Council wants staff to report colleagues who smoke or use an e-cigarette on site
Sunday, October 2, 2016 at 19:23
Simon Clark

Tomorrow (Monday) Aberdeenshire Council introduces a ban on smoking and the use of e-cigarettes on all council sites.

If you think that's bad read this. According to the council:

"Individuals are accountable for monitoring implementation of the policy on-site and must report anyone not complying."

Last week I said no smoking zones in parks and other outdoor areas were "unwarranted" and "Orwellian" but this really is Orwellian.

Here's part of Forest's press release:

Campaigners have slammed Aberdeenshire Council's new smoke-free policy, to be introduced on Monday October 3, that prohibits smoking or using e-cigarettes on all council sites.

The group is particularly incensed by the suggestion that "Individuals are accountable for monitoring implementation of the policy on-site and must report anyone not complying."

Simon Clark, director of the smokers' group Forest, said: "Expecting members of staff to grass up their colleagues is the sort of thing you'd expect in a totalitarian state.

"What happens if staff refuse to report someone who isn't complying with the smoke-free rule? Will they be reported and disciplined too?"

You can read our reaction in full here – Forest slams council's "Big Brother" anti-smoking policy.

Article originally appeared on Simon Clark (http://taking-liberties.squarespace.com/).
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