"The argument against passive smoking is a very weak one in my opinion, as those who object to a smokey atmosphere are usually perfectly capable of removing themselves from it if they feel they are in any danger or discomfort."
Sums up all the selfish arrogance of every smoker I have ever spoken to on the subject.
Smoking in public is smelly, selfish, anti-social and lethal, both to the smoker and non-smoker alike.
Why should we have to "remove ourselves" because somebody wishes to pursue a dirty habit? I go into my local to have a drink and listen to good traditional music, not to inhale somebody else's toxic fumes.
A wholesale ban on public smoking has been in place in Ireland now for some years - it's a done deal and there is no chance of the law being rescinded,
It's rather amusing watching smokers in the UK and elsewhere running around like headless chickens at the threat of a permanent ban.
The last time I was in the UK it smelt like an old ashtray - welcome to the 21st century!
Jim Carroll