What about the workers?
Club members huff and puff as ban looms
Anti-smoking laws are poised to extinguish life at a popular Luton working men's club, a long-term member has warned.
Sean Spillane, who drinks and smokes at the Arndale Centre's Club and Institute Union (CIU), said the new government ban on public smoking will be the death of the club when it becomes law next summer.
And now the 55-year-old, who has been puffing away since the age of 16, is calling on smokers and non-smokers alike to defend the right to light up in your own club.
"I don't want to kick the habit. I enjoy smoking and I enjoy it more when I'm having a pint," he said.
"I'm trying to get exposure so all private clubs in Luton say they want to get involved and then send our results to our local MPs."
The new law was voted through by the House of Commons in February this year and, despite an earlier indication that private clubs would be exempt, smoking in all enclosed public spaces was outlawed.
Mr Spillane said: "Being Irish and having been home on several occasions I've seen the effect a ban has had on Ireland. When it came in it was like a sledgehammer.
"When people say it's working in Ireland, it's working in Ireland because of the hefty fines that are imposed on people, but it's not popular – people don't accept it."
Mr Spillane said the new smoking rules in England would force members of the Luton club to go outside when they wanted a cigarette.
But, being sited inside the Arndale meant that going outside was a long walk for anyone wanting a quick puff during what should be a relaxing afternoon or evening drink with friends.
The campaigner said the effect would be disastrous for the club and put people off renewing their membership, and so he has launched a petition to retain the right for clubs to manage themselves without government interference.
The club has 235 members and since the petition began 172 have signed, including 44 non-smokers.
Mr Spillane said: "Let's see what public opinion is like in Luton. I want all private members clubs involved in this. If they are not interested, then fine, but we need a voice. If people are interested they can contact me at the social club on 01582 724766."
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Weather for Luton
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -8 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
