Uninteresting fact.
For 17 years Simon Chapman (see previous post) was deputy editor and editor of the BMJ’s Tobacco Control.
On Tuesday Tobacco Control posted an article (paper?) arguing that Imperial Tobacco's Smoke Spots website is "inconsistent with FCTC's ban on directly or indirectly promoting tobacco use".
According to this logic, if anyone highlights a smoker-friendly venue – Boisdale, for example – they are "promoting tobacco use".
I can see the argument - just - but it's pretty twisted. You may as well argue that cigarette bins promote tobacco use. (Update: I know, I know, some councils do.)
Like cig bins, Smoke Spots isn't targeting non-smokers. It's quite clearly aimed at existing adult smokers, people who have made an informed decision to smoke and want to find somewhere where they can socialise without being made to feel unwelcome or uncomfortable.
What about the rights of smokers to (a) smoke in some public/private places, and (b) assemble freely with other smokers?
Should they be denied information that allows them to do so because, "directly or indirectly", it promotes tobacco use?
Smoke Spots is a great site, by the way. Enjoy it while you can.
See Smoke spots: promoting smoking with social media (Tobacco Control)