Since the smoking ban, whats the new cigarette etiquette?
On July 1, 2007, smokers in England were pushed out of their cosy smoking areas and forced to stand outside in the cold. No longer would they be able to enjoy a leisurely cigarette at their table after a meal; a relaxing cigarette with a glass of wine after a long day in the office. For those who chose to cling on to their habit, life would now revolve around dingy cigarette shelters, hurried fags on the way to and from meetings, and standing around in pens with fellow addicts. Some chose to quit, with research showing that the number of smokers is down 2.4 per cent this year already – the average annual decrease is normally 0.4 per cent. Support for the ban has also gone up 5 per cent since May last year. But not all smokers have been happy to stub out their indoor fags. The authorities have had to hand out 908 written warnings to individuals smoking in prohibited areas, and 477 fixed penalty notices. Eight have led to court hearings. Most smokers, though, are made of stern stuff. You
