Tuesday morning at 11am. An odd time to be in a Central London pub but who's complaining? Especially if it's for a good cause.
Save Our Pubs and Clubs amendthesmokingban.com is a cross-party campaign attempting to hammer a bit of common sense into the numbskulls who instigated the blanket smoking ban.
The official launch saw Greg Knight, Conservative MP for East Yorkshire, and David Clelland, Labour MP for Tyne Bridge, argue for an amendment along the lines of that enjoyed by bar owners in Spain. Celebrity chef Anthony Worrall Thompson also spoke, as did UKIP leader Nigel Farage making an impromptu appearance. Even the Illiberal Undemocrats have a representative in favour in John Hemming MP, and although he was unable to attend, Mark Littlewood of Progressive Vision, a fellow LD, was able to fill in eloquently.
More impassioned, though, were the pub-owning speakers. We can argue for an amendment because we know it makes perfect sense, but hearing these guys tell of their fear of closing down if something doesn't change, is sobering indeed. For them, it is not just desirable, but vital.
With a large turnover of MPs to come at the next election, it might be worth pointing out to the prospective legislators that this is a live issue, and perhaps they should help pull government's head out of its collective smug, self-important arse, by applying common sense to a vile law.
The site explains how you can show support via e-mail or text. Most importantly, though, spread it far and wide.
Right, now where did I leave that pint?
