To think that smoking in a cafe garden is selfish?

[cupkakesandkittens]

I was in a cafe for lunch earlier, beautiful weather so sat in the garden at the back to eat, and there were a few people smoking as they ate/drank.
I understand that it's an outdoor space, and it's legal, but to smoke in such close proximity to other people who are enjoying a meal, is just selfish.
I also understand that I could have sat inside, but I didn't want to sit inside on such a nice day.
It just really irritates me, can they not last 30 mins or an hour without a fag?

Ffs, I hate these smoker bashing threads. All winter spent shivering outside in the wind and rain, that's fine as what dirty smokers deserve, now sunny smoking outside is suddenly unacceptable as it is annoying to you.

How about you go inside as you have a choice or go somewhere with a non smoking outside.

Also the people saying they should wait until people finished eating, they'd be sat there forever waiting for people to come and go

rather than polling mn. write to your local politician and get the laws changed.
smokers need to smoke where no one else can be inflicted by the second hand effects.

Fenullafabulous - was thinking similar reading this. I'm not a smoker, but it was the normal for people to smoke in restaurants after dinner, and there only be a tiny non-smoking area, so smoke drifting while you were eating inside even the poshest restaurants (let alone pubs) was the norm.

Honestly, it's now less than 20% of the population who smoke, most of them not being heavy smokers, and generally from poorer backgrounds/lower social classes, which frankly most politicians don't care about, I reckon once they get it below 10% it'll be banned and those smokers will just be expected to get over it.

YANBU - utterly revolting habit

When it is a beautiful day WHY should my choice of where to eat be based upon someone who isn't considerate enough to smoke where it doesn't affect other people.

I cannot WAIT until smoking is banned in all public places

Don't think smoking should ever be allowed where people are eating. Pub gardens OTOH it's a fair payoff - smokers get to enjoy the summer weather in return for huddling outside in rubbish weather so that the rest of us don't go home from a session in the pub inhaling/reeking of smoke.

Or are there people who are happy for others to smoke around their children?

That is something I do not worry about at all. Unless there is a severe problem (such as Curviest's), that level of exposure won't harm them.

I thought there was supposed to be a clear divide between a smoking side and non smoking in outside eating areas?

Kitty - no you can smoke outside unless premises have signs up "no smoking "

Actually, much depends on the available space. A waft of a fag as someone passes is one thing, but only half an hour of passive smoke exposure can significantly increase a young child's risk of otitis media (as an example)
So, it can and does affct them.
Besides, my point was about the change in attitudes.
As a child in a "naice" neighbourhood I experienced smoke in everyone's home.
Times have changed.
Amd I dont like it when people smoke near my children.

Well, the poor sods sat out there in the rain and hailstorm all winter. They should get to still sit there in summer.

They could of course go 30 min without a fag, but they came especially for a coffee/ pint and a fag.

I smoke outside in the hope that people won't come near me if they have children. I don't like children. I don't smoke near people who are eating, though, 'cos that's just rude.

Smoking isn't a right though

Neither is having a smoke free atmosphere when you're outside

oh, and I'm an ex smoker ...

It is selfish.

But not unusually selfish.

People who go to places in large groups and talk very very loudly are being selfish too, to some degree.

YANBU, I agree that pubs are different and people should be able to smoke in gardens there but everywhere else it just ruins the atmosphere/meal for others.

Amd I dont like it when people smoke near my children.

Well, I'm not exactly encouraging. mine to go and sit in the smoking man's lap.

But sitting next to a table outdoors where someone is smoking? Nah, not a problem, not a big risk.

This is so funny.....

Gutted I missed the BBQ thread.

But I'm just popping out for a quick smoke

The sooner they make smoking in outdoor public place when food is served the better.

the sooner they ban

YABU. It's the smoking area for the rest of the year.

The car pollution one always comes up. I've never seen anyone sit with the car engine running in a garden. Smoking seems to damage the ability for logical argunent.

And if you must smoke, inhale - don't just wave it around. I want to see it constantly in your mouth and you taking deep breaths so you get the full benefit.

I am surprised at how many people would happily expose their children to smoke.
And to the person pointing out that car fumes are as bad- unless the OP intends to sit her child next to an exhaust pipe it really isn't the same thing.

And apparently the saddo sticks are compulsory, and it is not allowed to wear a coat so smokers get cold and wet outside in winter. Diddums then...

You could make use of the state funded addiction service to give up, you know.