Smoking ban and lower wages
A prediction of an effect of the smoking ban- bar staff and others who worked in smoky environments will be paid less (unless of course they’re already at the artificial minimum wage).
Of course, nobody asked them if they’d prefer to earn less in a nicer environment or more in a less pleasant one, they’ve just been told that they must earn less because its bad for them otherwise and the government must act to protect them.
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July 3rd, 2007 at 1:45 pm
What on earth are you basing this nonsense on?
There is no reason at all for wages to drop, given the proportion of smokers to non-smokers, it’s likely that many venues will find themselves busier for longer as new customers who were put off by smoke will finally be able to go out clubbing and pubbing and enjoy it.
Besides, when I worked in bars and clubs, my wages went up to the minimum wage when it was introduced, so I know the wages paid for bar work are close to minimum wage. It’s pretty obvious you’ve never worked in a bar.
July 3rd, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Its called economics.
Working in unpleasant conditions carries a premium to compensate you for it. Why do you think people who work down the sewers are paid so much?
So, given conditions have just improved for workers, their pay would be expected to reduce. More people are willing to work there for starters.
July 3rd, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Bar worker’s long-term health will be improved. This represents a great overall increase in quality of life.
On the whole, it’s a very good deal. Give it 6 months and I think pub numbers will have picked up when people realize how much they have changed. This is all for the best.
July 3rd, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Salim:
But who are you to dictate that people must do this? Or even that another person’s quality of life will be better.
Let people decide for themselves. Let people make the decision themselves whether working in a smoky environment is best for them or not.