Smokers Thread

[CB]

As about no place bothers with clear signs for smoking/non smonking, I think it is useful (for both camps) to open a thread about policies and places. While we all go out and see what has changed or not, let's help each other finding the right place to go. I am a smoker, but fundamentalist non smokers are welcome to list here as well.

Here's what I've seen from january 1st:

Lulu bar, Golden Mile, Marbella. No problem to smoke. Nice place as well.

Marvellous piano bar, puerto banus, 1st line. Smoking only allowed on the terrace. Ashtrays still there, but about to be removed.

Aretusa, Italian restaurant, puerto banus, 1st line. Smokers are adviced to go outside and look stupid.

Delight restaurant, nueva andalucia, oppposite to Andalucia Plaza hotel entrance, (ask stewart for a surprise menu and eat 3 stars michelin where u don't expect it!), smoking allowed.

Sinatra's, puerto banus: Smoking.

Bar Aguadulce, puerto banus, in front of the main entrance of El Corte Ingles: Smoking. Inside and out.

That is it. Would be grateful for other listings, great to know where to bring my good money or not. Don't mind not to smoke, but not with my coffee, no way, bring bill, goodbye, yet for the smoke haters no offence ment. I think it is very good for all where to go and where not to go. Please post your experience in bars and restaurants here. Spares me the annoyance as a smoker and spares non smokers of the annoyance as well. It is all about hospitality. Or education, a women once told me. That was a sad case. Spanish speaking, but from the USA. No clue about quality of life. But she was on a vacation

If you don't mind, I'll keep posting about where to go and not to go, and I hope you do as well. Don't hate the non smokers, I'll put it out when you don't like it, but the times have changed, we have to be segregated by law. *beep* in the back of the bus. Like to know where there is still place in the back of the bus.... And that is where I'll have my coffee and pay a tip.

[spanish hopes]

I think that the Spanish peoples protest vote which allowed the Politically Correct Socialist Mafia into office will be seen as an own goal at the next elections and they will be banished into obscurity. Only the brits are prepared to accept anything from their government without reaction.

[jan400]

It's hard to argue with overwhelming medical evidence

[safeashouses]

I am a non-smoker now and only ever used to smoke a few many years ago. I live with a smoker, who tries to give up 7 times a week during the hours of darkness. He does enjoy a cigarette and watching him smoke especially when he doesn't know he's been watched is both funny and frightening. He is now because of the hype re. 'passive smoking' more aware and therefore more considerate and will go outside to smoke or hang out of a window (but just not far enough).

I do think that it is extremely unfair that kiosk holders are no longer allowed to sell cigarettes and I hope they are able to do something to change this ruling. Surely it doesn't matter where cigarettes are sold as smokers will always buy them from somewhere.

[oliveview01]

Had to giggle today, the toilets in the shopping centre had signs posted on the doors saying it is illegal to smoke in the loos...... a bit like the school kids hiding for a quick fag at break/lunch time

[frank]

Had to giggle today, the toilets in the shopping centre had signs posted on the doors saying it is illegal to smoke in the loos...... a bit like the school kids hiding for a quick *beep* at break/lunch time

I was reading a Spanish thread, and that is exactly what is happening. People banned from smoking in their offices/place of work etc are all flocking to the toilets for a drag. They'll have to make the loos like aircraft ones, with smoke detectors. Problem is, a lot of people used to smoking all day in their offices, now seem to think it's OK to pop out to the loo for ten minutes, every half hour! And the people that don't smoke, don't like it. Why shouldn't they have a ten minute break every half hour. It'll end in tears!

[CB]

Sorry to see only opinions, but no tips on where to go. Maybe I go out much myself.

Max beach, Riviera: Covered with No Smoking signs inside, apparently smoking is only allowed at the bar (that is only open for a few hours).

Fluid lounge bar, elviria, No Smoking. Only outside in the cold. Spanish bar next to it: Smoking!

Fondue Lounge restaurant, elviria, Smoking and no Smoking areas....

On the outside of any place, I can see nothing of what to expect. My impression is, that bar/restaurant owners are pretty scared about the high penalties and want to keep all options open (nor scare clients off, hey, it's winter, every customer counts). Not so strange as for the owner, the penalty can go up to 600k! Another observation is that you get the feeling the "owner" is not the host anymore. The state is. Fear for repercussions is the owner now. (And don't put it simply on socialists, I am a socialist as well!!!!).

Three years ago, I came to live here. Shortly after, we went to Ojen, the wine museum, to taste mostly Malaga wines. After a few glasses, I wanted to smoke, so I stepped outside (was a bit of a drizzle outside as well). The owner came to me and asked what I was doing. Hey, it is wine tasting, I don't want to spoil the air. I was told to get right back inside, he would get me an ashtray. "This is Spain!" he told me. When some other taster would have had problems, I would be the first to go out. But no. Made me feel very free, but still not so free that I should not care about people next to me. Where is that Spain today?????

As a socialist, however, I know one thing (old *beep* that I am), where I come from, the socialists, in the 70's thought that the culture could be "made" by politics. This has very much been proven wrong (as Russians are now not really known as a social nation as well, rather close to the opposite). Governments should do what the people want, not think they can drastically change people by passing laws. The best they can do is make people think and hope for the better.

I am thinking now, knowing a law was accepted democratically, and then signed by the king, meaning, all police forces and judges have to act accordingly. No way back. So all I want to know is, where do I go? I will keep posting from what I learn, but I will truly appreciate to hear from others where one can go/ not go these days. Without proper notice outside, I feel bad as well to leave a nice bar/restaurant, owners with their hands tied (or not), I'd rather go where I know I am still welcome.

Can't do 50 bars/restaurants in one night, I'm afraid. But will share my experience here from now. That's why I opened this thread.

[daneinspain]

I dont see any problem putting smokers outside as long as they are kept warm in the winter by heaters and cool in the summer some way or another

[frank]

I dont see any problem putting smokers outside as long as they are kept warm in the winter by heaters and cool in the summer some way or another

Agree with the first bit about putting smokers outside, but I'd be happy to let them shiver or sweat, depending on the season.

[citymike]

Had to giggle today, the toilets in the shopping centre had signs posted on the doors saying it is illegal to smoke in the loos...... a bit like the school kids hiding for a quick *beep* at break/lunch time

I was reading a Spanish thread, and that is exactly what is happening. People banned from smoking in their offices/place of work etc are all flocking to the toilets for a drag. They'll have to make the loos like aircraft ones, with smoke detectors. Problem is, a lot of people used to smoking all day in their offices, now seem to think it's OK to pop out to the loo for ten minutes, every half hour! And the people that don't smoke, don't like it. Why shouldn't they have a ten minute break every half hour. It'll end in tears!

Depends what job it is. When I worked in IT a 10 minute break away from the screen could sometimes work wonders and it could be brilliant for networking with other smokers. I found very few non smokers, in fact I can't remember any, who objected to smokers nipping outside but then generally I worked with a bright, mature crowd.

[spanish hopes]

The problem with anti smokers mike is that not only do they object to having to breath in second hand smoke (which I can understand) but they want to STOP everyone from smoking anywhere whether or not it directly affects them or not.
Petty mindedness such as objecting to the smokers who have been banned from from smoking in the workplace having a smoke in the toilets is just another symptom of the attitude which is being pandered to by the Nanny State usually socialist governments.

[jan400]

Do non-smoker's never need the toilet then?

[Bongtrees]

The problem with anti smokers mike is that not only do they object to having to breath in second hand smoke (which I can understand) but they want to STOP everyone from smoking anywhere whether or not it directly affects them or not.
Petty mindedness such as objecting to the smokers who have been banned from from smoking in the workplace having a smoke in the toilets is just another symptom of the attitude which is being pandered to by the Nanny State usually socialist governments.

I take exception to your statement that it is petty minded to oject to people smoking in the toilets.

Its a fact that second hand smoke kills, toilets are a public area so the no smoking rule applies.

How disgusting/degrading/pathetic (label it how you please) to have to go and smoke in a toilet anyway.

Mike

[spanish hopes]

I rest my case, thank you Mike.

[spanish hopes]

The problem with anti smokers mike is that not only do they object to having to breath in second hand smoke (which I can understand) but they want to STOP everyone from smoking anywhere whether or not it directly affects them or not.
Petty mindedness such as objecting to the smokers who have been banned from from smoking in the workplace having a smoke in the toilets is just another symptom of the attitude which is being pandered to by the Nanny State usually socialist governments.

Do non-smoker's never need the toilet then?

Of course they do and I believe that they are allowed to use them too. I also doubt very much that smokers will whinge that non smokers take toilet breaks.

[oliveview01]

Actually, going into a toilet where there are smokers is disgusting, toilet ´smells´can be bad enough on their own without the added smog from smokers too. Why should a non smokers clothes have to stink like an old ashtray just because smokers want to impose their habit on us non-smokers?

[kevin77]

Hilarious to see these hardcore smokers coming on like they are brave rebels against a manipulative government.
The fact is they are **** themselves because they cant give up, God knows they have tried, but they just havent got the will power!
And like an obese person defending their addiction to pies or burgers, they give the 'its my body etc.. used to be a free country, but not now' plea.

[spanish hopes]

The fact is they are **** themselves because they cant give up, God knows they have tried, but they just havent got the will power!

Yet another subject in which kevin is an expert, the man is amazing.

I am perfectly happy for non smokers to not smoke, I am perfectly happy for airlines, restaurants etc to have a strict no smoking policy. I am also happy for smoking areas to be much smaller than non smoking areas.
But please do not tell me that I am trying to give up or question my will power just to try to score a cheap point.

Why do you PC types always insist that your way is the only way so you have to impose it on everyone?

No wonder the 'Nanny State' is so active with so many of you prepared to lay down and accept anything thrown at you in your smug little worlds.

[safeashouses]

Sorry to see only opinions, but no tips on where to go. Maybe I go out much myself.

Can't do 50 bars/restaurants in one night, I'm afraid. But will share my experience here from now. That's why I opened this thread.

CB If it's not too far a journey for you, you will be welcomed as a smoker in Fathoms Bar Sabinillas. It's a small bar where non-smokers if they wish can sit outside. On Monday nights there is a free to enter quiz and complimentary snacks. Closed Tuesdays.

Incidentally if this thread is to be kept on-going by the non-smokers, of which I am one. Can I just say that I strongly object to having my meal and evening out ruined by holier than thou non-smokers even complaining about being near my husband smoking whilst sitting outside a restaurant. Lady outside Slow Boat to China in Puerta Duquesa YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!!

[Midnight Rambler]

What's your problem Kevin? why the *beep*, this has nothing to do with whether one has the willpower to give up smoking or not, it's about a manipulative government (your words) they want to take money from cigarette duty but not have any responsibility towards the individual.

The damage done to our environment through exhaust and chemical emission is far more important than a smokers decision to quit or not, but of course you nor I have no part in the decision to ban the use of fossil fuels or what dangerous chemicals can or cannot be used.

I'm a , cigar smoker myself and I don't smoke in enclosed public places, but I strongly believe that if I have the right to buy a cigar then I have the right to smoke it where I like within reason, I wonder how people of your ilk would feel if a law was passed stating that you may buy petrol for your car but you can only use it on private land, get real!