Why should smokers expect to be able to smoke in a pub? Just because they always have done? Doesn't make it right, or pleasant. At our club's previous home, there was one couple who both smoked who turned up infrequently. There were three people (three halves of three couples) who had lung or allergy problems and couldn't stand being in a smokey room, and who came most club nights. We asked the smokers to stop - they said no. Not our pub, so we couldn't force them. End result - six people who never came to the club again, because they wouldn't take the risk of travelling over and finding that the smokers were there so they'd have to go home again.

That's what I think of when I hear smokers complaining about this. That and the fact that anything we wear to a smokey pub can't be worn the following day, and that we need showers because we stink of smoke. Oh, and that Ireland is apparently seeing more people than ever in pubs now.

Graham.