frilly_lizard writes

In answer to the debate about smokers!
One of my local hotels built a smokers area as to not lose custom before the new stupid laws came in,hence, when i want to go to this hotel, I know I have to now go outside.
My question though is this, who gives someone the right to dictate to me where and when I can smoke?
Yes, there is the "passive" smoke issue, which I personally disagree with, however, as a smoker, I am glad that they banned smoking in dinning rooms,bistro and where food is served, there is nothing worse than taking a mouthful of food and someone blows smoke in your face or near you. Some may say am hypocritical but where food is concerned, butt out!
As I am trying to quit, I can see both sides to the story.
As for my health, my lungs work at excellent capacity, proven by lung capacity test! My heart is in great condition and no other major organs have been affected, so am in good health!
Why do I want to quit? Cost factor!!!!!

McQueen writes

i think this is a bit of a hairy issue because i see a valid point from both sides of the argument, as a smoker myself i hate going to pubs or clubs which offer no area for a smoker, some i've even had to leave the club, have a fag and then line up for 10 min or more to get back in again however there's nothing worse than some drunken idiot on the dance floor with a ciggie nearly(or worse actually) burning you every time they bust a move, i think pubs especially should be smoke free inside and on dance floors but provide a ventalated outdoor and under some cover area for us smokers to enjoy a fag without having to skol our beer first.

WakingWolf writes

Ex-smoker here. Smoking is banned in pubs over here. Kiwiland. People have to step outside to smoke...which is fine in summer. Winter is cruel though! It really gets cold and rains alot...I wonder that people even bother smoking. Shows that it really is an addiction, although I had no problem stopping. Just lucky I guess.

Pennysparkles writes

well I hate alcohol, so maybe I'll open a smoking club for non-drinking smokers?

nottmchica writes

No! I love smoking!

Sibr writes

As a smoker I always try to be considerate and never smoke where people are eating, in other people's property, around children. If I'm in a pub I always sit away from people I know don't like smoke. I would prefer the compromise option of having separate non-smoking sections and tend to go to pubs that are well-ventilated (becuase ironically my eyes are really sensitve to smokey atmospheres).

However, I'm not sure the compromise option would actually work. I used to run a social event and the venue was originally non-smoking. All the smokers went to the coridor outside, which was smoking, and eventually everyone one just followed us out there. The room I booked was empty despite obviously being much more comfy than standing around the corridor! After this happened a couple of times we just found a smoking venue instead.

Also, we quite often go to small country pubs who have at the core of their regular clienele ardent smokers. I really don't see how the law will be enforced he

myfairlady writes

I have no objection to folk who want to have a cigarette... (very good of me, lol!), what I do object to is the awful smell of it & the health issue of inhaling other people's smoke. Within this context, people who work in pubs & clubs should not have to compromise on their health just to have a job. Maybe not such a big deal in the big cities where there is perhaps a choice of employment elsewhere, but what about smaller towns with limited employment opportunites?

witchywoman writes

I would love to see pubs and clubs made smoke free or at least some section smoke free. I know I've made the decision lots of times not to go to certain pubs/clubs or to go out to a resturant instead cause I just can't stand breathing in all that smoke. Not only does it make your skin, hair and clothes stink but it's so incredibly bad for you. Why do non smokers have to participate in the smokers addiction? And what about the staff who spend all their working hours in such smokey environments? Apologies to all the smokers out there, this is just my opinion.

bell writes

non smoking
non drinking
non gambling
...isn't that a library?
give the pub a break..
a beer & a smoke is how the pub began.
i for one don't want to go to the library.
give me a beer & a smoke!

anonymous writes

Yes it should. Smoking is a health concern for all those around, why should non smokers be at risk of respiratory and other diseases because people enjoy smoking. Its stinks, it makes everyones hair and clothers stink too. Like anything else in life your enjoyment of something shouldn't be at the expense of others

writes

As a reformed smoker I must say the temptation in pubs is pretty hard when my friends are puffing away. I think smoking areas in pubs and clubs, with good ventilation, would be acceptable to most. If these areas were set up so that there was not an impact on people who choose not use nicotine I can´t see the problem.
Maybe some reading info on the exploitation phillip morris is carrying out to secure another generation´s addiction to the drug they are pushing would be useful. Otherwise I´ll probably be standing beside my smoking friend, breathing deep whilst drinking my drug of choice.

writes

I am a smoker....and agree with banning smoking from restaurants...but stretching it to pubs and clubs is becoming a bit much. Perhaps there could be smoking and non-smoking areas within the pubs - and the pubs should have appropriate ventilation - but drinking sans cigarette would be just too weird.

writes

This is part 2 of my Your Say answer of a few days ago. I have altered my opinion somewhat since my last entry resulting from attending a jazz club. I stocked up on cigarettes expecting the room to be full of smoke and happy smokers, but NO SMOKING signs blurred my vision everywhere I turned! I was quite surprised to discover that we could not smoke inside a JAZZ CLUB. I sat enjoying the music for an hour, twiddling my thumbs and fidgeting, just waiting for the time when my smoker buddy turned to me and said, Wanna go outside? YES!!! We then stood in the freezing cold and rain puffing away hungrily. So, although my initial attitude remains, that smoking is bad, and others shouldn’t have to put up with it, I now see that I have a definite aversion to clubs and pubs in which smoking is not tolerated. I don’t know about anyone else, but I would be inclined not to go to these places as much for this very reason. And my stand that at least some pubs and clubs should do all they

aussieone writes

Hey Ladies,
As a smoker, I´m obviously torn between the "should it or shouldn´t it" question. I definitely will not smoke around people who find my nasty habit offensive, I will not smoke in restaurants, even if there is a smoking area. However, I have become accustomed to puffing away in pubs and clubs and I agree with some of the other posts that if smokers were given an area in a pub or club to smoke until they cough a lung up LOL, then I´m all for that :o)
There has to be a compromise made somewhere because I think if smoking were banned in pubs and clubs, they would probably close one after the other very quickly due to loss of revenue....and patronage from their most popular clientele....smokers.

writes

as a concientous smoker I am sensitive to others around me. i never smoke in other peoples houses cars or around children...even when non smokers say its ok...because I know it isnt..its a rank habit that i wish I had never picked up and can understand that non smokers must find it appalling to put up with in a crowded area..eg clubs...i however do think that there can be a compromise and that pubs and clubs should have separate areas. i know a lot of non smokers (my gf has nasty reactions to smoky rooms)who would prob go out if they knew they could have a stench free enviornment. clubs there fore would benefit from having designated areas. On the other hand, being in the hospitality industry, pubs are having a hard enough time of it just surviving without the added probs of alienating smokers. going down to the local for a few just isn´t the same anymore with rising costs of tap beer and spirits and unless a pub has the dreaded one armed bandits, the small locals are closing dow

writes

Well, I am a smoker, though not really...oh, alright yes I am, but I don´t smoke that much honestly. Maybe 10 a day, so hardly anything. You non-smokers, don´t worry about offending the smokers on the sofa! I for one am not offended in the least. I completely agree that smoke STINKS and I too hate how it gets into your hair and your clothes and it´s just terrible. That´s a thing I hate about clubs, how eventually when they get full, you can´t even see or breathe because of the smoke. There IS no air, just smoke! What happened to all the air!? Lol.
And similarly, with eating, yes, it´s just quite off putting to put a mouthful of food in your mouth and at the same time inhale a mouthful of smoke from someone else. It´s disgusting.
I DO think that it might be a bit weird though, for pubs and clubs to be totally non-smoking. I always thought they were the one place you COULD still smoke indoors. It seems that is just the place for smoking. *shrug

writes

I am a smoker but i think most inside places should be smoke free(god most pubs have beer gardens) , i never smoke in restraunts , it justis awful when u are eating, i dont even smoke inside at home, it gets into everything.

writes

Well, as a smoker, I will have to say that I understand what Courtlylove & Lonewolf are saying. However, the thought of having to stand outside to have a smoke in a club or pub, especially in Winter, annoys me. How about a smokers section inside, with its own bar etc...that has a good ventilation system..If they provide this and it is comfy and accessible...I would use it. Some clubs already offer this...now its time for the pubs. Afterall, I know what damage smoking is doing to me....but right now, I dont want to quit. I think smokers and non-smokers can compromise.

courtlylove writes

I am a non smoker, and every time I go out to a pub or a club I have to go home and wash all my clothes and have a shower and wash my hair. I have an acute sense of smell and cannot stand the way the smell of smoke seems to penetrate right through everything.

I´m sorry for the smokers, I really am. But unsmoky air came first and many of us are very put off by the smell.

writes

Hi. :)

I for one would love to see the pubs and clubs smoke free. I am allergic to it and would love to spend a night dancing and having a drink without smoke constantly in my face and clothing.

(Sorry grrls...know this will upset the smokers, but for once the nonsmokers should win here!) ;)

At least have a smokefree area/room!! that would be even better! :) Ok..off my soapbox..bye now!