out in in in

Croatia for

five5 um I could pay the same over here

for

£17 now that difference is just purely

tax it's got nothing to do with that

it's the same same company same brand

same everything it's just purely tax now

all that money is going to the NHS well

to to the government in tax yeah it's

not necessarily going to the NHS is it

it's going to the government but not

necessarily to the NHS no but if you

consider the amount of tax that is being

paid on those cigarettes to the amount

that costs the NHS um for treatment and

as your previous caller was saying smok

I'm a smoker and I wish I wasn't to be

perfectly honest I try to give up God

know how many times um um but I'm weak

world and i' I've s succumbed to it over

many many years and um but if you add up

the amount that is paid in tax to

compared to the amount that is um uh on

abundance to the NHS for smokers smokers

completely outweigh the amount that is

paid to the amount they cost so when you

bring up this argument of oh it cost it

cost the government more money and it

cost the NHS more money that is a load

of rubbish that is just using tactics

and using figures to twist in whichever

they will to make it to their advantage

it is not a saving to the NH the NHS

would be in a worse state if there

weren't smokers because the amount of

tax that comes into the government that

they can use towards the nhhs wouldn't

be there I'm trying to feel sympathetic

towards smokers who are obviously

addicted so that's one side of the coin

but the other side of the coin is my

parents used to smoke and I used to

remind them that there were dogs in

Laboratories having cigarettes stuffed

up their nose uh to prove whether

smoking gives you a cancer or not and we

know that it does and apart from all of

that I I just resent the litter that is

produced by smokers I was saying to your

um colleague that you go to um a a beer

garden there are cigarette butts all

underneath the table if I had a little

toddler who wanted to walk around I

would not want them to walk around in

that environment so I would avoid it you

get cigarette butts stuffed down the

cracks between the tables um I mean I'm

really it really upsets me and you go to

the beach people smoke and bury their

cigarettes in the sand it's just

disgusting litter Heather with regards

but with regards to the Beer Garden and

cigarette butts littering the place I

mean that's on the Publican isn't it

that's on the owner of the uh of the pub

for not cleaning the place up

sufficiently well actually you're

probably right but on the other hand

they probably wouldn't come out in the

evening while people are enjoying their

drinks and sweep up around their feet so

you just come to the table after the

person before you has smoked and left

their their cigarette butts um I I guess

that's how it operates what would you

say if they said uh we're going to

reserve one particular area of the beer

garden for smokers and everybody

everyone all the nonsmokers can occupy

the rest of it yeah I think that would

suit me just fine and then they can you

know live in their own litter for good

mistake all right so you're not kill

themselves while they're doing it you're

not vigorously embracing K st's proposal

then to ban it out right in outdoor

venues um I guess I'm not if there's a

good alternative to people like me um

equally I'm not totally again K sta

because what he says makes sense I don't

think it's being a nanny State I think

some people just cannot think wisely for

themselves like junk food fizzy drinks

all of that we all know what the um data

is on that and so why do they keep on

killing themselves yeah well that's

exactly my point uh that this is not

just about smoking or shouldn't be in

terms of a public health discussion uh

because there are those figures that we

were citing earlier about the negative

consequences of alcohol in terms of the

impact that it has uh on the NHS with a

number of preventable deaths that are

caused by alcohol and things like the

consumption of sugar that directly leads

to Public Health outcomes to me I don't

know what the great man would have said

Winston Winston Churchill he's like a

cigar now again but this myth about uh

smoking cost and the money it's the uh

smokers actually subsidize the National

Health they have charged huge 20 for 10

for a packet of 20 cigarettes and

there's other they just seem to be as

you pointed out to just to be singled

out it should be a broad broad cover

where you've got uh alcohol is just

promoted come and get you you 100 years

alcohol whatever well people drink they

got lots of people who in in in in in

hospital uh for for alcohol related

illnesses you've got sugar obesity that

I heard of none of those being targeted

nothing about the junk food that you

pointed out it just seemed to be sort of

if you're going to do it do it for

everyone do it I mean if you go to Cuba

you've got 90 year olds where my mom's

from we've cigars in their mouth you

know what I mean it's like we're just

we're not free we are we can't all just

go around as if we're automatons you

know everyone just going around

nonsmokers that's it you know life is is

not like that we need to be free free

you see me I said Winston is your

position that they should either do

everything or do nothing do I agree with

what you're saying they should do as I

agree I absolutely agree with that

statement they should do everything or

do nothing retired GP just to make very

important point for all smokers so could

they please listen carefully I do spread

this uh knowledge locally and some folk

are really Shattered by it right uh it

is a fact that if you take a 100 smokers

uh 50 of them will actually die as a

direct result of their habit in other

words one in two smokers will perish

early because they

smoke well that is and I don't think I'm

I'm pushing back against that at all

David because that's that's that's a

fact literature okay and on reflection

asly I think it's probably 5 years old

and I have a feeling that the latest

figures are even worse so but but but in

that case would you not favor a

government going even further and simply

saying this is so bad for everybody we

should ban cigarettes completely well I

don't know whether in fact we could

possibly do that yet but I mean what the

prime minister is doing um you know is

um is something which I certainly um uh

very much in favor of um and I I think

it's um fine to push the point that

basically uh you know cigarette smoke is

is basically a killer it it contains

many thousand of different compounds

some of which are known carcinogens now

with my chemistry background in addition

to Medicine um I will mention one

substance to you most folk will have

never heard of it but it is in fact

fenine fenine is a poly cyclic

hydrocarbon and for the chemists that

listening um they probably know this

already but it's um you go Benzene is

one uh six-membered ring uh napthalene

is two six-membered rings side by side

and fenine has three rings but the third

ring is slightly out of it's not in a

straight line with the other two there's

the boring bit of chemistry for you okay

but it is a carcinogen and it's is

present in cigarette smoke and where do

you stand on alcohol David well believe

it or not I I find this difficult to

mention but I will just mention it I

have read something on the Internet this

is tends to be some American stuff but

I'm not quite sure whether this

particular issue is American but

apparently if you take the essential

title of the article which attracted my

attention is if you if you start

regularly um uh drinking um at the age

of 60 and onwards then you there is

evidence already that in fact does lead

to a shorter life yes no no absolutely

no question about that