Having outlawed smoking in public places in July 2007, nearly 2 years on we can now really start to see what effect the ban is having and how, if need be, the law should be adapted.

One major problem is that without the dense, toxic fog of cigarette smoke in bars and clubs around Bristol to smother all our senses, other smells are becoming much more prevalent. These smells were always there but are now no longer covered or disguised and the city’s flatulence problem is becoming a major concern.

Because of this, the citizens group ‘Clean Air For All’ is putting together a statement to present to Bristol City Council in an attempt to ban farting in public spaces; “If the ban goes through this will affect and benefit generations to come and make the city a lot healthier.”

Research shows that even if someone is a non-farter themselves, spending an evening in a pub surrounded by people with relaxed posteriors would be as if they themselves farted 20 times a day.

The policy is only in its early stages but already there have been strong protests from farting support groups; “It’s our public right to guff! It’s part of our culture to go down to the pub with some friends, have a few pints and a good fart. This is an illiberal piece of legislation that denies freedom of choice to thousands of people; the choice to toot loud and proud!”

For this reasons letting farting continue in Working Men’s Clubs is still a strong possibility.