ASH has just admitted what we've known all along.
This publicly-funded "charity" wants to outlaw smoking in the home.
Until now, to the best of my knowledge, ASH has always denied that they want to encourage such a drastic step. Then again they used to deny that they wanted to prohibit smoking in every pub in the country.
Now, however, they have finally come clean and issued a briefing paper entitled Smoke drift in the home and workplace.
It asks questions such as:
and then suggests 'What residents can do'. Advice includes:
If there is still a smell of smoke after you have blocked up all the cracks and holes and if you are certain that the source of the smoke is from a neighbouring property, the next step is to
contact the neighbour whom you believe is responsible.
Be clear about what you want to achieve, that is, to stop their tobacco smoke entering your home and consider what compromises you might be willing to make. For example, the neighbour may be willing to limit the time or place where s/he smokes to minimise smoke penetrating your home.
If you are troubled by smoke coming from a property that is rented, you should contact the landlord or managing agent and ask to see a copy of the tenancy agreement to determine if any “nuisance clause” prohibits activities that interfere with the comfort of other people living in the locality.
It is important to keep a record of all incidents of smoke seepage and any action taken to try to counter the problem. This should include any health effects and any medical consultations connected with this matter as this will add weight to your case in negotiations with the landlord and/or any subsequent legal representative.
Download the full briefing here.