Author Topic: BBC to defy smoking ban (Read 1374 times)

smurfboy · « **on:** April 12, 2007, 08:31:29 pm »

The BBC is on a collision course with the government over the forthcoming public smoking ban - because of Eastenders.

To comply with new laws due to come into force in July, Eastenders scriptwriters can no longer show characters lighting up in the Vic or the cafe, or other public places. However, while in real life citizens are free to smoke in their own home, the 'homes' of characters such as Dot Branning and Pat Evans are of course film sets - making them public, enclosed spaces.

Defying the ban could cost the BBC 200 in fines daily - but a spokesperson for the programme has claimed 'we have to reflect real life - and in real life people smoke'.

Forth Bridges · « **Reply #1 on:** April 12, 2007, 08:39:49 pm »

Stupide buggers ! wasting our money on dam fines!

oldspice · « **Reply #2 on:** April 12, 2007, 09:36:59 pm »

I think the BBC has a duty to comply with the law. When acting, the participants are at work - and that includes the film crew and all the set employees as well as the actors. They have a right to be protected from cigarette smoke.

In real life - less than 30% of people now smoke.

goldencup · « **Reply #3 on:** April 13, 2007, 12:53:15 am »

Quote from: oldspice

In real life - less than 30% of people now smoke.

I know they say that but it doesn't seem to be the case here. Practically all of my sons' friends smoke (although they don't).

smurfboy · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2007, 01:02:22 am »

You hope!

goldencup · « **Reply #5 on:** April 13, 2007, 01:08:50 am »

Nah I would know. They're dead against it and make their friends go outside to smoke. I wish I could say the same for the alcohol though.

Cherry_Ripe · « **Reply #6 on:** April 13, 2007, 09:05:15 am »

Quote from: smurfboy

while in real life citizens are free to smoke in their own home, the 'homes' of characters such as Dot Branning and Pat Evans are of course film sets

Surely if they are that intent on these characters smoking they can have some kind of fake cigarettes made? The special effects people can make much more complicated things look real, this would be a doddle!

smurfboy · « **Reply #7 on:** April 13, 2007, 03:26:05 pm »

Quote from: goldencup

Nah I would know. They're dead against it and make their friends go outside to smoke. I wish I could say the same for the alcohol though.

Oh well, you can't expect all kids to be like Chloe and Thomas Wink

oldspice · « **Reply #8 on:** April 13, 2007, 04:59:53 pm »

I used to know someone who had a Chloe and Rupert!

goldencup · « **Reply #9 on:** April 13, 2007, 07:27:54 pm »

Run for your lives - we're all going to die!

oldspice · « **Reply #10 on:** April 13, 2007, 07:41:56 pm »

News:

Author Topic: BBC to defy smoking ban (Read 1374 times)