Was in a pub last night....

Blatter

At around 9pm last night with a few friends. It was the first time we were ever in this particular pub, decided to try a new venue out for a change.

But anyhow, when we entered, there was around 10-12 customers in there. Ranging from 40-80 year olds, mostly men with a few women. The usual suspects you'd normally see in a pub.

However, there was one difference. The place stunk of smoke.There was around 2-3 people smoking at the bar and another 3-4 within the pub. I couldn't believe it. This is a pub inside a large town(albeit at the end of it, slightly out of the way) that was allowing smoking indoors at 9pm on a Saturday night. I said to myself that if they allow it at such a prime time in the week, they probably allow it to happen day in, day out.

One of my friends who smokes asked the barman if there was a smoking area. The barman looked at him funny and said 'no'. He then pointed to the roof of the pub as if to say you can smoke in here. He then proceeded to give my friend a small glass with water in the end of it to use as an ash tray and said 'don't tell anyone now'.

Unbelievable. What I can't understand is how on earth they can take a massive risk like that. Isn't there huge fines and a threat against one's pub licence if found to be prohibiting the smoking ban?

ElleEm

Where was it? I remember being in a country pub a few years ago and all the oul ones and oulfellas were smoking. The windows were open so I think they felt that they weren't breaking the rules. I also know a couple of business people who smoke in their offices, which are connected to their public businesses.

There are probably few people who complain about it.

veryangryman

Blatter wrote: »

At around 9pm last night with a few friends. It was the first time we were ever in this particular pub, decided to try a new venue out for a change.

But anyhow, when we entered, there was around 10-12 customers in there. Ranging from 40-80 year olds, mostly men with a few women. The usual suspects you'd normally see in a pub.

However, there was one difference. The place stunk of smoke.There was around 2-3 people smoking at the bar and another 3-4 within the pub. I couldn't believe it. This is a pub inside a large town(albeit at the end of it, slightly out of the way) that was allowing smoking indoors at 9pm on a Saturday night. I said to myself that if they allow it at such a prime time in the week, they probably allow it to happen day in, day out.

One of my friends who smokes asked the barman if there was a smoking area. The barman looked at him funny and said 'no'. He then pointed to the roof of the pub as if to say you can smoke in here. He then proceeded to give my friend a small glass with water in the end of it to use as an ash tray and said 'don't tell anyone now'.

Unbelievable. What I can't understand is how on earth they can take a massive risk like that. Isn't there huge fines and a threat against one's pub licence if found to be prohibiting the smoking ban?

Squeal for fecks sake. While i am in favour of some illegal activities, indoor smoking is not one. Cant stand the smell of the sh1t. On the windiest rainiest, coldest night of the year, id still say "Out" to anyone - male/female.

Crazy Horse 6

It's illegal. You should have whipped out the mobile and recorded it then reported the place. Disgusting.

sunflower27

veryangryman wrote: »

Squeal for fecks sake. While i am in favour of some illegal activities, indoor smoking is not one. Cant stand the smell of the sh1t. On the windiest rainiest, coldest night of the year, id still say "Out" to anyone - male/female.

Your username suits you.

But of course I do take your point. i can't believe any pub would take a risk like this. There is always going to be someone that tells someone and of course they'll be caught out.

Not seen anyone smoking in pubs in years. It even takes me by surprise now when I see it in old films.

Sunnyisland

Blatter wrote: »

At around 9pm last night with a few friends. It was the first time we were ever in this particular pub, decided to try a new venue out for a change.

But anyhow, when we entered, there was around 10-12 customers in there. Ranging from 40-80 year olds, mostly men with a few women. The usual suspects you'd normally see in a pub.

However, there was one difference. The place stunk of smoke.There was around 2-3 people smoking at the bar and another 3-4 within the pub. I couldn't believe it. This is a pub inside a large town(albeit at the end of it, slightly out of the way) that was allowing smoking indoors at 9pm on a Saturday night. I said to myself that if they allow it at such a prime time in the week, they probably allow it to happen day in, day out.

One of my friends who smokes asked the barman if there was a smoking area. The barman looked at him funny and said 'no'. He then pointed to the roof of the pub as if to say you can smoke in here. He then proceeded to give my friend a small glass with water in the end of it to use as an ash tray and said 'don't tell anyone now'.

Unbelievable. What I can't understand is how on earth they can take a massive risk like that. Isn't there huge fines and a threat against one's pub licence if found to be prohibiting the smoking ban?

:eek: Cheeses pubs have gone to bits :eek:

ItsAWindUp

I was in a pub on Friday night, place was dead only the four of us there so the barman locked the doors at 11pm and we stayed in there drinking and smoking for hours! Great craic.

dodzy

So, you chose a new venue for the prime night of the week and you get 10 people, 40 - 80 yr olds, and its smoke filled.....

Maybe let one of your mates chose next time

Oh yeah, where was it??

listermint

Funnily enough was in a pub in the city last week (dublin) and the had a 'so called' smoking area which was no more than a room with a full roof on it and a small window gap at the top.

To top it off this room had 1 door which was wide open into the main bar area which wasnt that big either, but the whole place stunk of old cigarettes. The glasses stunk the seats stunk pretty rank. Needless to say 1 drink and left never to return again.

cichlid child

It sounds like a regular’s pub. Were regulars go for their pint and (smoke) were they all know the rules.
If you did not like it just leave stop bitching about it and I certainly would not report it.
edit: I am a nonsmoker

Blatter

ElleEm wrote: »

Where was it? I remember being in a country pub a few years ago and all the oul ones and oulfellas were smoking. The windows were open so I think they felt that they weren't breaking the rules. I also know a couple of business people who smoke in their offices, which are connected to their public businesses.

There are probably few people who complain about it.

It was in Clonmel. I won't name and shame the pub but it was close to the quay and a couple of minutes walk from the centre of the town. A reasonably isolated area of the town but it wouldn't take much for them to be caught all the same. One phone call to the police and all it takes is someone in authority to walk in an see it.

That's why I'm struggling to comprehend how they are allowing it, and I'm assuming they have been allowing it for quite some time now, and have been getting away with it.

I don't recall there being a window open BTW and as I said there was a few smoking at the bar.

dodzy

cichlid child wrote: »

It sounds like a regular’s pub kip

FYP

Edit: Ah, clonmel. That explains it

Toby Take a Bow

veryangryman wrote: »

Squeal for fecks sake. While i am in favour of some illegal activities, indoor smoking is not one.

Which illegal activities would you support above smoking indoors?

veryangryman wrote: »

Cant stand the smell of the sh1t. On the windiest rainiest, coldest night of the year, id still say "Out" to anyone - male/female.

Male OR female? A man who sticks by his principles.

But OP, either leave a pub if you're not happy with the situation, or make your position clear to the barman and report the pub.

stupidusername

In clonmel you say... Is it the one that starts with a P? Or could be the one down from that.

markc1184

My local used to be the same before it was renovated and modernised. In it's old state, it was split in 2 sections, an old man's clique and then a normal bar for everyone else. You could barely see with the smoke in the old man's part and the smell would knock you if the door was opened. All done away with now since being done up.

Badly Drunk Boy

I was at a gig in Dublin last night. On the bus home to Kildare, people I knew got on the bus and sat with me, and smoked illegal stuff (more illegal than normal stuff) and passed around a bottle of wine. Even though I've never smoked, I just thought it was sorta funny. Bit of a mad situation, the way it happened.

cichlid child

ItsAWindUp wrote: »

I was in a pub on Friday night, place was dead only the four of us there so the barman locked the doors at 11pm and we stayed in there drinking.

OP would you also report this if you knew the pub?

ROCKMAN

GET OVER IT OR GET OUT simple really ..

With the way the country has gone ,the closure of countless pubs and the thousands of jobs that have been lost in the industry over the last few years. I am sure a hell of alot of pubs are closing doors slighty early and letting their regulars smoke, It's these regulars that are keeping the doors/business open and maybe even a few jobs going . So why not look after them .

Blatter

ROCKMAN wrote: »

GET OVER IT OR GET OUT simple really ..

With the way the country has gone ,the closure of countless pubs and the thousands of jobs that have been lost in the industry over the last few years. I am sure a hell of alot of pubs are closing doors slighty early and letting their regulars smoke, It's these regulars that are keeping the doors/business open and maybe even a few jobs going . So why not look after them .

Ehh, add on a smoking area then rather than break the law:rolleyes:

ItsAWindUp

I think that pubs should be allowed get a special licence to allow smoking inside, so long as it's clearly advertised on the outside.

ROCKMAN

ItsAWindUp wrote: »

I think that pubs should be allowed get a special licence to allow smoking inside, so long as it's clearly advertised on the outside.

stop next you'll will want Adults making their own decisions...........:)

drdeadlift

The speed the country is going down the ****ter this stuff doesn't bother me in the slightest,the law enforcers aren't enforcing it.So many laws in Ireland with no-one enforcing them,,,go to a different pub or grab a bag of cans and hit the park

Plumpynutt

Badly Drunk Boy wrote: »

I was at a gig in Dublin last night. On the bus home to Kildare, people I knew got on the bus and sat with me, and smoked illegal stuff (more illegal than normal stuff) and passed around a bottle of wine. Even though I've never smoked, I just thought it was sorta funny. Bit of a mad situation, the way it happened.

you#ve clearly never been on a nitelink then

Sergeant

There is a fine old pub in a town in Galway where after the doors are closed the ashtrays come out, the king size rizlas emerge on the counter, the music selection becomes the blues, and the stout flows until the sun starts to shine through the crack over the blinds.

It's a wonderful place.

looksee

Yes, brilliant. And wonderful for the eejits who have put up with a lifetime of a partner smoking, then find in the end they are stuck with a wheezing, coughing, wreck who cannot walk 50 yards, go upstairs without having to sit and gasp, and whose brain is dulled by lack of oxygen.

But what the hell, that's a lifetime away isn't it! Just keep sucking on the siggies and hope that by the time you are destroyed you will have found someone to look after you.

El Weirdo

Blatter wrote: »

One phone call to the police and all it takes is someone in authority to walk in an see it.

Yeah, ring the Gardai.

They'll rightly tell you to GTFO. It's nothing to do with them.

Blatter

El Weirdo wrote: »

Yeah, ring the Gardai.

They'll rightly tell you to GTFO. It's nothing to do with them.

It's breaking the law, how has it got nothing to do with the Gardai?

El Weirdo

Blatter wrote: »

It's breaking the law, how has it got nothing to do with the Gardai?

It's the HSE that enforce that particular law.

There are plenty of laws that are dealt with by other agencies.

Blatter

El Weirdo wrote: »

It's the HSE that enforce that particular law.

There are plenty of laws that are dealt with by other agencies.

So the Gardai would tell you to GTFO and not even put you through to the HSE?

Gardai cannot deal with this law in and way, shape or form?

El Weirdo

Blatter wrote: »

So the Gardai would tell you to GTFO and not even put you through to the HSE?

Gardai cannot deal with this law in and way, shape or form?

No. I'd imagine they'd tell you to contact the HSE to report it.

Hank_Jones

I honestly don't see the problem here.

You're obviously never going to return to the pub,
it gets its trade from regulars that know the score.

So you feel the need to have a pub heavily fined and possibly shut down because it doesn't conform to your nanny state ways.

aujopimur

Hmmm 40 to 80 y/o fellas with a few women, I wonder what other activities the're getting up to.

stupidusername

I disagree with the nanny state ideas, but I agree that smoking shouldn't be allowed at all in public places, or around other people. yeah people should generally have the choice to do what they like, but when you're a child in a home with a person that doesn't see much wrong with smoking you don't have that choice but to be around it, so if this is the only way people are being made cop on, then it should be enforced.

booboo88

stupidusername wrote: »

I disagree with the nanny state ideas, but I agree that smoking shouldn't be allowed at all in public places, or around other people. yeah people should generally have the choice to do what they like, but when you're a child in a home with a person that doesn't see much wrong with smoking you don't have that choice but to be around it, so if this is the only way people are being made cop on, then it should be enforced.

but you also have a choice to leave same pub, your under no obligation to stay, where someones smoking.
I'm a non smoker

Blatter

booboo88 wrote: »

but you also have a choice to leave same pub, your under no obligation to stay, where someones smoking.
I'm a non smoker

So, in other words, you entirely disagree with the hugely successful smoking ban?

anndub

veryangryman wrote: »

Squeal for fecks sake. While i am in favour of some illegal activities, indoor smoking is not one. Cant stand the smell of the sh1t. On the windiest rainiest, coldest night of the year, id still say "Out" to anyone - male/female.

What? Why?

It sounds like this was a "locals" pub so why would this guy squeal if the people attending it on a regular basis don't? While I know it's illegal surely if they continue to give business to the place they're not unhappy with the smoky atmosphere?!

You'll find this in a lot of pubs down the country (especially over west). When the smoking ban came in it was never enforced as the patrons who had been attending the bars for many many years were of the age where it was almost unfair to force them to go out the back every time they wanted a smoke.

3ndahalfof6

ROCKMAN wrote: »

GET OVER IT OR GET OUT simple really ..

With the way the country has gone ,the closure of countless pubs and the thousands of jobs that have been lost in the industry over the last few years. I am sure a hell of alot of pubs are closing doors slighty early and letting their regulars smoke, It's these regulars that are keeping the doors/business open and maybe even a few jobs going . So why not look after them .

A few heat lamps and shelter from the rain, small investment and guess what you might just increase your business getting the non smokers and the smokers to spend their monies in your establishment, securing jobs and your business,

what if the workers there don't smoke, ooooooo wait I know if yis don't like it GTFO:rolleyes:

booboo88

Blatter wrote: »

So, in other words, you entirely disagree with the hugely successful smoking ban?

Hugely successful how? People spend more time in smoking room than in the pub itself, oh yea its great.
Theres probably more non smokers than smokers in the smoking room, who wants to sit on their own in a pub waiting for people to finish smoking?>

Toby Take a Bow

booboo88 wrote: »

but you also have a choice to leave same pub, your under no obligation to stay, where someones smoking.
I'm a non smoker

Person behind the bar doesn't have a choice. And if he chooses to be around the smoke, what about if they hire a person who doesn't want to be in the situation? They shouldn't be made to either accept the situation or get another job.

Amirani

booboo88 wrote: »

but you also have a choice to leave same pub, your under no obligation to stay, where someones smoking.
I'm a non smoker

And what about the people who work in the pub? I'm sure they can just leave if they want too?

Duggy747

Jesus Christ, the over-reactions to this are unreal.

ROCKMAN

3ndahalfof6 wrote: »

A few heat lamps and shelter from the rain, small investment and guess what you might just increase your business getting the non smokers and the smokers to spend their monies in your establishment, securing jobs and your business,

what if the workers there don't smoke, ooooooo wait I know if yis don't like it GTFO:rolleyes:

What if ...just if (like my local )because design ,location and local council laws make a smoking area none starter ,so regulars (many old ) have to smoke in the street .
As for the sudden wave of few customers thats just not going to happen no matter what you do , All over the country the midweek trade has died a death ,with many pubs and clubs now closing on certain mid week days ,As for the weekend trade its fast become a 2/3 hour window with a vast minority of people choicing to drink at home till late ,followed by a quick dash for last orders or the nightclub/latebar.
Yes there are a few diehard pub goers (like myself ) than for one reason or another just don't like or want to drink at home And its us that are keeping our locals open ,Now if the barman ,owner and few customers are happy to close the doors and get the ashtrays out .want is so wrong with that.

Ps The non smoking barman in my local would rather have a job than enforce this law. (his adult choice )

PSS your use of rolleyes is so powerful ....

Dave!

It's mad how a law can have such a strong effect on public opinion! Pubs used to be smoke-filled and most people didn't care, just accepted it as a given. Now in a few short years smoking indoors is "disgusting"! It used to be acceptable to have a couple of pints and drive home, now it's abhorrent, and most people would describe it as reckless endangerment at the very least. People used to absent-mindedly throw rubbish on the ground, now I think most people get pangs of conscience if we drop so much as a lollipop stick on the ground! Cigarette butts don't seem to have worked their way into the consciousness as 'litter' just yet, I'm sure they will though.

I think the laws and government advertising campaigns preceeded the shift in popular opinion with all those issues. Maybe with the exception of litter.



I'm all for the smoking ban in general, can't say I'd get too worked up if I walked into a smoking bar though.

upandcumming

ROCKMAN wrote: »

GET OVER IT OR GET OUT simple really ..

With the way the country has gone ,the closure of countless pubs and the thousands of jobs that have been lost in the industry over the last few years. I am sure a hell of alot of pubs are closing doors slighty early and letting their regulars smoke, It's these regulars that are keeping the doors/business open and maybe even a few jobs going . So why not look after them .

No no no...

mikemac

Dave! wrote: »

It's mad how a law can have such a strong effect on public opinion!

TB rife in the country and it used to be acceptable to spit on the pub floor

Bad times

And there was opposition from the auld lads to stopping that too

df1985

in general plenty of "smoking areas" in pubs these days must be flouting the ban themselves. i can think of plenty that have 4 walls, roofed, have bars in them (i.e staff working in smoky conditions). Theres a particular new one on camden street which is kitted out nicer than the actual pub!

I hope I never get to the point in life where I feel the need to report something like this.. I love living where I do now because I can smoke anywhere I want except in my school.

The "success" of the smoking ban was people's new found love for smoking areas.. Everyone is still surrounded by smoke and more people have started the habit because of it.

I still think it's a good policy but I know a lot of people who only started fags as a result of the ban.

3ndahalfof6

ROCKMAN wrote: »

What if ...just if (like my local )because design ,location and local council laws make a smoking area none starter ,so regulars (many old ) have to smoke in the street .
As for the sudden wave of few customers thats just not going to happen no matter what you do , All over the country the midweek trade has died a death ,with many pubs and clubs now closing on certain mid week days ,As for the weekend trade its fast become a 2/3 hour window with a vast minority of people choicing to drink at home till late ,followed by a quick dash for last orders or the nightclub/latebar.
Yes there are a few diehard pub goers (like myself ) than for one reason or another just don't like or want to drink at home And its us that are keeping our locals open ,Now if the barman ,owner and few customers are happy to close the doors and get the ashtrays out .want is so wrong with that.

Ps The non smoking barman in my local would rather have a job than enforce this law. (his adult choice )

PSS your use of rolleyes is so powerful ....

Ah well that's grand, I didn't realise the smokers did so much for this country, with the monies they put into the system from buying cigarettes and then keeping the pubs open, yis are a credit for sure,

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes: now that should really put the shiits up ya

mr.wiggle

Blatter wrote: »

Ehh, add on a smoking area then rather than break the law:rolleyes:

Jesus, its the old smoking ban arguement back again !
Listen, we all know whats after happening to us.
We turned into sheep somewhere in the late 90's/ early 00's and allowed ourselves to be dictated to.
This is the generation that will forever be known for
shutting down countless pubs and killing off the one
true social event of the week.... craic with the friends down the local !.
Can't smoke, unless you wanna freeze, get wet, or piss some-one
off with your passive smoke( christ save us!).
Can't drink more than a pint and drive home, oh and be sure to wear your
seat belt whilst doing that too, and watch out in case your doing 90kmph,
in a 80kmph zone !

So lets get off our high horses here/ very high barstools that wobble ( jesus , must report them too in case some child falls of them),
and give the few pubs that "dare", yes "dare" to break this, IMHO,
stupid effin law, a well earned break???
( Deep breaths now, calm yourself down..... )



Oh, and if you really want to know what i think, then Pm me;)

Mr.W.

Ms. Pingui

Im nearly certain I know the pub you're talking about! Its not somewhere I have ever had any interest in visiting, however it seem like the sort of place that not many "outsiders" would venture into. If thats the case and the regulars are happy with it I say leave 'em off. I don't think its right for someone whos probably not going to go there again, to spoil the regulars enjoyment.

nix

I've stopped smoking over a month ago... thank you. And ive recently reacquired my sense of smell. And to be honest, i dont know what all the non smokers are pissing and moaning about with the smell of smoke, cause 80% of the places i go pass or go into stink of far worse.

Dublin stinks, i welcome the smell of smoke, its better than BO, smelly feet, ****, piss, farts etc.. Which is all i can seem to smell in town these days

Just as long as they are not blowing smoke in your face or in your general direction, just stfu and stop being a lil baby :rolleyes: