From the Editor

Democracy is a Holy Grail of a word, regularly offered up to us, unreservedly and unchallenged, as an elixir that we all should strive for.

But is it really all it’s cracked up to be? Nobody ever challenges its importance, but what if majority rule means oppression of a sizeable minority? And what of the great peoples that don’t have democracy and are quite happy when left alone, thank you – the Maori, Aborigines, native Americans, many Arab nations and the great tribes of Africa?

If the rule of the largest number of people is selfish and uncompromising then I don’t go with the view that democracy is the be all and end all.

Smokers understand this. Take a national vote tomorrow and smoking would be banned. When debate is reduced to the simple and emotional, democracy can be harsh and intolerant.

This brings us to a fundamental point. The argument cannot be won if it is between those who smoke and those who do not – it must be between those who will tolerate smokers and those who will not. In bars and pubs there are many who accept the right of smokers to smoke with a drink. There are many who will occasionally treat themselves to a cigar. They’re the ones we need to target. You need to point out to customers that when their sports team wins the cup they won’t be able to celebrate with a cigar. They won’t be allowed that treat of a smoke at Christmas; they won’t be able to share a special moment with friends with a Montecristo and a glass of Moet.

And long term, the shared bar or pub experience might have disappeared altogether. Why?

Because across Britain there are thousands who prefer smoking to be done away from the family home. And scores like me who go out to smoke.

Take away that choice and why go out at all? Take-home drink products, high calibre takeaway food and the wide choice of television on satellite means that the home option has put pressure on on-trade outlets already. A smoking ban will be the final straw.

These are the arguments we need to get across to non smokers as well as smokers. And now’s the time to do it.

By Dominic Roskrow

Section : From the Editor

Page number : 3

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 2 on 01/11/2004.

This article is 54 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



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	From the Editor Democracy is a Holy Grail of a word, regularly offered up to us, unreservedly and unchallenged, as an elixir that we all should strive for. But is it really all it’s cracked up to be? Nobody ever challenges its importance, but what if majority rule means oppression of a sizeable minority? And what of the great peoples that don’t have democracy and are quite happy when left alone, thank you – the Maori, Aborigines, native Americans, many Arab nations and the great tribes of Africa? If the rule of the largest number of people is selfish and uncompromising then I don’t go with the view that democracy is the be all and end all. Smokers understand this. Take a national vote tomorrow and smoking would be banned. When debate is reduced to the simple and emotional, democracy can be harsh and intolerant. This brings us to a fundamental point. The argument cannot be won if it is between those who smoke and those who do not – it must be between those who will tolerate smokers and those who will not. In bars and pubs there are many who accept the right of smokers to smoke with a drink. There are many who will occasionally treat themselves to a cigar. They’re the ones we need to target. You need to point out to customers that when their sports team wins the cup they won’t be able to celebrate with a cigar. They won’t be allowed that treat of a smoke at Christmas; they won’t be able to share a special moment with friends with a Montecristo and a glass of Moet. And long term, the shared bar or pub experience might have disappeared altogether. Why? Because across Britain there are thousands who prefer smoking to be done away from the family home. And scores like me who go out to smoke. Take away that choice and why go out at all? Take-home drink products, high calibre takeaway food and the wide choice of television on satellite means that the home option has put pressure on on-trade outlets already. A smoking ban will be the final straw. These are the arguments we need to get across to non smokers as well as smokers. And now’s the time to do it. By Dominic Roskrow Section : From the Editor Page number : 3 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 2 on 01/11/2004. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 54 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2009. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.