The 'discussion' rumbles on and appears to be quite divsive, which in itself is v unusual for the San Stef forum.
That probably tells a story about how smoking has become v 'black and white'.
I did not mean to cause offence earlier this week - al fresco smoking is fine - that's where it should be, but just be considerate to the tables near you. You wouldnt blow smoke over your friends on your table, so why slyly blow it over your shoulder to affect the table(s) near you?
When we were in San Stef in 2010 and 2009 both hotels we stayed in had no smoking in their bars but never enforced it. Did it spoil our friendships with people we met? No.......but it would've been preferable if the people we'd met had stepped outside to smoke.
As for the UK the smoking ban has been brilliant. Not going home without smoke smelling clothes or a hoarse throat (or coughing in the night) has been fab.
More people going to pubs to eat and drink - many families would not have considered a good pub to eat, without the smoking ban.
As for the argument that pubs have suffered because of the smoking ban - complete rubbish!
Pubs have suffered because
(i) Peoples eating and drinking habits have changed
(ii) It's become much cheaper to drink at home
(iii) Rents from the brewers have vastly increased
(iv) The large brewery conglomerates have inflicted around 3 price increases/year on beer for last 30 years ( the govt tax take is small compared to brewery price increases every year)
As for smokers thinking they have a right to inflict their filthy habit on others, why not congregate in your own room and let each other inhale each other's putrid smoke - the rest of us, especially my 2 year old grandson, shouldn't have to.