O M G - doesn't this issue raise the temperature!! Bristol Boy talks great sense! I now love going to the Pub and restaurants in the UK!
I can remember as a young boy, getting on an underground tube train smoking car - and nearly dying from lack of oxygen!
Britain used to smoke as much as any country - almost everyone smoked once - now we are more aware and can choose!
I have to disagree on this one Andy7 - Any Greek waiter who comes up with a cigarette drooping ash is simply rude!
I think it's nonsense to say that smoking is part of any countries culture - it's not - it's dirty!
Smokers stink! Sorry - but it's true! Bit like strong Garlic eaters, other smokers won't smell it - the rest do,
unless you are so used to it because of a partner being a smoker!
It is purely marketing and big money by the Tobacco companies, who still make vast fortunes by hooking teenage children on cigarettes, knowing they have created new customers by addiction, in spite of the known risks to health. Both you and I know that is true!
My wife, who smoked from the age of 13, had a heart attack at 42. She was a size 8 who lived on salads, healthy eating and exercise!
So don't expect me or others like us to agree with you on this.
This Heart attack was proved to be caused directly by the carbon monoxide in cigarettes which she - through unlucky genes - was allergic too - as are many people who are walking medical time-bombs but don't know it! This caused her Arteries to be more receptive to coating with cholesterol, and eventually blocking, causing a heart attack. She was told to give up smoking immediately and did so!
She, as a reformed smoker is far worse that me in regard to smoking, especially as she knows exactly what it does to you!
In saying that - we still operate with respect for others, including to the smokers who show contempt for other Diners eating alongside!
However, if it gets too much - they are asked nicely to keep the smoke away!
I totally agree with your comments on the British nanny state, Andy7, I hate the concept as much as you obviously do!
I hate political correctness with a passion - it's killing Britain!
But - back to smoking - It was the Euro-prat's that brought in the smoking ban in the first place and most of Europe who voted for it were the heavy smokers in the first place!
I like you, am a life-long non-smoker! So I feel likewise I have a balanced outlook as my wife used to smoke - so I understand the need!
But I suffer a touch from Ashma and cigarette smoke wafting in my face affects my breathing!
So I like many others do not have an obsession - I am not anxious, neurotic and selfish - I just can't breath properly!
That is my main reason for hating being near a smoker!! I still believe in peoples right to choose, but I don't wish to share a "Fag"!
Is that so wrong? I hate the smell, it cuts my breathing just like the smoke from a house fire would to most people!
However, I very rarely ever say anything as I don't like to spoil anyone's evening - and understand that smokers have as much right as the non smokers! As Sarah (sharris) say's it's simply good manners and consideration we want, not to chuck the smoker out into the street! I try to give the same good manners and consideration back to people! Ask Don - we shared a table as well!
Sorry mate - I am not having a dig at you, you often come across with good points of view, I am not trying to upset you or provoke discussion, I am simply saying how it affects me, and why - so you can understand! - and after reading this I am sure that you and the smokers do!
Bottom line - I really like you smokers - buy usually when you are not smoking in my face! LOL