Brussels to Ban Heat, Save Earth

Kerry Howley | January 31, 2008

Freezing British smokers, thrown out of pubs thanks to the smoking ban, have taken to huddling by outdoor heaters. Obviously, it's time to ban those:

A vote in Brussels today is expected to call on the European Commission to abolish the heaters to help to tackle climate change. Such a move could cost the pub and catering trade dear.

Pubs spent about £85 million on patio heaters after the smoking ban was introduced last year. Besides forcing smokers into the cold there is concern that a ban on patio heaters could bring a significant cash loss to pubs, cafés and restaurants.

Here's a thought: If you want to build a movement against climate change, it's probably best not to make a nation of smokers desperate for a bit of global warming.