I've seen the future...and it's canopied.

garinda · 13-02-2007, 11:17

I returned to Glasgow this weekend. A place I lived for a while, a couple of years ago, but this was the first time I'd been back since the introduction of the smoking ban in public places.

As a smoker, I must say I wasn't particularly looking forward to standing out in the cold and wet, but I was pleasantly suprised.

The chi-chi boutique hotel suite, that was hired for my friends farewell bash, before they move to sunnier climes, had a balcony, so that was fine to indulge in a nicotine hit.

All the bars and clubs that I used to frequent, now have canopies, and heaters outside on the pavements. Some have tables, though you can't take your drinks out onto the street, unless there is a garden, so you tend not to stay out too long. However it is warm and dry whilst you have a cigarette.

Besides the trendy city centre bars, even the spit and sawdust pubs in the East End, that sell only pints of heavy and whisky, also seem to have adapted well, and have all provided dry areas outside to smoke.

The bars and clubs I revisted weren't as busy as I remember them, but even as a smoker the atmosphere inside was much more pleasant, because of the lack of smoke.

Another suprise of the changes was that at least three friends, who were life long, heavy smokers, have kicked the habit.

So in conclusion, something that I was dreading, isn't really going to be that bad.

As long as England also provides little shelters...to stop your fag being put out by the rain.

garinda · 13-02-2007, 11:28

....oh, and another benefit was I only smoked half as many cigarettes as I normally would on a night out.

SPUGGIE J · 13-02-2007, 11:33

Yet anyone doing it the otherway thinks its heaven to spark up in the pub and double their intake.

flashy · 13-02-2007, 11:43

welcome back uncle rindy, hope you had a good time

you've been missed x

chav1 · 13-02-2007, 12:03

dont get too comfy garinda all the loony enviromentalists are trying to get outdoor heaters banned because apprently they are destroying teh ozone

Neil · 13-02-2007, 13:12

The question must be, what is an enclosed public place? or whatever it is that the new law states.

lancsdave · 13-02-2007, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

The question must be, what is an enclosed public place? or whatever it is that the new law states.

It's the space between a politicians ears

entwisi · 13-02-2007, 13:41

time to invest in patio heater and canopy companies

WillowTheWhisp · 13-02-2007, 15:16

It sounds very pleasant and quite continental.

garinda · 13-02-2007, 15:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

The question must be, what is an enclosed public place? or whatever it is that the new law states.

Central Station in Glasgow is classed as a public space, and you can't smoke there, even though it is open to the elements, and the wind whistles through from all directions.

However, after sitting on the train for three hours, I lit up regardless. If challenged I was going to say I was a dumb tourist, who didn't understand the new rules.

SPUGGIE J · 13-02-2007, 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

Central Station in Glasgow is classed as a public space, and you can't smoke there, even though it is open to the elements, and the wind whistles through from all directions.

However, after sitting on the train for three hours, I lit up regardless. If challenged I was going to say I was a dumb tourist, who didn't understand the new rules.

Bit of a pain and besides ignorence wouldnt help as its announced on the trains. At least they had a canopy and heater where you partied G. We have only one pub in Grangemouth and it aint my local. There are a few equiped as discribed in Falkirk.

Neil it is any four sided enclosed area used by the public. They tried it with bus shelters but as most are open at two ends and gaps at the roof they couldnt. Down to whether the smoke can escape.

shillelagh · 13-02-2007, 19:11

its like that in dublin when i went a couple of years ago patio heaters and canopies all outside. By the way i smoke and i liked it no smoking in the pubs.

garinda · 14-02-2007, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUGGIE J

Bit of a pain and besides ignorence wouldnt help as its announced on the trains.

Not on my train they didn't, and there were no signs visible. It was only after I'd had my cigarette, whilst waiting for my friends, that they told me the station was classed an enclosed place, and therefore came under the no smoking in confined public spaces.

But by then it was too late, though I did put the stump in a bin.

cashman · 14-02-2007, 00:16

sounds like the jocks have it sussed! can,t really see canopys being put up-or lasting 2 mins if any are.

around here i meant to say.

junetta · 14-02-2007, 00:24

It sounds horrid. I'm planning to have my yearly visit to England in April this year so that I can avoid standing outside in the cold with my ciggie. Goodness knows what I'll do next year!