But if it's a choice between that and no pub at all, I'll take the smoky pub.

Ditto, Paul. But why should that be the choice? Surely it is not rocket science to ensure non-smokers are protected from the smoke? Modern air conditioning with possitive and negative pressure areas are more than possible but the pub management companies chose not to. Why? Because of the cost. They would not cater for people who would rather not breathe smoke and were then the first to whinge when someone made them do it! I think the closure rate is significant but I suspect a cynical manipulation of the smoking ban by poor management plays a far bigger role than people imagine.

BTW - I do have the very (5 or 6 a year-ish) occasional cigar or cigarette when I am sure it will not bother anyone else.

Cheers

Dave