Now Scotland will have the toughest anti-smoking laws in the Western world

The Scotsman ^ | November 23, 2006 | LOUISE GRAY

[at bay]

Here's a flash--

We are, I am, the government.

[AngloSaxonChristian]

'Now I'm hungry. I'm gonna run right out to an 'English Restaurant'.

oh wait ..... there aren't any.'

Where do you live, on the moon?

According to restaurant.com there are 595 restaurants in the US that list themselves as serving English/British cuisine. I guess you don't get out much. . . .

[AngloSaxonChristian]

'The freedom to let a private property owner determine which legal products will be allowed on his or her private property. But yeah, you're right. Much better to tattle to government and let them dictate a solution to every problem and nonproblem.'

You are allowed to determine which legal products are available in a private property, but when you open the doors and make it public, you are covered by public legislation. I suppose you think 'private property' restaurants should be able to choose their own levels of food hygiene as well, without pesky government inspections?Alcohol is legal, so why not let McDonalds sell it at their drive-through windows?

[Condor51]

*** Where do you live, on the moon? ***

Almost. SW suburb of Chicago. Seriously, I have never seen an 'English Restaurant' in all my 58 years in the Chi metro area. There's French, German, Polish, Lithuanian, Chinese, Italian, Mexican (natch) Paki, Japanese and Thai - Never 'English'.

There used to be "English Pubs" but that was Beer-Booze and back in the '70's

[at bay]

6 billion folks in the world and only tiny Bhutan, a country of 2 million, have bucked the addiction and banned tobacco. BTW, I understand the Free Republic overseas get together in 2007 will be held in Bhutan, per my request.

[mysterio]

Alcohol is legal, so why not let McDonalds sell it at their drive-through windows?

Fine by me.

[Rockiette]

Up here in the high country, we don't have any English retaurants either - maybe someone could kill an Englishman and roast him, probably taste better than their cooking anyway. ;)

[xowboy]

No.....you knew Jesus, I mean actually met him. I am impressed.

[Prodigal Son]

I was sceptical about the smoking ban before it was put into force. I have to say though, it's nice to go in the pub and breathe clean air and go home without your clothes smelling like smoke.

Another bonus- There's always a big group of people outside the pub having a fag. It's a great way to meet women.

[Prodigal Son]

Any country whose national dish is a Big Mac has no room to bitch about haggis. . . . . . ;-)

Oh my god! Good one!

[elkfersupper]

BTW, I understand the Free Republic overseas get together in 2007 will be held in Bhutan, per my request.

Surprise, your ticket is one-way.

[elkfersupper]

[Sunshine Sister]

I'd be curious about what Jack McConnel (sp?) is going to do about fat people? Where does this stop?

[MadIvan]

Well the next logical step is to ban deep fried Mars Bars.

No, I'm not kidding - that's a Glaswegian dish.

Regards, Ivan

[Sunshine Sister]

Cool! I'll drink to that!

[Sunshine Sister]

So you go home staggering drunk. Why is that better than a sober person who smells like smoke?

[Sunshine Sister]

I think that someone some where deep fries Oreo cookies. I'm not sure why you have to change the best cookie on the face of the earth however!

[MadIvan]

I think there is a compulsion in some people to deep fry absolutely anything and everything.

Regards, Ivan

[Dr.Zoidberg]

Next they'll come for your haggis, then the cabers, then the kilts, and lastly that which lies beneath the kilt.

As much as it pains me to say it. Seems there's not much left beneath those kilts these days.

[Sunshine Sister]

I have to admit that deep fried turkey is pretty good. I'm glad there are people around me that like to go to the effort. Warm deep fried turkey is the best!