Smoking in Asia
 

MDH is a marshall at the PGA, Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisconsin, USA this week.

There are golfers from all over the world and he has noticed that the Asian golfers, caddies, and entourage all smoke continuously.

I am wondering what the smoking policy is in bars & restaurants in Asia.

Asia is a big place. Smoking policies vary from one country to another. Where exactly are you wondering about?

Nowhere in particular. He just noticed that all of the Asian golfers smoked one after another non-stop and we were wondering is that is common practice.

In some countries, yes, in others, no.

The US tobacco companies turned their efforts to Asia several years ago because they saw a huge potential of new smokers (and customers). Sadly, smoking is on the increase in India. It will take many more years before the long term effects such as bronchitis, COPD, and lung cancer begin to take their toll.

In restaurants in Laos and Cambodia I've found its more western tourists. As an Australian (where its illegal) I find it annoying to have smoke drifting over my meal.

In Myanmar it seems to be more women smoking. (cheroots!) Also I saw a bloke walking past cars stopped at traffic lights in Yangon with an open packet of cigarettes held out in front of him. I think he was trying to sell them singly which says something about economic conditions in the country.

Patrons have to go outside to smoke, at my favorite pub in Bangkok. The patrons, however, are not Asians. They are mostly Aussies and Brits.

In Bangkok and Singapore, for instance, there is no smoking in restaurants and bars and indoor shopping malls, etc.