Travel: UK Heathrow Airport and BAA

By Jonathan On Jul 5, 2017

From: Robert Deitz
To: lindsey_merchant@baa.com
Cc: colin_hargrave@baa.com ; info@smokersclub.com
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 2:34 PM
Subject: Smoking Ban

Lindsey,

I know you have been receiving feedback on the new smoking ban. I wanted to add to your list.

I travel from the US to Africa and Europe, and have a choice on which destination to fly through. I used to like Heathrow’s restaurants and shops, so I used London as my travel through destination. I could also schedule long layovers so I could take the underground into London to sightseeing and eat/shop. I was shocked to see that the smoking lounges were closed! That is illogical, as passengers do not have a choice like someone walking on a street. If we go outside, we have to go back through security. That is not the same option as someone outside the Airport. If England wants to promote it’s image and encourage tourism you should welcome all travelers. I am now going to get to know Frankfurt well…..

Can you pass this on to Parliament – they made a error by not exempting the Airports. But that could be corrected. It should be.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Deitz, II
CA USA?

Letter to:? colin_hargrave@baa.com?
BAA? http://www.baa.com/
Date:? July 2, 2007
My name is Paul Neacsu and I travel to and through Heathrow Airport very often. I know your organisation is not directly responsible for the no smoking policy but you must be made aware of the price of this Government edict.
I will no longer use your Duty Free facilities nor any retail outlet at any BAA operated airport and will urge my fellow smokers to follow the same course at every airport in the world where our ”Health and Safety” is controled by some external entity other than ourselves.

**************************

Subject: National Smoking Ban
CC: colin_hargrave@baa.com
From: lindsey_merchant@baa.com
Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2007 17:29:53 +0100

Dear Mr Neacsu

Thank you for the email you sent to Colin Hargrave regarding the National Smoking Ban and its application at BAA Airports. Colin has asked me to respond to you

To clarify our position for you, the ban, which came into effect 1st July 2007, makes it illegal for anyone to smoke in enclosed public places. The legislation seeks to create a healthier environment for everyone through the reduction of the impact of passive smoking. BAA has implemented policies to ensure it is upheld in all areas of its airports. From 1st July, passengers will only be able to smoke before entering the airport, or in designated areas located outside the terminals.

However, in the interests of promoting consumer choice, World Duty Free will continue to retail tobacco goods at BAA Airports, according to customer demand. World Duty Free encourages the responsible consumption of all products in this sector and ensures that it?€™s merchandising and promotions follow suit. BAA conducts regular surveys to better understand the views and expectations of all its passengers with regard to their airport shopping experience and as a result, World Duty Free strictly implements and adheres to all relevant legislation and will continue to respond to customer demand as appropriate.

I am sorry that you feel unable to use our stores or services in future,however I hope I have helped to make our approach to this Government Legislation clear for you

Thank you for your feedback and please do not hesitate to contact me again should you have further comments about our services

With Best Regards
Lindsey Merchant
Head of Customer Support
World Duty Free & BAA World Shopping Promise
0044 208 757 3827

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Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2007 10:02:18 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul Neacsu
Subject: Re: National Smoking Ban
To: lindsey_merchant@baa.com

Thanks for your response. I am quite aware of the new policy and your company has no choice in the matter. The only point I wanted to make is that your company has lost my custom as a result of Government policy. I have been in contact with other smokers both in the UK and abroad and they have expressed similar reservations about using your services.
?
I would be quite interested to see any impact on sales however.
?
Best of luck.
Paul Neacsu

Day Of Defiance! Update. Bars ignore ban July 1, 2007. Live report from The Swan pub, Churchgate, Bolton, Lancashire.
Tony Blows who owns the Dog Inn at Ewyas Harold, found his pub at the centre of international media frenzy this weekend because his customers continued to smoke despite the ban.
Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash has said that he is ready to flaunt the U.K. smoking ban.
Joe Jackson: Attention Smokers! Don’t stop the party. “Smokers need to know the true facts. The more we know, the better we can fight back. Do not allow yourself to be bullied. Do not apologise to anyone. On the contrary, explain to people why you’re a victim of unjust discrimination. You are enjoying a legal pleasure with a long and honourable history, and you’re contributing ?10 billion a year to your country in tax revenue. Be proud.