The smoking ban is in full effect. Has been since 2007 in most of Europe. I first saw it creep in to Bangkok towards the end of 2002. Eating places banned it, fair enough. Even I hate someone lighting up when I eat. 2000 Baht fine, no worries. I just won't smoke in restaurants any more, fine, I can live with that.
A sight of yesteryear: Smokers are treated like lepers and fugitives
In Europe it's also in almost full effect. I hear Ireland is the worst for draconian conditions on smoking in public. England isn't far behind with such drastic measures, but in France it's left to the proprieters discretion (common sense I say) and in Germany many clubs still allow it. They understand that smoking and drinking go hand in hand on a good night out.
Now the common sight is a huddle of tobacco addicts outside like fugitives. Offices, pubs, restaurants. This has forced non-smokers to judge those who do smoke a bit more, which is wrong. Once upon a time you could smoke on the London Underground and upstairs on the bus and I smoked on Emirates Airlines as late as 2000.
You see people also smoking outside their own fucking homes. What the hell? It's my gaff and I smoke indoors if I want to. I suppose if I got kids, fair enough, I'll hide it or wait til they go to bed.
Notice on my front door: Like it or lump it
I took a stand a while ago with certain smoke-free friends coming round saying I smoked too much at home. Now they have to go outside when I want to smoke in my own place. Shoe's on the other fucking foot now isn't it?
One result is that many pubs have taken on a smell of sweat, bad breath, farts and stale booze. I know what I would rather smell.