Smokers who spark up should have some self-awareness

HEALTH: Smokers urged to be more wary of where they light up

It will be interesting to see this week if Dundee City Council vote through measures to make playparks designated smoke-free areas, as it has long been a divisive subject.

In Fife the council said it would consider such a move but there appears to be no immediate plans to formalise anything, although it has reaffirmed its support for Scotland’s Charter for a tobacco-free generation.

What good will no smoking signs or a polite “request” for people not to light up do if it is not enforceable?

Each to their own but, full disclosure, I detest smoking. I grew up around it, have no doubt had some damage done to me through passive smoking, and it has contributed directly to the deaths of some of my nearest and dearest.

Before I have the smoking brigade banging on the door though, I also have to say that I get it. Aside from being addictive, I understand the social side and the pleasure that can be derived.

Having harped on for years at loved ones to kick the habit, I’m repeatedly told that: “It’s the only pleasure I’ve got”.

Fine, blacken your lungs at your own convenience.

However, councils and health boards should not have to spend cash on signs, warnings or even tannoy announcements – as has been mooted for Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy – to stop people smoking where they should not.

Why should people of any age have the effects of someone’s personal vice inflicted on them? Some smokers, not all, need to have a bit of self-awareness and police themselves.

We can’t expect councils, health boards, shop workers and even Police Scotland to enforce ‘bans’, even if draconian fines – again, as is expected for those smoking within a certain distance from health centres and hospitals later this year – come into force.

Perhaps it’s time for those who ignorantly smoke in places where they should know better to stop being so selfish, and take a minute to think about where they are sparking up.

Similarly, maybe more of us should have the courage to call out the behaviour of those who continually disregard the warning signs that are in place for good reason.

Picture: Kris Miller. Stub it out? A ban on smoking in playparks is being discussed in Dundee.