Science - January 15, 2004

Law Prof pleads for smokers’ equality

‘I would like to see an alternative to the zero-tolerance advice from the Health and Safety Service that all buildings become smoke-free zones.

My advice is that Wageningen UR should explicitly indicate that it regards smokers as valuable and equal human beings who are therefore offered valuable and equal facilities. Within the limits of the Tobacco Law, and while of course offering full protection of the interests of non-smokers, surely we can invest in facilities that make it transparently clear that Wageningen welcomes everyone regardless of skin colour, not only on the outside but also on the inside?’ writes Professor of Law and Governance, Bernd van der Meulen.