Showbiz
Stars speak out against public smoking ban
Published Saturday, Sep 25 2004, 15:11 BST | By Daniel Kilkelly
Celebrities including actor Stephen Fry, presenter Chris Tarrant, Tory MP Boris Johnson and Bob Geldof have written a letter to The Times, opposing a ban on smoking in public places, BBC News Online reports.
"Dangers of smoking and passive smoking are currently being exaggerated to the point of hysteria," the letter says.
Pop Idol and X Factor judge Simon Cowell has also signed the letter, along with singer Joe Jackson, and TV chef Antony Worrall Thompson.
The letter claims, "The risks of passive smoke have never been proven beyond meaningless levels in a small minority of studies.
"To smoke, to associate with smokers, or to operate a venue in which smoking is allowed should all be matters for individual choice.
"Smoking is legal - and in pubs and clubs it's fanatical smoke-haters who are the minority."
"Dangers of smoking and passive smoking are currently being exaggerated to the point of hysteria," the letter says.
Pop Idol and X Factor judge Simon Cowell has also signed the letter, along with singer Joe Jackson, and TV chef Antony Worrall Thompson.
The letter claims, "The risks of passive smoke have never been proven beyond meaningless levels in a small minority of studies.
"To smoke, to associate with smokers, or to operate a venue in which smoking is allowed should all be matters for individual choice.
"Smoking is legal - and in pubs and clubs it's fanatical smoke-haters who are the minority."
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