SOCIETY adapts to changes in the people who constitute it. We cannot stand still, any attempt to do so results in us being left behind.
So the government passed a law prohibiting smoking in public buildings. So what? Those poor people addicted to tobacco are now in a minority.
The law was a crude attempt to make more people want to give up smoking. The trouble is that politicians ne
ver learn.
The Roman Empire outlawed Christianity and persecuted its followers. Judging by the number of churches I'd say it failed. There is a distinct possibility that this law will provoke a reaction opposite to the one intended.
If the government wants to stop people smoking why doesn't it simply stop the supply of tobacco products?
I don't believe the "smoking ban" is the reason the pub trade is in decline. Pubs were losing customers long before HM government followed the fashion in lawmaking.
The traditional "boozer" is a 19th century institution. Society has been changing since the 1940s. Businesses operating within a society have to adapt to the changes. If they don't or won't it's "goodbye".
Many pubs are refusing to adapt to the way society has changed in the last 60 years. Some pub keepers think they can demand loyalty from customers. Loyalty is a two-way street, it must be earned like respect.
Pub chains may not enjoy the advantages of the old-time pub. Yet by filling a vacancy in a developing market they succeed where less adaptable businesses fail.
BILL HOULDER
Willow Park
Pontefract
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