It's not quite that simple Ernest! Not all pubs have private outdoor areas and many places do not allow you to take an alcoholic drink onto the street area so that it's not possible to both smoke and have a drink.

Before the ban I was in the smoking area of a pub during a festival but went outside to smoke as people were singing. Despite leaving my personal belongings on my seat and my drink on the table I was a little suprised to find that my seat had been taken when I returned a few minutes later and my handbag, coat etc simply tossed aside.

Unfortunately not all folks are as "considerate" as some smokers which I think is demonstrated by the smug, self-righteous tone of some of the people who have posted on these threads.