Islington Tribune
Publications by New Journal Enterprises
spacer
  Home Archive Competition Jobs Tickets Accommodation Dating Contact us
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
spacer
Islington Tribune - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: 2 March 2007
 
Ban means jobs go up in smoke

I DEPLORE the announcement that the Essex Road Mecca bingo hall faces closure as a result of the Labour government’s decision to ban smoking in enclosed spaces (Don’t close the bingo, February 23).
The ban represents a serious intrusion of the state into private property, and is not only severely illiberal but damaging to people’s businesses, causing unnecessary loss of local jobs and revenue.
If the owners of Mecca Bingo wish to allow smoking on their premises then they should be allowed to. No one is forced to work there, and no one is forced to be a paying customer there if they don’t like it. And it is sheer cynical hypocrisy for Labour councillors to “protest” against the closure when it is their party’s government that forced through the ban in the first place.
What is even more chilling is your report about the council now hiring people to monitor the smoking ban – a further colossal waste of our money and a most unBritish intrusion by the state into the lives of private citizens. The sooner the country is rid of this intrusive and domineering government, the better.
JONATHAN THURGOOD
Chairman, Mildmay Conservatives

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Islington Tribune, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@islingtontribune.co.uk. Deadline for letters is midday Wednesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.
 
spacer














spacer


Theatre Music
Arts & Events Attractions
spacer
 
 


  up