Fury as airport ban goes up in smoke (repeated Irish airport evacuations due to smoking US troops)

Irish Independent ^ | 4/30/04 | Pat Flynn

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Aer Rianta accused of double standards after lucrative US military flout law

SHANNON airport had to be evacuated because US troops set off alarms by flouting the smoking ban.

Angry workers have claimed that Aer Rianta is being soft on the offenders because it is afraid of losing lucrative US military contracts.

In recent weeks, the airport's automated fire alarm system has been activated several times resulting in fire crews and security personnel rushing to investigate the source of the emergency.

On at least six occasions US soldiers have been found packed into airport toilets claiming to be unaware of the smoking ban.

After one recent fire alarm activation, the airport was evacuated when fire crews failed to locate the source of the emergency within the 10 minutes allowed before an automatic evacuation procedure is initiated.

All the activations have occurred in the same area of the terminal building where troops are segregated from the travelling public.

Airport workers angry at the blatant flouting of the smoking regulations have only spoken out because the ban has been hugely successful with the public and workers.

"There has been no smoking in any of the work areas and I am not aware of anyone having broken the ban in the restaurant or bars," one airport employee said.

"The troops should not be treated any differently to the rest of us," he added.

Aer Rianta has declined to confirm or deny that the smoking ban is constantly being breached at Shannon and has refused to answer a list of questions put to the company regarding reported infringements.

A company spokesperson would only say: "Aer Rianta complies fully with the smoking legislation and will continue ensure that the smoking ban applies to all passengers, members of the public and staff members."

But airport sources say a big factor is the fear that lucrative US military business could be in jeopardy as a result of the smoking ban.

Frankfurt airport has already been mentioned as one possible alternative to Shannon as thousands of US troops already use the airport, which does not have the same smoking restrictions.

When asked whether any airline carrying US troops through Shannon has made representations to airport management about the smoking issue, Aer Rianta said: "No."

The number of US troops going through Shannon airport has increased dramatically since the start of the year. Last year, 126,000 American soldiers passed through Shannon, earning Aer Rianta €15.5m from US military.

[SheLion]

Hehe!

[Mears]

My daughter,a non smoker,calls it "smoker bonding".

She always says they seem to be laughing and having a good time.

Once when we went to a theater she went in for the tickets while I stayed out for a smoke and talked with a few other smokers. She commented on it saying that she stood in line and got the tickets and no one said a word,but I was outside having a good time.

[Mears]

Boston's Logan Airport,the one of 9-11 fame,went non- smoking quite few years ago.You can't even stand outside near a doorway.

About a year ago there was a very small,and I mean small,article in the Boston Globe that Houlihan's in the International terminal would allow smoking to "accomodate international travelers".

If this is such a big health issue what about those poor employees?

There was nothing about this on the airport's website the last time I checked,it still calls itself a smoke-free airport.I called the airport and yes,there is smoking in Houlihan's for their international travelers.

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the International terminal would allow smoking to "accomodate international travelers". If this is such a big health issue what about those poor employees?

Apparently, even with second hand smoke, its only wrong for Americans to kill people.

[dead]

Who could resist a fine Cuban cigar?

I think I could resist this one:

[MeekOneGOP]

LOL !

Hey ! Where'd you get that picture of my ex-wife's sister ?? ;^)

[swarthyguy]

SMOKERS should not be allowed to serve in the military.

What kind of message are we sending?

Do we know the effects of secondhand smoke on Irakis?

If it's not good enough for us citizens, same for the soldiers, throw the book at them. Better yet, send the smokers to winter duty in Minnesota.

[Mears]

Thank God they let the GI's smoke in WWII or we would probably all be speaking Deutsche now.

The smoke didn't seem to do the old timers any harm.

[swarthyguy]

Don't you love the hypocrisy of posters here asking for special privilieges for American smokers overeseas while, if they ever lit up in America, Land of the Free, Home of the Brave, the same sorry excuses would be calling them the names you and me get called.

Now watch the food police get going.

[Happygal]

Haven't heard of the Shannon/military thing being talked about over here.

But the whole smoking ban is a balls.

Now, the once PIP (Pleasure of the Illegal Pint) is usurped by finding a pub that will let you smoke a fag after hours.

Must say though, I've never met so many people. Going outside to light up on a Friday and Saturday night has increased my social circle.

BUT! If one NON smoker stands among us, I ridicule them. I push them inside and say..'You wanted yer feckin' fresh air, piss off and enjoy it...ON YOUR OWN'. ;0)

[swarthyguy]

Come to America, Land of the Whine, Home of the Nag.

We can't smoke fags in public, but can do so in the privacy of our homes(Not for long) , and now I can even marry a fag.

Oh joy, oh, happiness.

[Great Dane]

They evacuate for cigar smoke......... a little over the top I would say.

[Great Dane]

Yes, Logan had a smoking area last summer, changed planes there.

[Great Dane]

Good for you happygal.

[Mears]

Was it in the International Terminal? Was it at Houlihan's?

The last time I was there,last fall,I was flying domestic.

[aculeus]

Going outside to light up on a Friday and Saturday night has increased my social circle.

We're so happy for HappyGal.

Rumor had it you and Mad Ivan had eloped.

(You both "disappeared" at the same time.)

[Great Dane]

Was it in the International Terminal? Was it at Houlihan's?

Yes it was Houlihans [sp]

[Happygal]

Never believe everything you hear! :-)

[Irish_Thatcherite]

I'll ask an opinion of a fellow Irish citizen;

Who do you think is tougher; the US Defence Forces, or our Health and Safety Authority?

[Happygal]

Ha!
You trying to lead me into trouble? *L*