I know the stewards in the chapel stand regularly take action against people smoking - every other game i seem to see someone being ejected by them for smoking. However if the stewards in the itchen or the northam are not doing likewise, then i would certainly agree with the suggestion of complaining to the club - either to cortese, or the chief safety officer.
Definately write to the club. The club is breaking the law by not enforcing the no smoking rule. If you allow one person to smoke the next person thinks it okay and so on. Before long the smoke level becomes a serious issue. I'm so glad I have never smoked if it is impossible to do without a cigarette for a couple of hours.
As an recent ex-smoker (I gave up on dec 9th) I have found it harder when people smoke around me, it smells horrible and passive smoking is a killer too. I have a lot of empathy for smokers, made to feel like criminals, taxed more than any other group, forced out in all weathers just for a quick smoke but to smoke in the bogs is wrong, do they think they are starring in Grange Hill>
As we have all got on our high horses over this issue what should we do about people who stand at football matches and the high handed behaviour of steards who try to enforce the ground regulations? Should stewards ignore smoking and standing? Or is it OK to turn a blind eye to standing but come down hard on the smokers?
It's not. Basically, this highlights what a poor jobs the stewards do. They are just not professional and too power hungry. If they don't agree with a rule/law, they ignore it. I actually would welcome standing...in standing areas. How does the 5ft 1inch guy feel sitting in a stand when everyone is standing around him.(i am 5ft 9 by the way ) The atmosphere is so much better on the terraces, BUT in an all seater stadium it is not safe and it will upset people. I just think that people are too selfish - the attitude is 'I'll do what i want and sod the rest of you'. It is up to the stewards (who are paid by the club to enforce the rules, not watch the game) to ensure St Mary's is a safe, happy environment for everyone. I know this sounds idealistic, but this is 2011 after all (for a few more days!)
It's different in some ways. People know where to go if they want to stand - if someone gets a seat in Northam and complains about standing they're stupid, but if someone is standing in front of you in Chapel you have every right to be upset. However, nobody chooses to walk into a smoke fogged toilet and especially be harassed by a steward, which is a bigger issue in the original poster's story, I think. That said, it's still the law and should be enforced - it isn't, so far nobody has been hurt and nobody really minds but it's still the law. If I had my way we'd have legally permitted standing areas but hey ho.
I think I'm bringing up the most important issue here. You should have been in your seat watching the game you cheeky rascal.
Lol! true, true. But it was either that or a puddle upstairs - Actually, you're right if people are allowed to smoke in the loos, then maybe I should wee in the stands? ;P
If sitting down is thelaw then yes the stewards should enforce it. The law is the law and they are not in any position to decide if a law is right or wrong. They as well as the majority may disagree with a law however it is still the law and therefore should be enforced. I'm definitely with the poster above saying you know where to go if you want to stand. Same at any ground. At Lincoln City even. There if I attend (haven't for years but used to be a regular) me and my pals head straight to the back few rows where everybody stands. Doesn't upset anyone then. And at Lincoln City I have seen several people marched from the toilets and out the exit by the stewards for smoking.
