Query about the smoking ban.

[sahmtotwo]

We live in a block of 4 flats. Three of the residents smoke, they congregate at the top of the stairs and puff away. When they are out there their youngest kids are running around and screaming and shouting, they seem to have no volume control. Even though they open the windows there is still a smell of smoke and if it is a breezy day it always seems to creep into our flat. In winter it's horrible 'cos the windows aren't open as much. Oh! and when they have guests there always seems to be loads of fag butts on the ground around the front door where they just flick them out.

Now with this smoking ban coming into place on July 1st will they still be able to do this? There is a chap who comes once a week to clean the area for about half hour so it is his work place then.

Please can someone tell me that the ban will affect them and they won't be able to smoke out there.

I think you are probably out of luck.

i dont think they will be able to do this anymore. my freind had workmen in doing her windows and they informed her that she couldnt smoke in her own house while they were there! surely smoking is not allowed in enclosed areas at all???

The stairwell is a public part of the building so I don't think they can.

Couldn't you just sneak out one night and stick loads of no-smoking signs on the stairwell? With any luck they will think your landlord has done it and stop!

I dont think they will be able to, its still a public place that a non-smoker has to share, I dont think they are lapse with the rules, even bush shelters will be non smoking.

I thought the July ban was in all enclosed public spaces, the workplace ban came in already in January. TBH I'm not sure that what you describe is a public space or the cleaners work place either. I can't imagine that you would be able to persuade anyone official to enforce the ban either, and, even if you did, wouldn't it get your neighbours' backs up?

I think diplomacy is your best option. Explain that the smoke gets into your flat and ask if they can think of anywhere else that would be convenient for them to smoke. Obviously they don't like having smoke in their flats either or they wouldn't bother going outside. Also, a heavy, lined curtain over the front door of your flat should help loads with both the noise and the smell.

I do feel for you as the people who live below us smoke on their balcony and I have to shut the windows on that side when they are out there.

our train station platforms are non smoking!

Thanks for all the replies it's much appreciated.

Bran I have been scouring Freecycle for a curtain that will fit but no luck so far. Also it's the noise they make when out there. It is horrendous as everything echo's around the well. I have mentioned the smell/mess several times but it is like water off a ducks back to them.

I think a quick email to the Housing Association to try and clarify the sittuation is in order.

Thanks again.

I think you will find that this is a public place and therefore they will not be allowed to smoke there. I wish this ban would extend to the streets - I know it can't but I just hate walking behind someone in the street smoking and it blows back into my face . Perhaps it is because I am an ex-smoker - they are the worst I hear!!!!

Got a reply to my email today from the HA. They say that the stairwells are public spaces and the ban will affect them. They will be letting everyone know and putting up no smoking signs. Woohoo!!!

The only thing I am concerned about is how will they police this. But I will cross that bridge when it arises.

There's already a smoking ban in Scotland and Wales, and a freephone telephone number was advertised for people to "shop" smokers..so there'd be a way of making sure it was policed. You could also report them to the housing association if there's a problems.

MAMHAF THE THING i WORRY ABOUT IS i AM THE ONLY NON SMOKER SO IF i COMPLAIN THEY WILL KNOW WHO DID AND i WANT TO KEEP ON MY NEIGHBOURS GOOD SIDES. Ooops! sorry caps