Smoking ban in public buildings in England starts today July 1, 2007

YAY! Time to book a trip...

Time to steer clear of most of Britain.

Bloody smokers used to just pollute pubs, so you could avoid them. Now they're hanging around outside and you can't.

Worst thing ever to happen to our streets.

That's what I've noticed. Since all the smoking bans, I actually end up seeing and smelling MORE smoke from everyone clustered out on the streets. I wish they woulda left 'em in the smoker's lounge like the good old days.

Here in California we've had this issue for quite some time. I always prefer to sit outside and often have to deal with the smokers...however, now many restaurants have smoke free outside sitting areas as well. And of course, smoking is banned near buildings. Kaiser Hospitals have totally smoke free surroundings as well, no smoking allowed in their parking lot.

I would still rather the ban be inside. We just started ours last night in Louisville, KY. I played music for years in smoke and have chronic problems. Next generations of musicians won't have to deal with that. Neither will the folks who must work at night (for many reasons) This gives all people a fair shot at working in clean air.
I have noticed how unpleasant it is to window shop in New York, however. Even outdoor areas can be nauseating when smoke is present. But I'd still rather it be outside than in!