I sympathize with smokers but care about _everyone's_ health more.

It really boils down to 'Breathing Is Not Negotiable.

To smokers:

Why do you want to harm the lungs and health of those close to you?

Why do you think that your addiction to smoking supersedes your compatriots expectation of the cleanest possible air?

If I put jars of foul smelling pond scum on all the tables I sat at, occasionally dosing the room with it for good measure, would you think me rude? What if I just liked breathing the fumes?


My honest advice to a folk club is absolutely don't allow smoking, you will keep your members longer, they'll sing better, and they will be more happy.

Especially if smoking is still allowed in your region, you might well have a more loyal following as a haven for non smokers. Smokers must realize that the days of indoor smoking are numbered they will not stay away if they want to sing. If you want to attract older performers, I'd advertise 'smoke free' wherever possible. The folk club near me went smoke free (City Bylaw) and it is much better. Smokers go out between sets or sometimes before their turn.

Its not a small issue, as some of the above messages will attest.


S