Spit it out – but don’t send in the inspectors

THE Irish Examiner recently reported that Office of Tobacco Control inspectors will carry out random checks and the public will also be able to report pubs where smoking is taking place after January 1.

In days gone by, spitting in public places was prohibited.

Tram cars, buses and trains carried discreet notices: “Spitting prohibited. Fine £2.”

I suppose the conductor was the authority figure, but he was not going to be sent to prison should he ignore a passenger expectorating, and the other passengers did not feel obliged to report such to the ‘Office of Spitting Control’. So why is spitting is now almost eliminated in public places?

I do not think such draconian methods as the OTC were used.

What changed was the reduction in TB and the use of chewing tobacco, and perhaps mothers coaxing their sons not to spit because girls did not like it.

The change was motivated and accepted from the grassroots up, not from the top down. Maybe now change will come from smokers and their non-smoking partners.

It certainly won’t result from the Office of Tobacco Control.

Colin Carnie,

Derrylough,

Drinagh,

Co Clare.