I am not a smoker.
Okay, now that I got that over with, let’s get to the point of this whole blog post. As you may already know, I am not one to use my blog to complain and moan about things—that is just not me. I like to inform people and share information. But lately, I have grown weary of smokers in public, that is to say that I am tired of breathing in second hand smoke. It has gotten to the point that the last few nighttime outings that I participated in were not fun ones because of smokers. It seems everywhere I go, there is a smoker lurking somewhere breathing out their air filled venom in which my poor lungs take in.
I am not amused.
I don’t have anything against smokers. I am not the type of person who will go up to someone smoking and verbally let them know my dissatisfaction. But there is nothing cool or sexy about smoking. It makes your breath stink, your clothes smell, and gives you lung cancer. Smoking is just not fabulous at all. And yes, that is my opinion.
Here in St. Louis, there is not a ban on smoking in restaurants. So people may go to a restaurant or club and sit in the “smoking section” which is usually right across from the “no smoking section” which is why my lungs are not happy. Many large cities have a smoking ban indoors period, but St. Louis is still lagging behind in that area.
Then there are the times when I am outside on the patio enjoying a good dinner when someone at the next table is smoking with their back behind me and the smoke is just getting everywhere—in my hair, food, etc. They look at me and I look at them and scowl in disgust and they smile, as if they have no idea that I am not happy that they are smoking. At one recent event, my friend and I were sitting at a table outside and the woman next to us continued to chain smoke cigarette after cigarette throughout our whole meal. We were sitting there first but she didn’t care. And didn’t even bother to ask that pesky question, “Is this smoke bothering you?”
I wish there was an island at every event that smokers could go to which was sealed of and cordoned so I would not have to deal with this foolishness.
So that is my rant and I am sticking to it. Call it discrimination if you want, but I cannot tolerate cigarette smoke.
What is your take? Are you a smoker who thinks I should just “get a life?” Or do you agree with me? Has smoking cramped your style at parties and events? Comment please and let me know your opinion.
I'm with you!! I've often gone out and been the only non-smoker in the group only to be left at the table by myself for what seems like an eternity while everyone goes out to smoke.
And let’s not talk about the employees at work who take endless smoke breaks while you are working your butt off. I started taking mini breaks as well even though I don’t smoke because of the principle.
I have been absolutely spoiled that since I left Missouri, the three states I've lived in all have smoking bans in restaurants. When I was in STL a few weeks ago, we ate at Houlihan's in Union Station. Like you described, we were in "non-smoking" but directly adjacent to the bar. Some inconsiderate idiot was smoking a CIGAR and blowing it our direction. Mom, hubby and I put our shirts over our noses and mouths while my dad stared a hole through the guy. He finally put it out. Jerk.
St. Louis needs to get with the times, really. You are not the first person who has mentioned that they hate going out to dinner here in Missouri. SMH.
I live in Charlotte, NC. We are pretty much right on the SC border. NC has a smoking ban, but SC does not. People here who really want to smoke in clubs/restaurants go to SC. There have been articles in the paper about how much of an increase the SC border businesses have had since the ban was established in NC. I think private clubs that require membership are exempt from the ban.
Ideally people should not smoke, it is a public health hazard as well as an individual health hazard, and it is a fire safety issue as well. That said, I do believe people who chose to smoke should be allowed to do so on their own property. Also, it's reasonable to expect smoker's to be able to go the time of a typical restaurant visit without smoking.
Totally with you but you'll be happy to know that St. Louis passed a smoking ban in all public places in the city and county that takes place on January 2. http://www.smokefreestl.org/
I like that it's in the winter so if people want to smoke they have to suffer outside!
I will be so glad when that goes into effect, Hannah! I for one will not miss the smoke! Thanks for the clarification.
I am a smoker New Orleans. I can relate to you as I hate other people's smoke being blown directly in my face but I totally disagree with you when it comes to clubbing or parties. People who go out to bars or clubs should expect a certain amount of smoke in the air. Drinking and smoking go hand in hand for me and I'm sure this is true for many others. I respect non-smokers, but if I'm outside or within the smoker's section of a certain place and you give me the side eye, I will gladly tell you to suck it.