Spotted this in the Times yesterday. Smoking is to be banned on boats and ships in British waters, the Government said. Douglas Alexander, the Transport Secretary, said that he plans to extend the ban on smoking in public places to the nation's waterways. Smoking in enclosed workplaces, public places and vehicles on land will be banned from July 1. In a written statement to MPs, Mr Alexander said: "I now intend to introduce similar provisions to provide protection from second-hand smoke for people on vessels at sea and on inland waterways." Sailors and passengers will still be allowed to smoke in their cabins. Mr Alexander said that the ban would be enforced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Flouting it would lead to similar penalties to those for smoking on dry land.
I can't quite see how they are going to enforce this on the canals. They aren't going to pay for smoking wardens to stand at every lock, and I don't think the technology is there yet for a "Fag Camera" to take your picture as you pass it. Another piece of unenforceable nonsense from our caring sharing government. Terry Streeter NB Arun - Greenford
