So true, I was lucky enough to move to California when they started in with the smoker bashing brainwashing.. Wife and I learned that when we ate out, we ate, Paid, ran out, and did not spend another second in the place.
Now that I am in Nevada, it took us time to get used to sitting after a meal and having a smoke. Its very relaxing and I really missed it. Nothing better than a smoke and a cup of coffee after a nice dinner out.
We also go out to eat alot more than we used to in Kalifornistan :)
That's how I felt when I came home from the Navy from San Diego to Colorado. It's as if all states that have accomodations for smokers are somehow expected to be plagued with innocent bystanders keeling over in the streets and resturaunts. And we all know that THAT'S a bunch of BS.
Unfortunately, this BS mentality seems to have followed me east. That's fine. I have a good countermeasure against this -one of many.
The smoking bans are pathetic and they are choking our nation's economy!
My favorite place to eat almost closed their doors after the first smoking ban in Maine in 2000.
The owner then invested in a very expensive liquor license and business started to boom again.
They then remodeled. The place is beautiful. 4 big ceiling air purifiers. Full menu. A beautiful glass enclosed non-smoking section. Sign on the entrance door "This is a smoking establishment. No one under 18 admitted without guardian."
It is a Sports Bar with the full computer golf game across the back wall; bunch of big TV's. Just beautiful.
But that still wasn't good enough for the state. A full no smoking ban went into effect a year ago January. I went once after the ban, was so miserable that I couldn't sit there like old times and enjoy the evening that I haven't put myself through that again.
And do you think the state will reimburse this business owner for spending his own money to be able to accommodate everyone? You can bet they will not.
I absolutely refuse to eat out in a no smoking establishment. Why should I spend my money for that personal abuse? No way!
And I miss it dearly.