First it was the traffic cameras.
Then it was the street cameras that caught you every move.
Then they installed cameras to watch the cameras.
Now they’re paying off-the-clock public employees to bust smokers.
Thousands of council staff are being trained to police the smoking ban in bars, restaurants and shops in England.
Ministers have given councils £29.5m to pay for staff, who will be able to give on-the-spot £50 fines to individuals and take court action against premises.
They will have the power to enter premises undercover, allowing them to sit among drinkers, and will even be able to photograph and film people.
The ban goes into effect on July 1st. By July 2nd I bet that one of these council’s little Napoleon’s abuses his/her power.
“Well love, you can give me free drinks or I can fine your boss. Your choice.”
Found at Samizdata
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