The smoking ban - does it affect you?

[DJ Pat]

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.

[Travelmate]

I found it to be a blessing!
I am an ex-smoker by the way.

[Fondles]

What smoking ban ?

[Rigger]

Gave up again 4 days ago. The difference this time is I really want to give up with out pressure from anyone else.
The big test will be in 4 weeks time when I get on the piss.
As for the ban in Thailand, its a joke and can still smoke in most places around Khon kaen, The only place that it has made a difference is up stairs in Nana where you have to step outs and battle the ladyboys while having a smoke.

[DrAndy]

In Chiang Mai bars the smoking ban does not seem to exist, unfortunately

sometimes I go home stinking like an old ashtray, not nice at all

[DJ Pat]

sometimes I go home stinking like an old ashtray, not nice at all

Ah yes, those were the days eh

[Rural Surin]

There seems to be a subliminal notion {and promotion} that such businesses participated voluntarily. Universal goodness. Bollocks. Government enforcement and forced intervention. Let businesses, of any sort, allow themselves the freedom to pick and choose how they wish to operate their respective places of business. FUCK YOUR PC CRAP!

[DrAndy]

so the boss can decide to let his staff be polluted and MAYBE GET SICK

nice one

I can choose not to go to a bar where the air stinks, the staff cannot

smokers can just go outside to consume their drugs, easy

[Rural Surin]

so the boss can decide to let his staff be polluted and MAYBE GET SICK

nice one

I can choose not to go to a bar where the air stinks, the staff cannot

smokers can just go outside to consume their drugs, easy

...not forced labour, is it?

[the dogcatcher]

I smoke alot.
But never in eating establishments.
Spain have just started to enforce the ban properly, although I can't see the Guardia Civil giving it up during their 7am drinking brandy bindges before they go to work.
Spanish bar owners say business is down alot.
Be ok in the summer though.

[DrAndy]

so the boss can decide to let his staff be polluted and MAYBE GET SICK

nice one

I can choose not to go to a bar where the air stinks, the staff cannot

smokers can just go outside to consume their drugs, easy

...not forced labour, is it?

maybe they like the job itself, maybe there are not so many jobs around

either way, smokers can easily go outside

your attitude is typical of the selfish smoker who does not see or understand why he should not inflict his dirty habit on others around him

luckily, there are many smokers who are more aware and responsible

[Rural Surin]

so the boss can decide to let his staff be polluted and MAYBE GET SICK

nice one

I can choose not to go to a bar where the air stinks, the staff cannot

smokers can just go outside to consume their drugs, easy

...not forced labour, is it?

maybe they like the job itself, maybe there are not so many jobs around

either way, smokers can easily go outside

your attitude is typical of the selfish smoker who does not see or understand why he should not inflict his dirty habit on others around him

luckily, there are many smokers who are more aware and responsible

...as you know me well, huh Andy? Fool.

[DJ Pat]

Hopefully they'll do the same for people who fart in restaurants, or talk loudly.

[somtamslap]

In answer to the OP..absolutely not!

This may have something to do with the fact that I go out once a decade and am quite content making huge buttock incisions on my comfy chair out here on the balcony.

A young lad once tried to negotiate my seat and hasn't been located since. We're talking Grand Canyon esque dents here..

[billy the kid]

some english councils here have told workers
to clock-out when goin for a smoke
like having another tax on your fags
people said they didn't mind
apparently.
how daft is that ?