Smoking Promotion Downturn

[Billywhizz]

I know we had the subject on here about smoking,as you all know its band from public places summer 07,and that could be in your car and on the public streets which is over the top and that could happen in time to come,as we all know the northern scene is known for smoking and im saying 70% do smoke possibly more can you honestly say you can go to a weekender and an allnighter aswell as a soul venue not have a cig most of my friends do smoke and i can't see them giving up and if they do have a cig it will probably put the promoter license at jeoperdy or unless they turn a blind eye any promoters out there would like to comment on this,i can see a down turn on the scene when this come into law i can't even seeing this going underground it looks like we've got our backs up against the wall I do not smoke so i don't know the cravings to have a cig but i do have other vices.

Billy

[Guest Netspeaky]

I know we had the subject on here about smoking,as you all know its band from public places summer 07,and that could be in your car and on the public streets which is over the top and that could happen in time to come,as we all know the northern scene is known for smoking and im saying 70% do smoke possibly more can you honestly say you can go to a weekender and an allnighter aswell as a soul venue not have a cig most of my friends do smoke and i can't see them giving up and if they do have a cig it will probably put the promoter license at jeoperdy or unless they turn a blind eye any promoters out there would like to comment on this,i can see a down turn on the scene when this come into law i can't even seeing this going underground it looks like we've got our backs up against the wall I do not smoke so i don't know the cravings to have a cig but i do have other vices.

Billy

Wheres the official stat on 70%, I tend to attend venues with between 2 to 8 of us, none of us smoke, so were does that leave you in the % stakes.

[Ged Parker]

I know we had the subject on here about smoking,as you all know its band from public places summer 07,and that could be in your car and on the public streets which is over the top and that could happen in time to come,as we all know the northern scene is known for smoking and im saying 70% do smoke possibly more can you honestly say you can go to a weekender and an allnighter aswell as a soul venue not have a cig most of my friends do smoke and i can't see them giving up and if they do have a cig it will probably put the promoter license at jeoperdy or unless they turn a blind eye any promoters out there would like to comment on this,i can see a down turn on the scene when this come into law i can't even seeing this going underground it looks like we've got our backs up against the wall I do not smoke so i don't know the cravings to have a cig but i do have other vices.

Billy

Turning a blind eye will not be an option for the Licensee of the premises the Fine will £2000 per offence so if the EHO walk in on an enforcement visit and find 20 smokers that's a cool £40k. The big operators are now ensuring that operating procedures make it clear to DPS's that they are responsible and will have to meet all fines personally. If I was a DPS I'd rather stop you smoking than take the risk.

Bound to have an effect on numbers.

Ged

[Gene-r]

Just imagine being approached at an all-niter in two years time with "Psst! Wanna buy some tobacco"?

Edited February 24, 2006 by Gene-R

[Mace]

Congleton Borough Council are implementing No Smoking on all council venues fron April 1st 2006 (a blanket ban on the whole premises)

Alsager Civic therefore has 2 more events before the smoking ban comes into force, and we have an event at Sandbach Town Hall on April 21st this year that will also be no smoking.

Over the last few months I have been taking notice of how many attendees actually smoke at Alsager, and the amount of full ashtrays at the end of the night, and it seems a lot less than I expected...but time will tell, and as our venue will be a guinea pig for this I will let you know how we cope.

People will still want to go out and socialise, so when the ban comes into force everywhere next year, they will not be able to choose.....though Alsager Civic may suffer due to Congleton Council bringing the rule in a year early.

Stoke Council were supposedly bringing No smoking in as of Jan 1st this year but have apparently now put it back to 2007 due to problems with pre-bookings for weddings etc in certain venues being made before the council announced its plans late last year.

As I said, time will tell.............................

[Guest]

Like I posted on the previous topic on this subject, you are going to end up at every nighter in the summer months with a lot of soulies outside smoking and talking instead of inside and dancing.

This may also have the effect of making us visible to every passing plod and weirdo out at 3 in the morning.

At the moment nighters exist in another world which is not well known to anyone else which suits us just fine but if we are to be seen outside venues having a fag this may change.

[Mace]

Like I posted on the previous topic on this subject, you are going to end up at every nighter in the summer months with a lot of soulies outside smoking and talking instead of inside and dancing.

This may also have the effect of making us visible to every passing plod and weirdo out at 3 in the morning.

At the moment nighters exist in another world which is not well known to anyone else which suits us just fine but if we are to be seen outside venues having a fag this may change.

The problem with this will be the noise caused by people going in and out of the club for a smoke, both from the music and groups of people talking whilst smoking.

In the middle of summer, with bedroom windows open on warm nights noise can soon travel very easily, and you may find some allnighters/late finishing events facing disturbance complaints from local residents.

Another issue will be litter from fag ends outside premises.

Not sure whose resposibility it will be to put smoke/fag bins outside venues, but bet it gets overlooked, and if litter gets dropped into smoke bins from passing food take-away customers and the likes how long before such bins end up going up in flames (seen it happen in a club once from a crisp wrapper in a smoke bin)

[Guest]

Congleton Borough Council are implementing No Smoking on all council venues fron April 1st 2006 (a blanket ban on the whole premises)

Alsager Civic therefore has 2 more events before the smoking ban comes into force, and we have an event at Sandbach Town Hall on April 21st this year that will also be no smoking.

Over the last few months I have been taking notice of how many attendees actually smoke at Alsager, and the amount of full ashtrays at the end of the night, and it seems a lot less than I expected...but time will tell, and as our venue will be a guinea pig for this I will let you know how we cope.

People will still want to go out and socialise, so when the ban comes into force everywhere next year, they will not be able to choose.....though Alsager Civic may suffer due to Congleton Council bringing the rule in a year early.

Stoke Council were supposedly bringing No smoking in as of Jan 1st this year but have apparently now put it back to 2007 due to problems with pre-bookings for weddings etc in certain venues being made before the council announced its plans late last year.

As I said, time will tell.............................

From a purely personal point of view, untill the ban is actually brought in next year I would not attend a non smoking venue.

Obviously after the summer of 2007 that choice will be taken away from me, in the summer it won't be so bad as can nip outside as long as its fairly easy to do that.

Come the winter months and bad weather I will have to pick and choose venues that make it easy for me to do that with some sort of covered area. If it means I don't go to as many venues then so be it.

[Ged Parker]

Congleton Borough Council are implementing No Smoking on all council venues fron April 1st 2006 (a blanket ban on the whole premises)

Alsager Civic therefore has 2 more events before the smoking ban comes into force, and we have an event at Sandbach Town Hall on April 21st this year that will also be no smoking.

Over the last few months I have been taking notice of how many attendees actually smoke at Alsager, and the amount of full ashtrays at the end of the night, and it seems a lot less than I expected...but time will tell, and as our venue will be a guinea pig for this I will let you know how we cope.

People will still want to go out and socialise, so when the ban comes into force everywhere next year, they will not be able to choose.....though Alsager Civic may suffer due to Congleton Council bringing the rule in a year early.

Stoke Council were supposedly bringing No smoking in as of Jan 1st this year but have apparently now put it back to 2007 due to problems with pre-bookings for weddings etc in certain venues being made before the council announced its plans late last year.

As I said, time will tell.............................

They must be mad.

The real business issue here is displacement. The SU at Leeds Uni had a one month trial last year it cost them over £20,000 bottom line compared with the same month the previous year purely because people can (and do) go elsewhere to smoke. That was why there was a real push for a level playing field across different outlets. It will certainly cost the council bookings until the policy is everywhere and it may cost you some punters mate. But surely you will have gained a discount on the hire of theroom to compensate

Good luck in the meantime anyways

[Mace]

They must be mad.

The real business issue here is displacement. The SU at Leeds Uni had a one month trial last year it cost them over £20,000 bottom line compared with the same month the previous year purely because people can (and do) go elsewhere to smoke. That was why there was a real push for a level playing field across different outlets. It will certainly cost the council bookings until the policy is everywhere and it may cost you some punters mate. But surely you will have gained a discount on the hire of theroom to compensate

Good luck in the meantime anyways

No discount in room hire mate - in fact it's gone up!

They have been telling us for the last 12 months or more that this is coming into place in April so I can't really argue about booking without prior knowledge.

Alsager is right on the border of Staffordshire and Cheshire, and has a ST postcode with post being sorted at Kidsgrove Stoke sorting office, but has an 01270 (Crewe, Cheshire) phone code, and unfortunately comes under Congleton Borough Council (also Cheshire).

I do expect a downturn in numbers, but then again, there's nowhere in near distance that put's on as good a soul night as us at Alsager, so can't see where they will go

Edited February 24, 2006 by Mace

[Ged Parker]

I do expect a downturn in numbers, but then again, there's nowhere in near distance that put's on as good a soul night as us at Alsager, so can't see where they will go

If there was a suitable other venue you'd probably have a night on there as well

[Guest]

only thing to do is make every night an anniversary night

then give out nicotine patches instead of soul patches

seriously though it is a worry

i run a two room night and letting people in and out all night wont be easy

whats the answer?

moldie

[Guest Soultown andy]

Cant see it makeing the slightest bit off difference,in fact if as karen says people will only attend venues that they think are good enough to attend even though they cant smoke that is a good thing. Far to many venues on anyway,good venues will survive regardless of any restrictions impossed.

[Guest]

Goverment will be complaining about the new mouth cancers,caused by the new nicotine of choice,chaw tobbaco(yukc),it`s bound to happen,bet ya`?,or they gonna` stop us chewin`,that for deffo would be the end...........................................................Ken

[Mace]

If there was a suitable other venue you'd probably have a night on there as well

Don't know what you mean......

Alsager tonight by the way folks...and it's my birthday so if anyone fancies buying me a drink

[Guest dundeedavie]

well i've been told anyone smoking in my venue will be removed ...no questions .

the ban comes in on 26th march THIS YEAR so i'll have to add to all my flyers from now on that it is a no smoking venue ... personally i don't smoke so don't care either way .

i'll buy a stamp to let people come and go as they please

Davie

[Mace]

i'll buy a stamp to let people come and go as they please

Davie

First or second class?????

[hipshaker 05]

i can't see a huge problem ... by 2007 it will be the same everywhere. and i'm sure all those other places where they have a ban cope. i was in rome about 2 weeks ago and it all seemed fine ... very nice in the bars/restaurants for me as a non smoker.

[Guest]

the ban comes in on 26th march THIS YEAR so i'll have to add to all my flyers from now on that it is a no smoking venue ...

Davie

I think thats fair Davie, I know for non smokers they really can't see what difference it makes but it does.

I also appreciate that it will be much better for those of you that don't smoke, but I for one would be well pee'd off if I turned up at a venue, paid my money and was then told I couldn't smoke

[Guest Chris Waterman]

Just imagine being approached at an all-niter in two years time with "Psst! Wanna buy some tobacco"?

Gene

That happens at a lot of venues already, you can get tobacco, DVD's ( films that are now showing at your local UCI ) laptops etc and even wheels to replace the ones that have gone from your car, parked outside.

Just kidding about the wheels but you don't have to look to hard for rest of the above.

[Guest dundeedavie]

I think thats fair Davie, I know for non smokers they really can't see what difference it makes but it does.

I also appreciate that it will be much better for those of you that don't smoke, but I for one would be well pee'd off if I turned up at a venue, paid my money and was then told I couldn't smoke

well you better get used to it ..... it's here and there ain't no changing it

Davie

[Guest]

well you better get used to it ..... it's here and there ain't no changing it

Davie

Thats the whole point though Davie, it isn't really here yet, not a blanket coverage untill summer of 2007. Therefore venues that have to impose no smoking RIGHT NOW are maybe at a disadvantage or don't you think that ?

[Guest dundeedavie]

Thats the whole point though Davie, it isn't really here yet, not a blanket coverage untill summer of 2007. Therefore venues that have to impose no smoking RIGHT NOW are maybe at a disadvantage or don't you think that ?

i spose what mace says will effect those venues int hat area but it'll level out ... personally i kow of people who hate the smoke filled atmoshere so maybe it'll even out , time will tell though i spose

Davie

[Winsford Soul]

Don't know what you mean......

Alsager tonight by the way folks...and it's my birthday so if anyone fancies buying me a drink

Didnt know till now that it was on, been to busy in work Wont get chance to get there tonight bud but have a good un and will buy you a beer next time i see you.

Steve

[Guest]

well i've been told anyone smoking in my venue will be removed ...no questions .

the ban comes in on 26th march THIS YEAR so i'll have to add to all my flyers from now on that it is a no smoking venue ... personally i don't smoke so don't care either way .

i'll buy a stamp to let people come and go as they please

Davie

Sorry Dave but it aint gone thro the house of lords yet i spect it will get sent back to parliment and dumped and all you no smokers can keep your smoke free zones

HB

[Guest dundeedavie]

Sorry Dave but it aint gone thro the house of lords yet i spect it will get sent back to parliment and dumped and all you no smokers can keep your smoke free zones

HB

well mr blocked i live in scotland and it is already law here ...and will be enforcable on 26th march 2006 in all public places , that includes pubs and clubs and membership schemes won't work either

Davie

[Guest]

well mr blocked i live in scotland and it is already law here ...and will be enforcable on 26th march 2006 in all public places , that includes pubs and clubs and membership schemes won't work either

Davie

Most of the clubs and pubs in ireland want the ban lifted cus it,s coat them thousands good luck in scotland

HB

[Guest dundeedavie]

Most of the clubs and pubs in ireland want the ban lifted cus it,s coat them thousands good luck in scotland

HB

i think access to venues will be important , .. do you have to go up loads of stairs? is it a long trek to the door? etc just have to wait and see ad maybe some venues will close , but like andy i don't mind that if the quality remains

Davie

[Guest Stormin Si]

If numbers do drop at soul events due to the smoking ban then so be it. What kind of soulie would stop attending because they cudnt have a smoke?!

Remember the smoking ban will take affect at all public places, not just soul venues. I very much doubt these people will sacrifice their soulcial life to stop at home smoking.

[Guest]

If numbers do drop at soul events due to the smoking ban then so be it. What kind of soulie would stop attending because they cudnt have a smoke?!

Remember the smoking ban will take affect at all public places, not just soul venues. I very much doubt these people will sacrifice their soulcial life to stop at home smoking.

I think your very nieve smoking and a social nite out go hand in hand imho

HB

[Guest Stormin Si]

like i said though, it will take place at ALL social venues not just soul venues so people wont have a choice. Its not as if there will be smoking alternatives, or people can go down their local for a pint and a smoke there. my point is that EVERYWHERE will be a smoke-free zone, be it a pub or soul venue People will have to choose between smokin or soulin unless they wanna spend half the night outside.

naive? i think not. how about nicotine patches and gum. surely a small price to pay to keep on soulin?

[Guest]

People will have to choose between smokin or soulin unless they wanna spend half the night outside.

Exactly what did happen when we was on the soul trip in LA

[Guest dundeedavie]

Exactly what did happen when we was on the soul trip in LA

i think some people will spend their time outside anyway because the soul scene for some is purely social and less musical ...all opinions of course

Davie

[Guest]

i think some people will spend their time outside anyway because the soul scene for some is purely social and less musical ...all opinions of course

Davie

Quite possibly Davie, I would imagine people like Andy Dyson, Neil Jones, Nige Shaw, etc... all go for purely social reasons

Edited February 25, 2006 by KarenC

[Guest Stormin Si]

Neil Jones aint purely a social creature, he knows his soul.

I personally think, however, it wouldnt be a bad thing if half the socialites who hang onto the scene fade away with a smoking ban. i know the promoters will see it differently (£££'s) though

The true soulies who are heavy smokers (and i know quite a few) wont give up for a ban. like i said there are altenatives like patches etc. and i think you'll find numbers or true soul fans will stay the same

[Guest]

Neil Jones aint purely a social creature, he knows his soul.

Exactly Simon, that was my point Davie seemed to be saying that more folk go to socialise than hear the music, I was trying to point out another view. Not all smokers are there to socialise, its just that if you are a smoker this ban will be very difficult and people will end up congregating outside the venue to have a cigarette

[Guest dundeedavie]

Exactly Simon, that was my point Davie seemed to be saying that more folk go to socialise than hear the music, I was trying to point out another view. Not all smokers are there to socialise, its just that if you are a smoker this ban will be very difficult and people will end up congregating outside the venue to have a cigarette

karen dear you really should read what i wrote before you started typing ..... i said SOME people and i never at any point mentioned the gentlemen you did .... as i have never met them so have no opinion on them ..

so karen read it before you try putting words into my mouth and starting trouble

[Guest Little Queenie]

Yea I can understand it will be hard for a lot of smoking soulies, but for for the true fans of rare soul I don't think it will put them off.

As Simon said earlier, it's not as if there will be an alternative, everywhere will be smoke free.

[Guest]

karen dear you really should read what i wrote before you started typing ..... i said SOME people and i never at any point mentioned the gentlemen you did .... as i have never met them so have no opinion on them ..

so karen read it before you try putting words into my mouth and starting trouble

Davie, I think you misunderstand me, I was mearly using peoples names to make a point, I most certainly was not 'starting trouble' I thought this was a discussion about what will happen once the smoking ban comes into force ? You said that a lot of people are on the scene mearly for social reasons, I personally don't think this is the case, yes, it is social but without the under lying love for the music people could go to any club or pub surely not hang around the soul scene?

None of us really knows what will happen, but we are sure to find out next year, I am surprised at you thinking I am causing trouble by answering your post, I really am

[Guest]

Yea I can understand it will be hard for a lot of smoking soulies, but for for the true fans of rare soul I don't think it will put them off.

As Simon said earlier, it's not as if there will be an alternative, everywhere will be smoke free.

I don't think it will put them off either Little Queenie although I really do think people will pick and choose venues that are not only good musically but also that are easier to nip outside for a quick cigarette

Edited February 24, 2006 by KarenC

[Mandy]

Exactly Simon, that was my point Davie seemed to be saying that more folk go to socialise than hear the music, I was trying to point out another view. Not all smokers are there to socialise, its just that if you are a smoker this ban will be very difficult and people will end up congregating outside the venue to have a cigarette

Davie didn't say "more folk" ... he said "some folk" .... I know of people who do actually, believe it or not, just go for the social side (they've heard all they want to hear over the years and don't want to move on) ... so they just go to see their mates, have a few beers with them ... honestly Karen .. this does happen

[Guest]

Davie didn't say "more folk" ... he said "some folk" .... I know of people who do actually, believe it or not, just go for the social side (they've heard all they want to hear over the years and don't want to move on) ... so they just go to see their mates, have a few beers with them ... honestly Karen .. this does happen

Yes, your right he did say some and not more as I said, hands up in the air sorry for the confussion Davie

Edited February 24, 2006 by KarenC

[Guest 50box]

Yea I can understand it will be hard for a lot of smoking soulies, but for for the true fans of rare soul I don't think it will put them off.

This is getting somewhat evangelical. You`re not a proper soulie if you go outside for a fag & get the verbals for an hour or three? Or stay at home coz the other hangers on the scene are always outside

[Paulb]

Just imagine being approached at an all-niter in two years time with "Psst! Wanna buy some tobacco"?

No thanks, i'm driving!

[Guest Kevin J]

our statewide smoking ban went into effect in jan. of this year, and you know what ... it really hasnt made much difference in attendance. also, it hasnt been much of a problem with people going in and out. people dont tend to hang outside and chat for long ... their drinks are waiting inside, and well ... priorities right?! in all seriousness, i think you will find it odd at first, but after a month or so you wont even remember that you were able to smoke indoors ever at all.

[asboannie]

Exactly what did happen when we was on the soul trip in LA

Myself I don't think it will make any difference . As for the L.A. trip, the rooms were always packed, whether upstairs at the weekend, or downstairs at the bar for the rest of the time.

Anyway, how did the smokers cope with the 10 hour flight there and 10 hours back without smoking, if they could endure that on a flight they will be able to in a venue.

Edited February 25, 2006 by asboannie

[Billywhizz]

Davie didn't say "more folk" ... he said "some folk" .... I know of people who do actually, believe it or not, just go for the social side (they've heard all they want to hear over the years and don't want to move on) ... so they just go to see their mates, have a few beers with them ... honestly Karen .. this does happen

Your right mandy i don't want to move on i still want to be 20 forget about the beers,coke cola for me bottom line is us men are really little boys at heart and that's a fact.

Billy

[Guest Seagrave]

asboannie Posted Today, 07:56 AM

 

QUOTE(KarenC @ Feb 24 2006, 10:53 PM)

Exactly what did happen when we was on the soul trip in LA

Myself I don't think it will make any difference . As for the L.A. trip, the rooms were always packed, whether upstairs at the weekend, or downstairs at the bar for the rest of the time.

Anyway, how did the smokers cope with the 10 hour flight there and back without smoking, if they could endure that on a flight they will be able to in a venue.

Good point Annie,

It has become automatic for everyone not to smoke on flights, just as it will become automatic to not smoke at social venues after the ban next year. You hardly ever see anyone complaining about it now, or gasping for a fag at death's door after they've gone through customs!!

Roll on the ban. I'm tired of stinking of smoke after a night out. And I'm sure it does me no good having to breath those disgusting fumes in more deeply when dancing either!!!!

[Bigsoulman]

i think some people will spend their time outside anyway because the soul scene for some is purely social and less musical ...all opinions of course

Davie

Can't understand how you come to that opinion Davie, how would you like soulies to react at a do?, all sit not speaking like in a classroom?, surely people are listening to chat and music at the same time and I include myself in that, so there must be a reason behind your statement which baffles me to be honest

Lenny

[Guest dundeedavie]

Can't understand how you come to that opinion Davie, how would you like soulies to react at a do?, all sit not speaking like in a classroom?, surely people are listening to chat and music at the same time and I include myself in that, so there must be a reason behind your statement which baffles me to be honest

Lenny

nothing baffling lenny ... for some it is less musical and more social , pretty straightforward statement really ..

to break it down , some people go to do's to see their mates and have a laugh and fair play to them , how many times have you heard venues being described as socially better than musically ..

i wasn't having a go at anyone , you take what you want from the scene

Davie