Smoking and vaping in parks declared "anti-social"

Waterford City council has caused a stir by banning smoking and "cursing" in public parks.

The new rules are a bid to "curb anti-social behaviour" but how is smoking in the open air "anti-social" unless, of course, you're blowing smoke directly in someone's face?

The ban on smoking even extends to the use of e-cigarettes because, according to Fine Gael councillor Lola O’Sullivan, "Smoking is smoking, whatever kind of way you do it."

Earlier today my Forest colleague John Mallon responded as follows:

"There is nothing anti-social about smoking in a public park. There is no risk to anyone else, including children. Most of the time, unless you're very close, you won't even be aware they're doing it.

"It makes even less sense to ban e-cigarettes. Vaping is not smoking, however you look at it. An increasing number of smokers are using e-cigarettes as a harm reduction or smoking cessation aid. Why ban something that some people are using to quit smoking?

"Swearing can be anti-social but there are already laws to deal with loud and repeated profanities.

"These new rules are excessive and unnecessary. The overwhelming majority of people know how to behave in public spaces without being regulated to an inch of their lives."

Since then he's been on two national radio stations, Newstalk and Today FM, and has featured in news bulletins on WLR FM, the local Waterford radio station.

Head-to-head with Lola O'Sullivan, John reports that "She was giggly and light-hearted."

I'm glad someone finds it funny.

Update: Smokers’ group criticises new ban as ‘excessive’ (Irish Times)