With the smoking ban from 1st July turning the fairways into one of the few places where golfers can enjoy their cigarettes, a new product has been launched to keep golf courses free from discarded butts – the Stubbi Golf ‘pocket ashtray’.
The Stubbi will also help golfers avoid heavy fines for dropping cigarette butts in public places. Smokers will be liable for an £80 on-the-spot fine for discarding or stubbing out cigarettes in public when the smoking ban comes into force across England.
Endorsed by Major-winner and former Ryder Cup skipper Ian Woosnam, the Stubbi Golf anti-litter pouch contains a fireproof lining which safely and hygienically extinguishes cigarettes, then stores them for disposal later on.
Golfers simply place their cigarette butts inside the Stubbi and close the flap. Within 20 seconds the lack of oxygen extinguishes the cigarette. The pouch holds up to five cigarettes and can be emptied in the nearest bin – leaving the course a litter-free zone. The Stubbi can be reused time and again
Woosie, who has recently joined the Stubbi campaign, said, “Personally I like to keep it tidy round the green, so keep it tidy and use a Stubbi.”
Stubbi & Co Ltd managing director Ian McCormack said, “Golfers will be forced outside the clubhouse which will increase cigarette litter in these areas as well as on the course.
“Forcing smokers outside increases littering, as can been seen around public buildings where smoking has already been banned – so the Stubbi Golf is the perfect way for golfers to continue to enjoy smoking, but also to take responsibility for not littering their course with discarded cigarette butts.
“It’s a problem as cigarette butts can take up to 20 years to degrade.”
On-the-spot littering fines are enforced under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, which has been in force for two years.
In Ireland, following the indoor smoking ban, littering rose by 15%. And in the UK, local councils are beginning to enforce litter fines stringently – one authority in the East of England raising £13,000 last year.
The Stubbi Golf fits neatly into a trouser pocket, golf bag pocket or handbag and costs around £1.50 from Pro shops. Golfers can also buy the Stubbi Golf direct from the company’s website www.stubbi.net for £1.20 including P&P.
Originally piloted on golf courses in Portugal, the Stubbi has become a cornerstone of the ENCAMS Keep Britain Tidy Campaign and is being supported by more than 100 local councils in the UK.
The design can be customised, meaning golf clubs and societies can create their own branded Stubbi, while a Stubbi ‘combination’ model is available which also contains special fireproof papers for wrapping chewing gum. Stubbi was granted the UK patent for this in May 2006.
Added Ian McCormack, “The Stubbi Golf is perfect for golfers who are travelling to watch The Open and other large golf events. Golfers respect the integrity and rules of the game every time they play and we’re therefore confident that those who smoke will embrace the need to be litter conscious – or they risk being fined the price of a good putter!”