I must admit that some of the more belligerent of the anti-smoker posts would be almost enough to tempt me to take up smoking. More important, if I were a smoker that kind of thing would be the very thing to help keep me smoking. I think that is something people ought to take into account when tempted to indulge in diatribes on the subject.

The ban on smoking in pubs is a human rights thing as well as a matter of public health. People have a right to socialise in a non smoky atmosphere. People who do smoke have a duty in common courtesy to confine their habit to places where it doesn't cause physical discomfort to others - which normally means outdoors. This would even apply if smokers were in a majority - but in fact they are in a relatively small and dwindling minority.

Here's an article from Wetherpoons about plans for the ban - "When smoking was banned in pubs in Scotland, last March, most Wetherspoon pubs erected awnings and added patio heaters, so that smokers would not feel left out in the cold.

Shelves, tables, chairs and even fireplaces were made available in new outdoor facilities, so that smokers could enjoy the same pub atmosphere as those indoors.

Artwork outside the pubs is designed to reflect pub interiors."

All sounds very civilised. Maybe this kind of thing might offer a setting for music sessions...

I'm still puzzled why the ban is coming in for Wales and Northern Ireland in April, but England has to wait till July.