Discussion
After I carried out both my interview and focus group I have found out that the majority of people have opinions I did not expect. The interviews were surprising as the smoker I interviewed hoped the ban would work and commented:
“I hope that the ban can stretch to the UK soon. This can help people quit and save money…also they’d be healthier.”
My interviews seemed to provide me with answers that were unaffected by the people around them, just the individual respondents opinion. This particular comment reflects that of a report produced on the Action on Smoking and Health website (ASH). They said in their economic arguments that
“Smoke free policies reduce smoking by employees, and are a cost effective way of helping people quit smoking.”
I feel this is a major part of what the ban will achieve, and my respondent also agreed. Smoke free policies can have a positive effect on current smokers and help them achieve their goal of quitting. In 2001 66% of smokers in Britain wanted to quit and both my respondent and previous researchers agree that a ban would have a positive effect on the matter.
As I have said, the current smoker I interviewed hoped a ban would go ahead and work and I found this to be a surprise. It was also strange that the non-smoker was in favour of a compromise believing it unfair to current smokers, saying:
“I think that it’s a bit too harsh. A total ban doesn’t seem fair to smokers.”
This idea reflects that of the Vintners federation who claimed:
“84% of rural bar workers support a compromise on the smoking ban.” (BBC News Online)
The workers are afraid that a loss of trade will follow the ban, and ultimately a loss of jobs. The BBC News website also reported how:
“Around 200 publicans voted overwhelmingly against implementing the ban during a meeting in Co. Kerry.”
This only reinforces my second respondents view that people will think the ban is too harsh. There are two kinds of bar customers. Those who smoke and those who do not, a compromise seems to be a more logical move and 66% of my interview respondents agree with this idea.
The focus group also discussed a compromise. Many people in the group thought that both kinds of customers should be provided for in bars and clubs. One person commented:
“Could better vents and non-smoking area not make both groups happy? Is a compromise not the beat idea? I mean how can people be given free will, then it be taken away at such proportions as a ban would.”
This reflects again on the Vintners Federation. They said:
“Ventilation systems are effective in extracting smoke.”
The Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (FOREST) also agreed stating:
“It is quite possible to accommodate smokers without inconveniencing non-smokers. We recommend designated smoking rooms or… air cleaning equipment…there is no need to ban smoking completely.”
The interview findings were, however, limited as I only spoke to a small number of people and I felt that the questionnaire had a better range of results. The focus group also provided some good discussion points, and I feel that this helped my respondents think the matter out clearly before putting answers into a questionnaire.
In the questionnaire I feel I had an unbiased opinion as 50% were current smokers and 50% current non-smokers. The questionnaire showed the ban was deemed not to work by half of the group and the other half were unsure. No one said it woulr work. To me this seems to show that people believe the government policy is too strict. Of all the people I talked to, in interviews and focus groups, only one out of eleven people hoped a total ban would work. The rest believed the new legislation was too harsh. I agree with this. I understand that many people are dieing from passive smoking each year, but a compromise seems fair to all parties concerned. It is said that 80% of the population smoke. I thought this would of led to a lot of my respondents agreeing to the ban, yet only 9% of my respondents backed the new legislation.
Many reports from Ash, the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) and top doctors have told us the side effects of passive smoking. They are pushing for a total ban alongside the government. I however fell this will only lead to wide spread disruption as bar staff, owners and visitors will not heed the legislation 100%. The legislation seems too inconsiderate towards smokers who have been smoking all their lives. The government need to listen to the people who they are imposing the ban upon. I do think the legislation has strengths, but also weaknesses. A compromise seems, to me, the best solution to provide for everyone. FOREST director Simon Clark commented:
“Companies must be free to choose a policy on smoking that best suits their business, including their workforce.”
I feel he is right. The government cannot class an office, which is used for a business, in the same category as a bar, which is used for socialising. I think the new legislations should have room for smokers’ rights to be included as the government should be thinking of everyone.
Conclusion
I feel that I have found out all I set to discover. From these findings I have then come to a conclusion that the proposed ban in Ireland is n ot a good idea. As my result show, no one truly believed the ban would work for definite, and the majority believed a compromise should be made.
Smokers and non-smokers alike favour the idea of separate areas and ventilation ion bars, and this is backed by the majority of Irelands bar workers. I think the health minister for Ireland needs to reassess the situation and meke amendments to the legislation to include compromise for smokers. I can see how the ban would be good for peoples health, but I believe many people will rebel from the ban. This in turn would cost more to ensure bans are being carried out in public houses and clubs as regular checks would need to be made.
I agree with my findings and the results I have shown. Forest director Simon Clark said:
“There is no need to ban smoking completely”
And I agree. A separate room or area, and installation of ventilation systems seem to be a far better idea to me. Both the needs of the smoker and non smoker need to be addressed, and any further changes to legislation should be devised with both types of customer in mind.
Evaluation of learning
I feel that this assignment was a very enjoyable piece to study. I found it both interesting and challenging. I have gained confidence when carrying out interviews and learned a lot about focus groups. It has been valuable in order to help me develop my people skill and interaction skills on a one to one basis. I also have learned a lot about the many kings of books, articles; newspapers and journals there are to aid research. These new library skills will help me very much in the present and the future.
I however felt that the group work was a little strange at first, but by the end I had made many new friends and begun to have more confidence speaking my mind more. I have gained a lot from this assignment.
Bibliography
Baggot R (2000) Public health; policy and politics. MacMillan Press
Jackson T (1999) Smoking Policies Institute of Personnel and Development
Robson C (2002) Real world Research Blackwell publishing
(2003) Smoking related Behaviour and Attitudes, 2002 Office for National Statistics
(1998) Smoking Kills. A white paper on Tobacco The Stationary Office
Glantz S & Fichtenberg C Effect of smoke-free workplaces on smoking behaviour: systematic review BMJ 2002
http://www.healthpromotionagency.org.uk
http://www.doh.gov.uk/tobacco
http://www.forestonline.org
http://www.ash.org.uk
http://news.bbc.co.uk
http:// www.irishnews.com
Appendix
Appendix 1
12 South Close
Holywood
Co. Down
BT18 9PH
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to request your time for a short interview in relation to a university project I am carrying out. I am currently in Jordanstown studying Social Policy. The assignment I have undertaken is in relation to the proposed smoking ban in Ireland. I would appreciate your time if you can help me.
The interview will be totally confidential and between only myself and my professor. If you do wish to ask any questions you can contact me or my professor at any time. Her name is Bernie Magill and she can be found in room 3ao7 at Jordanstown. You should also be aware you can stop the interview at anytime you wish and are under no obligation to answer the questions. The interview will also be recorded, but only for me to listen to in order to assess all answers, for my project.
I look forward to your reply
C McMillan
Appendix 2
12 South Close
Holywood
Co. Down
BT18 9PH
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to request your time to participate in a small focus group in relation to a university project I am carrying out. I am currently in Jordanstown studying Social Policy. The assignment I have undertaken is in relation to the proposed smoking ban in Ireland. I would appreciate your time if you can help me.
The focus group will be totally confidential and between only myself and my professor. If you do wish to ask any questions you can contact me or my professor at any time. Her name is Bernie Magill and she can be found in room 3ao7 at Jordanstown. There will also be a short questionnaire at the end of the focus group to be completed. This too is confidential.
I look forward to your reply
C McMillan
[email protected]
Appendix 3
This focus group is in order to discuss the upcoming smoking ban in Ireland. The ban is to include all workplaces, and thus include all public bars and clubs. I am interested in your views on the matter and how you feel this may affect you. There is also a short questionnaire to be completed at the end. All of this discussion and the questionnaires will be confidential between me and my professor.
Appendix 4
The purpose of this questionnaire is in order to find out your opinions on the Smoking ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland. You answers will be used in a university assignment and are totally confidential between me and my professor. Please mark your answers clearly.
1. Are you…?
A smoker
A non smoker
An ex-smoker
2. Do people smoke in your work area?
Yes
No
3. Are you bothered by smoke at work?
Yes
No
4. If yes, in what way does this bother you?
The smell
My Breathing
Coughing
Loss of concentration
Long term health effects
5. What do you feel the view on smoking in the workplace should be?
Smoking should be allowed anywhere
There should be no smoking at all
There should be designated areas to smoke in
I am unsure
6. Have you ever had to, or wanted to, move from an area in work because of smoking?
Yes
No
7. Have you ever been off work ill due to passive smoking?
Yes
No
8. Do you view a public bar to have he same problems with smoking as your own job?
Yes
No
Unsure
9. Do you think that the bar works should have the same policies on smoking as office staff?
Yes
No
Unsure
10. Do you feel smoking in public bars and clubs should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
11. Do you feel smoking in restaurants should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
12. Do you feel the smoking ban will work?
Yes, definitely
Yes, for a while
No, not at all
I am unsure
The purpose of this questionnaire is in order to find out your opinions on the Smoking ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland. You answers will be used in a university assignment and are totally confidential between me and my professor. Please mark your answers clearly.
1. Are you…?
A smoker
A non smoker
An ex-smoker
2. Do people smoke in your work area?
Yes
No
3. Are you bothered by smoke at work?
Yes
No
4. If yes, in what way does this bother you?
The smell
My Breathing
Coughing
Loss of concentration
Long term health effects
5. What do you feel the view on smoking in the workplace should be?
Smoking should be allowed anywhere
There should be no smoking at all
There should be designated areas to smoke in
I am unsure
6. Have you ever had to, or wanted to, move from an area in work because of smoking?
Yes
No
7. Have you ever been off work ill due to passive smoking?
Yes
No
8. Do you view a public bar to have he same problems with smoking as your own job?
Yes
No
Unsure
9. Do you think that the bar works should have the same policies on smoking as office staff?
Yes
No
Unsure
10. Do you feel smoking in public bars and clubs should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
11. Do you feel smoking in restaurants should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
12. Do you feel the smoking ban will work?
Yes, definitely
Yes, for a while
No, not at all
I am unsure
The purpose of this questionnaire is in order to find out your opinions on the Smoking ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland. You answers will be used in a university assignment and are totally confidential between me and my professor. Please mark your answers clearly.
1. Are you…?
A smoker
A non smoker
An ex-smoker
2. Do people smoke in your work area?
Yes
No
3. Are you bothered by smoke at work?
Yes
No
4. If yes, in what way does this bother you?
The smell
My Breathing
Coughing
Loss of concentration
Long term health effects
5. What do you feel the view on smoking in the workplace should be?
Smoking should be allowed anywhere
There should be no smoking at all
There should be designated areas to smoke in
I am unsure
6. Have you ever had to, or wanted to, move from an area in work because of smoking?
Yes
No
7. Have you ever been off work ill due to passive smoking?
Yes
No
8. Do you view a public bar to have he same problems with smoking as your own job?
Yes
No
Unsure
9. Do you think that the bar works should have the same policies on smoking as office staff?
Yes
No
Unsure
10. Do you feel smoking in public bars and clubs should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
11. Do you feel smoking in restaurants should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
12. Do you feel the smoking ban will work?
Yes, definitely
Yes, for a while
No, not at all
I am unsure
The purpose of this questionnaire is in order to find out your opinions on the Smoking ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland. You answers will be used in a university assignment and are totally confidential between me and my professor. Please mark your answers clearly.
1. Are you…?
A smoker
A non smoker
An ex-smoker
2. Do people smoke in your work area?
Yes
No
3. Are you bothered by smoke at work?
Yes
No
4. If yes, in what way does this bother you?
The smell
My Breathing
Coughing
Loss of concentration
Long term health effects
5. What do you feel the view on smoking in the workplace should be?
Smoking should be allowed anywhere
There should be no smoking at all
There should be designated areas to smoke in
I am unsure
6. Have you ever had to, or wanted to, move from an area in work because of smoking?
Yes
No
7. Have you ever been off work ill due to passive smoking?
Yes
No
8. Do you view a public bar to have he same problems with smoking as your own job?
Yes
No
Unsure
9. Do you think that the bar works should have the same policies on smoking as office staff?
Yes
No
Unsure
10. Do you feel smoking in public bars and clubs should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
11. Do you feel smoking in restaurants should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
12. Do you feel the smoking ban will work?
Yes, definitely
Yes, for a while
No, not at all
I am unsure
The purpose of this questionnaire is in order to find out your opinions on the Smoking ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland. You answers will be used in a university assignment and are totally confidential between me and my professor. Please mark your answers clearly.
1. Are you…?
A smoker
A non smoker
An ex-smoker
2. Do people smoke in your work area?
Yes
No
3. Are you bothered by smoke at work?
Yes
No
4. If yes, in what way does this bother you?
The smell
My Breathing
Coughing
Loss of concentration
Long term health effects
5. What do you feel the view on smoking in the workplace should be?
Smoking should be allowed anywhere
There should be no smoking at all
There should be designated areas to smoke in
I am unsure
6. Have you ever had to, or wanted to, move from an area in work because of smoking?
Yes
No
7. Have you ever been off work ill due to passive smoking?
Yes
No
8. Do you view a public bar to have he same problems with smoking as your own job?
Yes
No
Unsure
9. Do you think that the bar works should have the same policies on smoking as office staff?
Yes
No
Unsure
10. Do you feel smoking in public bars and clubs should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
11. Do you feel smoking in restaurants should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
12. Do you feel the smoking ban will work?
Yes, definitely
Yes, for a while
No, not at all
I am unsure
The purpose of this questionnaire is in order to find out your opinions on the Smoking ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland. You answers will be used in a university assignment and are totally confidential between me and my professor. Please mark your answers clearly.
1. Are you…?
A smoker
A non smoker
An ex-smoker
2. Do people smoke in your work area?
Yes
No
3. Are you bothered by smoke at work?
Yes
No
4. If yes, in what way does this bother you?
The smell
My Breathing
Coughing
Loss of concentration
Long term health effects
5. What do you feel the view on smoking in the workplace should be?
Smoking should be allowed anywhere
There should be no smoking at all
There should be designated areas to smoke in
I am unsure
6. Have you ever had to, or wanted to, move from an area in work because of smoking?
Yes
No
7. Have you ever been off work ill due to passive smoking?
Yes
No
8. Do you view a public bar to have he same problems with smoking as your own job?
Yes
No
Unsure
9. Do you think that the bar works should have the same policies on smoking as office staff?
Yes
No
Unsure
10. Do you feel smoking in public bars and clubs should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
11. Do you feel smoking in restaurants should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
12. Do you feel the smoking ban will work?
Yes, definitely
Yes, for a while
No, not at all
I am unsure
The purpose of this questionnaire is in order to find out your opinions on the Smoking ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland. You answers will be used in a university assignment and are totally confidential between me and my professor. Please mark your answers clearly.
1. Are you…?
A smoker
A non smoker
An ex-smoker
2. Do people smoke in your work area?
Yes
No
3. Are you bothered by smoke at work?
Yes
No
4. If yes, in what way does this bother you?
The smell
My Breathing
Coughing
Loss of concentration
Long term health effects
5. What do you feel the view on smoking in the workplace should be?
Smoking should be allowed anywhere
There should be no smoking at all
There should be designated areas to smoke in
I am unsure
6. Have you ever had to, or wanted to, move from an area in work because of smoking?
Yes
No
7. Have you ever been off work ill due to passive smoking?
Yes
No
8. Do you view a public bar to have he same problems with smoking as your own job?
Yes
No
Unsure
9. Do you think that the bar works should have the same policies on smoking as office staff?
Yes
No
Unsure
10. Do you feel smoking in public bars and clubs should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
11. Do you feel smoking in restaurants should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
12. Do you feel the smoking ban will work?
Yes, definitely
Yes, for a while
No, not at all
I am unsure
The purpose of this questionnaire is in order to find out your opinions on the Smoking ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland. You answers will be used in a university assignment and are totally confidential between me and my professor. Please mark your answers clearly.
1. Are you…?
A smoker
A non smoker
An ex-smoker
2. Do people smoke in your work area?
Yes
No
3. Are you bothered by smoke at work?
Yes
No
4. If yes, in what way does this bother you?
The smell
My Breathing
Coughing
Loss of concentration
Long term health effects
5. What do you feel the view on smoking in the workplace should be?
Smoking should be allowed anywhere
There should be no smoking at all
There should be designated areas to smoke in
I am unsure
6. Have you ever had to, or wanted to, move from an area in work because of smoking?
Yes
No
7. Have you ever been off work ill due to passive smoking?
Yes
No
8. Do you view a public bar to have he same problems with smoking as your own job?
Yes
No
Unsure
9. Do you think that the bar works should have the same policies on smoking as office staff?
Yes
No
Unsure
10. Do you feel smoking in public bars and clubs should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
11. Do you feel smoking in restaurants should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
12. Do you feel the smoking ban will work?
Yes, definitely
Yes, for a while
No, not at all
I am unsure
The purpose of this questionnaire is in order to find out your opinions on the Smoking ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland. You answers will be used in a university assignment and are totally confidential between me and my professor. Please mark your answers clearly.
1. Are you…?
A smoker
A non smoker
An ex-smoker
2. Do people smoke in your work area?
Yes
No
3. Are you bothered by smoke at work?
Yes
No
4. If yes, in what way does this bother you?
The smell
My Breathing
Coughing
Loss of concentration
Long term health effects
5. What do you feel the view on smoking in the workplace should be?
Smoking should be allowed anywhere
There should be no smoking at all
There should be designated areas to smoke in
I am unsure
6. Have you ever had to, or wanted to, move from an area in work because of smoking?
Yes
No
7. Have you ever been off work ill due to passive smoking?
Yes
No
8. Do you view a public bar to have he same problems with smoking as your own job?
Yes
No
Unsure
9. Do you think that the bar works should have the same policies on smoking as office staff?
Yes
No
Unsure
10. Do you feel smoking in public bars and clubs should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
11. Do you feel smoking in restaurants should be banned completely?
Yes
No
Unsure
12. Do you feel the smoking ban will work?
Yes, definitely
Yes, for a while
No, not at all
I am unsure
Appendix 6
You should no that at any time this interview can be stopped. I am only recording it for my own personal research, and your confidence will be upheld at all times.
- Are you a smoker?
- A you an ex smoker?
- Are you a smoker who wishes to quit?
- Is smoking permitted in your workplace?
- Do you feel the current arrangements, whatever they may be, are satisfactory?
- If your company implicated a total ban how would you feel?
- Do you attend clubs or public houses on a regular occasion?
- When in a public bar how do you tend to feel about the smoke environment?
- Do you feel a UK ban, similar to that commencing in Ireland, would change how many times you went into public bars?
- Do you feel the ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland is a fair policy?
- Do you have any more opinions on the matter?
Appendix 7
You should no that at any time this interview can be stopped. I am only taping it for my own personal research, and your privacy will be upheld at all times. Ready?
Yes!
Are you a smoker?
No
Are you an ex-smoker?
Nope
Are you a smoker who wants to quit?
No
Is smoking permitted in your work?
Yeah, but only in the restbite, that’s our canteen.
Do you feel the current arrangements, whatever they may be, are okay?
Yeh, they seem fine to me. Never really thought bout it before though
If your company implicated a total ban how would you feel?
It wouldn’t bother me, but they did a survey a while back and the results wanted a smoking bit so they just got a new vent and blocked a smoking section off.
Do you attend clubs or bars on a regular occasion?
Ehm…about once or twice a week..depends, yeh I suppose.
When in a public bar how do you tend to feel about the smoke environment?
I never really think about it. [pause] I suppose small areas can be annoyingly clogged up, but I never moan about it, it just seems natural to be there, like normal…
Do you feel a UK ban, similar to that commencing in Ireland, would change how many times you went into public bars?
Ehm [pause] nah not really. I doesn’t bother me so there is no reason it should change anything
Do you feel the ban commencing January 2004 in Ireland is a fair policy?
[pause] I kinda think it seems a bit to..um.. strict. Don’t seem fair to the smokers. I can see where they are coming from but I dunno if I would agree. [pause] I suppose I wouldn’t stink after being in the pub tho! Smoke gets all in your hair and clothes…I hate that
Do you have any more opinions on the matter?
Not really, it doesn’t seem to effect me too much.
Thank you for your time. It is very much appreciated
