Do you mind if I smoke?

[chocolatesaltyballs22]

We were in a pub the other day, big outdoor seating area which was covered over. People eating lunch (we weren't eating). Me & husband only.

Woman on next table says (just to me): 'excuse me, do you mind if I smoke?' So I just kinda shrugged, because I did mind but I didn't really want to say so. But she pushes it and says 'what does that mean?' So I replied well it's an outdoor area so I can't stop you but do I like smoke? No.

She kind of finished her drink and went off in a huff very quickly so I felt bad. But it seemed like there was only one acceptable answer to her question.

What would you have said in that scenario?

I mean I agree with you OP

Exactly this. I’m very glad I managed to miss the smug entitlement which apparently I should have acquired when I stopped smoking. There are vanishing few places people can smoke but some people won’t be happy until there aren’t any.

V well put. Threads like this make me think about taking up smoking, TBH.

The whole “I can’t say no therefore the question isn’t polite and genuine” nonsense is so embarrassing I want to be as much on the opposite side of the debate as possible.

@Russellbrandshair

I would have thought the existence of covid would be MORE of a reason to discourage smoking surely?

Smokers are more at risk of dying of covid than non smokers.......

There’s been some evidence that smoking actually protects against Covid. Inconvenient, isn’t it?

@Alsohuman
I’m afraid not!

We have seen headlines in the news such as ‘Smokers four times less likely to contract Covid-19’ and ‘MORE evidence smoking may cut the risk of coronavirus’. It would be easy to think that smoking is suddenly a good thing for your health - but it still isn’t.

Smoking could make it more likely that you will catch Covid-19 and the evidence suggests that smokers are more likely to get seriously ill from it. That’s partly because smokers touch their face and mouth more, meaning that they can become infected more easily. And smoking damages your lungs, making you more vulnerable to severe illness from respiratory diseases including Covid-19.

We understand that the pandemic can be very stressful, but if you need a time to quit, make it now.

A review of studies by public health experts convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with Covid-19, compared to non-smokers.

Similarly, the WHO says “Covid-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes which put people with these conditions at higher risk for developing severe illness when affected by Covid-19. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe disease and death.”

As previous posters have said, smokers can no longer smoke inside. We spend all winter in the freezing cold outside the pub and then come summer were no longer allowed to even enjoy the outside of the pub let alone the inside.

You must realise smokers are often the bread and butter for pubs, pubs need people's custom, particularly with covid and smokers are huge spenders when it comes to alcohol consumption in pubs too.

Also when it comes to disgusting habits affecting others, I would say alcohol is way up there with smoking. Alcohol is one of the main contributors to violence, particularly domestic violence. And as for smokers on public transport, I'd rather have a smelly smoker sat next to me than an annoying or aggressive drunk.

I was asked this question directly by a pleasant man who was sitting next to me by the pool on holiday. I had been bothered by second hand smoke drifting my way all week so gathered my courage and said “To be quite honest - yes I do mind if you smoke”. He was gracious about it and moved away to light up. There were several pools on the 5 complex and not one of them was designated a no-smoker. Being subject to other people smoking really marred our enjoyment and is the only reason we won’t return to that hotel. I mentioned this in reception and in their survey but was told with a shrug “this is Spain”*

You could substitute the country for France!

In my experience, the french love their smoking, seems much more socially acceptable over there e.g. after main course in outside terrace of restaurant, parents/grandparents smoking right next to young children etc.

@CuntAmongstThePigeons

As previous posters have said, smokers can no longer smoke inside. We spend all winter in the freezing cold outside the pub and then come summer were no longer allowed to even enjoy the outside of the pub let alone the inside.

You must realise smokers are often the bread and butter for pubs, pubs need people's custom, particularly with covid and smokers are huge spenders when it comes to alcohol consumption in pubs too.

Also when it comes to disgusting habits affecting others, I would say alcohol is way up there with smoking. Alcohol is one of the main contributors to violence, particularly domestic violence. And as for smokers on public transport, I'd rather have a smelly smoker sat next to me than an annoying or aggressive drunk.

Hear, hear. When was the last time someone got beaten up because their partner had smoked one too many?

As an ex smoker, only when I quit do I now smell smoke on people...and it reeks.

It blows about, and does affect others.
I used to get nagged by non smoking friends ''Please don't smoke in the garden, as it blows in through the windows''

But now I totally understand.
A neighbour used til smoke in his garden, and the prevailing wind blew it my way.

It seems ex smokers are especially sensitised to the reek of tobacco smoke.
The clouds from vapes are marginally more acceptable, but I still hold my breath walking through a 'mist' like a steam train pluming out of a vape-er's lungs.

As a smoker I wouldn’t light up in that scenario, I’d find a quiet corner of the beer garden, have my smoke and return after.

I don’t smoke in my garden either, I go in my garage and shut the door.

[quote Russellbrandshair]@Alsohuman
I’m afraid not!

We have seen headlines in the news such as ‘Smokers four times less likely to contract Covid-19’ and ‘MORE evidence smoking may cut the risk of coronavirus’. It would be easy to think that smoking is suddenly a good thing for your health - but it still isn’t.

Smoking could make it more likely that you will catch Covid-19 and the evidence suggests that smokers are more likely to get seriously ill from it. That’s partly because smokers touch their face and mouth more, meaning that they can become infected more easily. And smoking damages your lungs, making you more vulnerable to severe illness from respiratory diseases including Covid-19.

We understand that the pandemic can be very stressful, but if you need a time to quit, make it now.

A review of studies by public health experts convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with Covid-19, compared to non-smokers.

Similarly, the WHO says “Covid-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes which put people with these conditions at higher risk for developing severe illness when affected by Covid-19. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe disease and death.”[/quote]
I notice you don’t quote your source. Of course the British Heart Foundation is going to say that. Meanwhile, in a scientific study covering 40 countries ...

www.news-medical.net/news/20200615/An-inverse-relationship-between-smoking-and-COVID-19.aspx

Apologies- it was from the British heart foundation.

Here is one from imperial college London and associates:
covid.joinzoe.com/post/smoking-covid-risk

The clouds from vapes are marginally more acceptable

I can't stand vapes - revolting synthetic chemical smell and about 3 times as much smoke/vapour.

I'd rather be in the vicinity of someone smoking a 'proper' fag any day.

As a smoker if I asked this q, I'd be prepared and be totally okay with the other person saying pls. don't. But shrugging means nothing. It's not a yes or a no. It's more like saying "go ahead, but i will roll my eyes at you, but won't say anything because I'm afraid to say what I mean"
On the other hand, if there is food happening (so not pub setting, but outside of a restaurant) I never ask. I automatically get up, walk a bit further and expect every other smoker to do the same.
Why do british people have an issue with saying what they mean????

Are you seriously suggesting people take up smoking to protect against covid? So you’ll be advising loved ones to do so then? Seeing as you believe it?

Someone asked politely and you were rude and then you thought you'd go online and whine about it some more ... right.

if it was covered it prob wasnt technically a smoking area i wouldnt do it around pepole eating

i went to a an outside eating area last week covered by a massive gazebo style roof wouldnt assume you could smoke under it

@Russellbrandshair

Are you seriously suggesting people take up smoking to protect against covid? So you’ll be advising loved ones to do so then? Seeing as you believe it?

Of course I’m not. How on earth did you manage to make that leap of logic?

Instead of a PA shrug you could have said "I'd rather you didn't, if you don't mind".
She asked - she must expect that some people don't like it and be prepared for a no. And if she wasn't she shouldn't have asked.

Nobody who doesn't smoke likes smoking

I do. I know I’m in a minority but I quite like the smell. If someone is walking in front smoking I will walk behind breathing it in. My parents are similar- both non smokers but totally fine with smoke. I find some people’s reaction to the smell of smoke quite bizarre, intolerant and over dramatic.

You seem highly determined to “prove” that smoking reduces risk of covid- which is why you are posting links to studies. That’s why.
The imperial college study is the largest corona virus study in the world to date and they suggest that the reason they had those false results was because smokers were less likely to be diagnosed with covid than non smokers because covid was t showing up on their tests as easily. Thus giving the impression smoking inhibits it.

I wouldn’t of even asked you. Outside of pubs are for people who want to smoke. Sit inside if it’s a problem. Non smokers can’t have it both ways. Stay at home and enjoy a drink if it is a big problem. She asked you a question you could of answered with a yes/no.

@Russellbrandshair

Are you seriously suggesting people take up smoking to protect against covid? So you’ll be advising loved ones to do so then? Seeing as you believe it?

It's not a reason to start, it's a reason why now wouldn't be a good time to stop. Giving up now would mean you'd lose the protective benefit of nicotine stopping the virus binding with your cells (or however it works), but you'd still have any associated lung damage that would make the consequences of an infection worse.

If I was asked then I'd say yes, she asked and you don't have to give the answer that she wanted.

‘Smoking protects you from Covid’. Seriously??

We’re all sitting outside so we can be socially distanced.
It’s not ok to smoke in a public place outdoors within the premises of a cafe, pub or restaurant. If you’re desperate for a fag, leave the premises and go somewhere where there are no people within about 20 yards of you.

Fag smoke stinks, makes people cough and that’s really not helpful right now.

OP, practise saying ‘yes I do mind’ with a Paddington stare.

It's not a reason to start, it's a reason why now wouldn't be a good time to stop. Giving up now would mean you'd lose the protective benefit of nicotine stopping the virus binding with your cells (or however it works), but you'd still have any associated lung damage that would make the consequences of an infection worse

Absolutely incorrect. Look at the study I posted above. I just cannot with this thread if people are convinced smoking will help them.
I did a placement on a respiratory ward during training and I’ve seen the effects of smoking. Anyone who thinks smoking helps any disease is severely deluded.