197 replies to this topic

[Kate]

Premature for what? I'm not waiting for the official announcement, that's when I pack up and go to bed.

[Lisaf01]

Just saying that I think it would be wise to have something of more substance than this letter before making tabloid proclamations. Just my opinion......

[Kate]

Why wait? There's nothing to be gained by missing a route to publicity and outrage. This is a gift handed on a plate to do something before the consultation is declared over. There's nothing to lose by taking TS at their word and bitching about the government conspiracy.

[Lisaf01]

I see little point in using up what limited publicity routes we may have, on something that could potentially be easily dismissed as one TSO's unfounded ramblings.
Reminds me of the story of the little boy who cried wolf.
I could be entirely wrong of course, but I think it may harm our case and the potential public support if we act before we have the full facts.

[Kate]

Lol, you do what you want with your extensive media contacts Lisa. The game is nearly over and if you want to wait for the end before using up precious resources for presumably nothing then who am I to argue.

[FlamingKaty]

By the way, in case anyone was wondering (hoping, beyond hope), the MHRA is not being abolished and will be retained in it's current form .

[smokindeuce]

I think the point we have got to remember is that this kind of negativity shown in this letter filters down through the governmental departments.... one TSO's actions/way of thinking will impact dozens of other councils... think of it this way:

This lady appears to be the official representative on these issues for West Sussex.... her mate from East Sussex council contacts her (as someone who has dealt with this kind of enquiry) with a similar enquiry and she gives the same answer. Inevitably this knock on effect filters through the TS offices who end up with the same response/mentality as this woman.

What we're up against here is not simply a single letter from one TS office, but a general lack of awareness which turns to ignorance and so a very black and white approach is taken - in this case a very negative one.

The point is this movement of thought (and acceptance of option 1 being the only way) is enough to have some weight in influencing the MHRA on their final decision once enough 'official' people have got it engrained into their heads.....

So yes we should be worried by this letter as it represents the current tide in the TS camp and yes it should be enough to shake us into doing something before the sh&t really hits the pan and it's too late.

That being said it is a difficult to know what to do for the best at this stage... some kind of media involvement would seem the way forward.... but perhaps it is all too little too late.

Edited by smokindeuce, 31 July 2010 - 06:04 PM.

[PinkVaper]

... : o(

perhaps a stupid question as more pressing matetrs to discuss....but....errmmm...where does this leave vapefest?

Edited by modjo8, 31 July 2010 - 06:19 PM.

[Jackie]

modjo8, on 31 July 2010 - 06:18 PM, said:

... : o(

perhaps a stupid question as more pressing matetrs to discuss....but....errmmm...where does this leave vapefest?

I would think the only effect it would have is that vendors won't be able to sell juice there...

[romastino]

Well put Tim and i agree with everything you have said, and yes it looks like it may be too late

[Lisaf01]

Jackie, on 31 July 2010 - 06:22 PM, said:

modjo8, on 31 July 2010 - 06:18 PM, said:

... : o(

perhaps a stupid question as more pressing matetrs to discuss....but....errmmm...where does this leave vapefest?

I would think the only effect it would have is that vendors won't be able to sell juice there...

It's certainly possible that some vendors will shut up shop completely if the ban comes into effect right away.

romastino, on 31 July 2010 - 06:23 PM, said:

Well put Tim and i agree with everything you have said, and yes it looks like it may be too late

Never too late to continue lobbying - prohibition was reversed - eventually............

Edited by Lisaf01, 31 July 2010 - 06:31 PM.

[Wayne]

WOW Lisa that was a quick U Turn.... So do we all now go on a juice shopping frenzy?

[PinkVaper]

Feeling very sad over this....i thought it might just make me more likely to stock up and carry on...but the real occurance of a ban is a very sad day for all those who worked so hard to fight it and a sad day for the vendors and users who may go back to cigarettes....feeling very sad for all involved...

I do think it's the beginning of the end here and to wait for the final bell will be far too late to act....

the only plus i can think of now is for all of you to move to ireland and live/work here until there's a ban here and we all move to the next country....in fact...any takers for a mass emigration to china???

[Kate]

There's been no interest in science, expert opinion, health or public opinion so far. The election is over so there's no political leverage. I think that in spite of being ignored we still can influence the sort of attitudes that Tim talks about, maybe through the media if we get chances to mention it on comments or whatever.

There's also this to support: http://yourfreedom.h...igarettes-ecigs

Traders might have some weight with the business departments of gov over fair trading laws.

Apart from that we might have to wait for a trader to be put out of action who can afford a court fight.

Later, after the official announcement, if we don't like it there's the chance to escalate things to a European level and to the World Trade Org.

Any other suggestions are most welcome, please.

[PinkVaper]

if necessary i suggest a mass peaceful (naked) protest.....that should get the media crew's down ; o)

[Kate]

modjo8, on 31 July 2010 - 06:38 PM, said:

if necessary i suggest a mass peaceful (naked) protest.....that should get the media crew's down ; o)

Not if I turn up

[Jackie]

Me neither Kate, the sight of me naked would be enough to make anyone run the other way.

[PinkVaper]

y'know....it might not be the WORST idea....i recently did a thing for charity and we had a bodypainted model head to toe....honestly....you would get headlines if everyone was bodypainted with signs instead of holding placards....i'm up for it : o)

the picture would make at least page 3....lol (y;know i'm only half joking here!!!)


edit: ps. kate if you think it will help i'll fly over whatever day you need and get painted top to toe for you....stand me where ya like for the media and i will happily bring my pink tornedo to show off and hand out flyers....have 7inch heels so they can't miss me xxxx

Edited by modjo8, 31 July 2010 - 06:45 PM.

[Dave]

Well...

After reading the letter about 6 times, the question is...

How does that trading standards area know the 'as yet undecided' outcome.

Do they know.. or is it just guess ?

[Lisaf01]

Wayne, on 31 July 2010 - 06:34 PM, said:

WOW Lisa that was a quick U Turn.... So do we all now go on a juice shopping frenzy?

Where did you get u-turn from?
I still believe that it's premature to announce a ban based on this letter.

IF (and it's still an IF) the MHRA ban nicotine containing products, then I imagine several vendors may rethink their position. I didn't indicate whether I would be one of those vendors or not.
Risk assessment may be informed by rumour but final business decisions are rarely made completely on the basis of it.