There can be no doubt that the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces has improved the atmosphere inside pubs and clubs. Bars are no longer shrouded in a blue, eye-watering haze, and not smelling like an ashtray after leaving such establishments is still a welcome novelty. Add to that the positive impact on the health of staff and customers and the merits of the law become abundantly clear.
However, while the new legislation has proved a success, there have been some teething problems, one of the most notable being litter. In some cases, the entrances to pubs are now like a giant ashtray with smokers not always prepared to bin their butts - always assuming there is a suitable container provided. When such establishments front straight on to the street, this becomes a real issue.
The idea has now been raised to use existing CCTV cameras to catch such litterlouts. It would seem foolhardy indeed if the cameras were regularly targeting littering at the expense of more serious offences such as crime and disorder. Doing so could also undermine the broad support the cameras currently enjoy.
If, on the other hand, they are mainly used in the normal way and then the footage screened for misbehaving smokers, the initiative can only be welcomed. Littering cannot be considered as serious a problem as the drink-fuelled yobbery that infects our towns and cities but it still blights this area; those responsible for it deserve to be brought to book.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article