Outdoor dining experience

Just went for a meal with the family. Outdoor dining as the place is advertised as a restaurant. Really looking forward to it, until the 3 tables beside us started smoking some tables were not even eating. Staff said nothing. Is it even legal to smoke in restaurant even if it’s outside ? Meal ruined, but I didn’t want to make a scene.

Zander Sticky Ruler

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Just went for a meal with the family. Outdoor dining as the place is advertised as a restaurant. Really looking forward to it, until the 3 tables beside us started smoking some tables were not even eating. Staff said nothing. Is it even legal to smoke in restaurant even if it’s outside ? Meal ruined, but I didn’t want to make a scene.

Just curious, is smoking allowed in outdoor dining section of restaurant?

Yes

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Yes

So when the smoking regulations say no smoking in restaurants that only means indoors ? I assumed it also covered outdoors as it’s still the restaurant. That must have meant I ate in the restaurants smoking area which is totally bizarre and I can’t understand how restaurants get away with that. Aren’t we all outdoors because of public health concerns but now someone can smoke beside me while I’m eating in the restaurant and there is little that can be done ?

Fr_Dougal

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

So when the smoking regulations say no smoking in restaurants that only means indoors ? I assumed it also covered outdoors as it’s still the restaurant. That must have meant I ate in the restaurants smoking area which is totally bizarre and I can’t understand how restaurants get away with that. Aren’t we all outdoors because of public health concerns but now someone can smoke beside me while I’m eating in the restaurant and there is little that can be done ?

Stop eating in smoking areas.

Fr_Dougal

Fr_Dougal wrote: »

Stop eating in smoking areas.

Seriously I know this might be fun for you but this completely ruined our meal. I get it first world problems right, but considering this was my first chance to eat out since 2020 I don’t feel it’s unreasonable to except a smoke free meal. I booked a table and was seated in the restaurants smoking area. Should I make a complaint or is there no recourse ?

Zander Sticky Ruler

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

So when the smoking regulations say no smoking in restaurants that only means indoors ?

Regulations don't say no smoking in restaurants. They say no smoking indoors.

Zander Sticky Ruler

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Is it even legal to smoke in restaurant even if it’s outside ?

Er, yes, it is legal to smoke outside.

Unless the outdoor-area is covered on all sides, and has a roof with only minimal ventilation, the people can probably smoke.

I admit it can be rude in some circumstances. I occasionally smoke, and have become super conscious about it post-Covid. I don't think there is any risk, but people don't want to be breathing someone else's breath.

branie2

Unfortunately it is

L1011

Smoking in those areas is allowed, a load of pubs/restaurants have stopped it (leaving no smoking areas at all) but nowhere near all.

Itssoeasy

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

So when the smoking regulations say no smoking in restaurants that only means indoors ? I assumed it also covered outdoors as it’s still the restaurant. That must have meant I ate in the restaurants smoking area which is totally bizarre and I can’t understand how restaurants get away with that. Aren’t we all outdoors because of public health concerns but now someone can smoke beside me while I’m eating in the restaurant and there is little that can be done ?

To be getting away with something as you put it, they’d have to be breaking some law and the smoking ban applies to indoors not outdoors otherwise smoking areas in pubs are breaking the law which they aren’t.

It’s outdoor dining because of a transmissible respiratory virus, not because there’s because of smoking.

corner of hells

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Seriously I know this might be fun for you but this completely ruined our meal. I get it first world problems right, but considering this was my first chance to eat out since 2020 I don’t feel it’s unreasonable to except a smoke free meal. I booked a table and was seated in the restaurants smoking area. Should I make a complaint or is there no recourse ?

AH is probably not the best place to seek advice about complaints or intercourse.

gmisk

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Just went for a meal with the family. Outdoor dining as the place is advertised as a restaurant. Really looking forward to it, until the 3 tables beside us started smoking some tables were not even eating. Staff said nothing. Is it even legal to smoke in restaurant even if it’s outside ? Meal ruined, but I didn’t want to make a scene.

Nothing illegal about it you can smoke at an outside table. Did you have a read about the place beforehand look at pics of outdoor dining?
Could you not of asked to be moved?

Fair enough, word of warning to anyone with kids or anyone who doesn’t like smoke, if you go for a meal except all the above.

FrancieBrady

Maybe the people at the other table were out for the first time since 2020 too?

When I smoked if somebody let me know I was bothering them I would either stop or go elsewhere. You didn't ask to be moved or ask them to stop. Not much can be done in that instance.

FrancieBrady

FrancieBrady wrote: »

Maybe the people at the other table were out for the first time since 2020 too?

When I smoked if somebody let me know I was bothering them I would either stop or go elsewhere. You didn't ask to be moved or ask them to stop. Not much can be done in that instance.

Couldn’t be moved, as all tables full. I’ll be avoiding outdoor dining if this is the case. Nothing to do with complaining, just don’t want my young kids having to inhale smoke while eating their dinner. I guess outdoor dining is only aimed at those who don’t mind people smoking beside them.

gmisk

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Fair enough, word of warning to anyone with kids or anyone who doesn’t like smoke, if you go for a meal except all the above.

Can you tell us the place?

I have dined outside a few times and had no issues.
The outside dining terrace in the Dylan is a lovely spot.

Potential-Monke

I'll be avoiding outdoor dining in general, nothing turns me off the idea of food more than having to eat it outside, especially a proper meal.

FrancieBrady

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Couldn’t be moved, as all tables full. I’ll be avoiding outdoor dining if this is the case. Nothing to do with complaining, just don’t want my young kids having to inhale smoke.

Fair enough.

I'd imagine the food and drinks and passing traffic fumes would be more potentially harmful than some smoke drifting about in the open air.

gmisk

gmisk wrote: »

Can you tell us the place?

I have dined outside a few times and had no issues.
The outside dining terrace in the Dylan is a lovely spot.

Don’t want to name the place, no point as it seems perfectly legal according to the posts above.

FrancieBrady

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Don’t want to name the place, no point as it seems perfectly legal according to the posts above.

Why would it be an issue if it is legal?

FrancieBrady

FrancieBrady wrote: »

Fair enough.

I'd imagine the food and drinks and passing traffic fumes would be more potentially harmful than some smoke drifting about in the open air.

In a picturesque spot nowhere near cars.

Went for a meal this evening in a place that has done a good job on outdoor dining. About 20 tables. They had a no smoking sign on display. The smokers and vapers just went around the corner.

Fils

Shanty towns in Calcutta are more appealing than most outdoor restaurants here.

FrancieBrady

FrancieBrady wrote: »

Why would it be an issue if it is legal?

I wanted to know if it was legal. I assumed it wasn’t as the smoking ban says no smoking in restaurants. I was outdoors but still in the restaurant. Anyone seems its legal so I’ll just avoid outdoor dining for now.

Zander Sticky Ruler

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Couldn’t be moved, as all tables full. I’ll be avoiding outdoor dining if this is the case.

As FrancieBrady said, just mention it to the smoker next time.

We are well used to people saying 'oh look, would you mind not doing that here, we're over here with kids' etc -- it's absolutely no problem for the vast majority of people. I would do it myself in a similar situation. Nearly everyone understands it.

Restaurants should probably try to designate specific smoking areas, even outdoors, as I can see how this would be an issue.

.42.

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

In a picturesque spot nowhere near cars.

I guess you will have to get used to it if outdoor dining in the future.

A Tyrant Named Miltiades!

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

As FrancieBrady said, just mention it to the smoker next time.

We are well used to people saying 'oh look, would you mind not doing that here, we're over here with kids' etc -- it's absolutely no problem for the vast majority of people. I would do it myself in a similar situation. Nearly everyone understands it.

Restaurants should probably try to designate specific smoking areas, even outdoors, as I can see how this would be an issue.

Easier said than done but I understand what you’re saying. I just assumed restaurants were covered under the smoking ban.

SEPT 23 1989

You are temporary guests in our space now until
You go back iinside

Show some respect

AVFC.Stephen

FrancieBrady wrote: »

Fair enough.

I'd imagine the food and drinks and passing traffic fumes would be more potentially harmful than some smoke drifting about in the open air.

I wanted to write this comment but I think you put it better than I could

AVFC.Stephen

AVFC.Stephen wrote: »

I wanted to write this comment but I think you put it better than I could

Yeah it’s a fantastic one alright, really insightful stuff. Sorry for not embracing the smoke. I’ll try be more tolerant next time I got out for a meal with young kids.

Potential-Monke

Do mention it to the person if it happens again, but ask nicely. As a smoker, I would have no problem moving for a quick smoke, but if you come at me all hostile, angry or basically not in a nice way, I will continue to smoke where I am. But again, you don't have to worry, you won't meet me at outdoor dining anyway!

Potential-Monke

Potential-Monke wrote: »

Do mention it to the person if it happens again, but ask nicely. As a smoker, I would have no problem moving for a quick smoke, but if you come at me all hostile, angry or basically not in a nice way, I will continue to smoke where I am. But again, you don't have to worry, you won't meet me at outdoor dining anyway!

I have no issue with anyone smoking, I have an issue with a restaurant taking my booking, seating my family beside smoking tables and expecting me to confront the smokers. If this is the case then the outdoor dining experience that is being promoted is not really family friendly at all.

Zander Sticky Ruler

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Yeah it’s a fantastic one alright, really insightful stuff. Sorry for not embracing the smoke. I’ll try be more tolerant next time I got out for a meal with young kids.

Oh, don't be like that. Do you want a fag?

You have a point here, for sure. Maybe we need to go back to smoking- and non-smoking areas, now that we are all outdoors.

A Tyrant Named Miltiades!

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

Oh, don't be like that. Do you want a fag?

You have a point here, for sure. Maybe we need to go back to smoking- and non-smoking areas, now that we are all outdoors.

I used to smoke myself so I would never have a go at a smoker. I want to get a point across that restaurants need to be upfront and let customers with kids or those who do not like smoking know that outdoor dining is not covered by the smoking ban.

dobman88

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

I have no issue with anyone smoking, I have an issue with a restaurant taking my booking, seating my family beside smoking tables and expecting me to confront the smokers. If this is the case then the outdoor dining experience that is being promoted is not really family friendly at all.

When I visit outdoor areas, I expect people to be smoking. Dont smoke myself but wouldnt have an issue with it. If it was beside me, during my meal, I would politely ask could they wait until I was finished eating.

One place I visited had 2 sections, smoking and non smoking which was nice.

The restaurant didnt choose to operate outdoor only, their hands are tied in current circumstances. Letting it ruin your meal or blaming the restaurant seems way OTT

FrancieBrady

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Yeah it’s a fantastic one alright, really insightful stuff. Sorry for not embracing the smoke. I’ll try be more tolerant next time I got out for a meal with young kids.

I am not saying 'embrace it'. I don't 'embrace' my kids having a coke or chips, I am happy they don't do it all the time and know I can't keep them in cotton wool.

I guess I wouldn't let something like that put me off a family meal out for the first time in a year. Priorities.

FrancieBrady

FrancieBrady wrote: »

I am not saying 'embrace it'. I don't 'embrace' my kids having a coke or chips, I am happy they don't do it all the time and know I can't keep them in cotton wool.

I guess I wouldn't let something like that put me off a family meal out for the first time in a year. Priorities.

If you were there you wouldn’t be saying that. Now look thanks anyway at least I know the story now going forward.

branie2

I like to eat indoors

AVFC.Stephen

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

Yeah it’s a fantastic one alright, really insightful stuff. Sorry for not embracing the smoke. I’ll try be more tolerant next time I got out for a meal with young kids.

Not the point at all. Let's say for example 10 non smokers waiting at the side of the road for a bus... guy comes along. Lights up and his smoke is worse than the crap these 10 folks have been inhaling for the last 10 mins...

As for a resturant it's the exact same. Lots are in busy towns or gardens are part of the car park leading onto the main roads. Plus non smokers or smokers are not worried what I breathe in when they sit comfy in there car as I walk by

beertons

I sell cigarettes in vending machines, and eating in an outdoor space that has smokers would not interest me. It's either an outdoor smoking area, or an outdoor dining area. It can't be both.

beertons

beertons wrote: »

I sell cigarettes in vending machines, and eating in an outdoor space that has smokers would not interest me. It's either an outdoor smoking area, or an outdoor dining area. It can't be both.

That’s what has me confused, I assumed outdoor dining was covered under the smoking ban as it’s an area where food is consumed. I wasn’t expecting to be seated and expected to eat in the smoking area. The responses here seem to say that’s to be expected. Not sure families and people who don’t want smoke are aware of that.

Eggs For Dinner

It's not a restaurant/pub/shop smoking ban. It's a ban on smoking in enclosed places of work and public transport (with certain exceptions). If the outdoor space meets the "openness" criteria , it's up to the proprietor to decide if he will or will not allow smoking

I am surprised at the general lack of sympathy you are getting. I would also have thought that outdoor dining in these circumstances would operate as if de facto indoor dining re smoking.
Trying to eat where table fulls of people are also smoking would be vile. Especially for kids. When my daughter was small she would instantly go sheet white and want to vomit if people smoked near her.

And the proposals that you ask people politely to stop while you eat is a joke - anyone who is smoking right beside people eating really is a misanthropic cretin who does not give a single damn about others comfort.
I used to smoke occasionally but outside and never near people not also smoking. It is a vile sensation for non smokers to have to breathe in tobacco smoke or those poxy flavoured vape clouds for that matter. Yuck

Eggs For Dinner

Eggs For Dinner wrote: »

It's not a restaurant/pub/shop smoking ban. It's a ban on smoking in enclosed places of work and public transport (with certain exceptions). If the outdoor space meets the "openness" criteria , it's up to the proprietor to decide if he will or will not allow smoking

It was an open area attached to the restaurant completely boxed in on all sides by windows so people can see the view. No roof.

Mrcaramelchoc

I was in killarney last week and there were two people sitting in a parking space on the main Street. Cars going by inches from them and they were having a meal. Soup steak wine the lot.no canopy no covering nothing.
Would you like some more exhaust fumes with your steak sir?

No effin thankyou.

FrancieBrady

isha wrote: »

I am surprised at the general lack of sympathy you are getting. I would also have thought that outdoor dining in these circumstances would operate as if de facto indoor dining re smoking.
Trying to eat where table fulls of people are also smoking would be vile. Especially for kids. When my daughter was small she would instantly go sheet white and want to vomit if people smoked near her.

And the proposals that you ask people politely to stop while you eat is a joke - anyone who is smoking right beside people eating really is a misanthropic cretin who does not give a single damn about others comfort.
I used to smoke occasionally but outside and never near people not also smoking. It is a vile sensation for non smokers to have to breathe in tobacco smoke or those poxy flavoured vape clouds for that matter. Yuck

This is the sensational nonsense you hear about this subject - that people are ready to instantly projectile vomit when they come near a despicable smoker even outdoors.

The reality for me when I was a smoker (one who asked always, 'do you mind if I smoke' if in the company of non smokers and who would always comply if asked to by a stranger to stop or move away) was that 99% of them would say it didn't bother them at all and even some would say they liked the smell. Some would say they would rather if I didn't and that was 100% fine.

So the reality is that it isn't a 'vile sensation' for all non smokers. Heard this further nonsense on here before about 'vape clouds'. A 'vape cloud' is almost impossible to create as the vape dissipates almost immediately because it is 'vapour'....cigarette smoke will hang around in a cloud in the right atmosphere (outdoors isn't one of them) vape won't because it can't.

Eggs For Dinner

I'm a nonsmoker and don't like smoke near me when I'm eating. However, smokers were banished to the areas that diners now want to use. The way I see it, you're on their turf.

Zander Sticky Ruler

Zander Sticky Ruler wrote: »

I used to smoke myself so I would never have a go at a smoker. I want to get a point across that restaurants need to be upfront and let customers with kids or those who do not like smoking know that outdoor dining is not covered by the smoking ban.

Lesson learned op, next time if you do decide to eat out again you will be better prepared by phoning the restaurant and asking do you provide non smoking tables.

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Lesson learned op, next time if you do decide to eat out again you will be better prepared by phoning the restaurant and asking do you provide non smoking tables.

Place was full, they couldn’t have moved me even if they wanted. They had no other places. Yes lesson learned I agree, but this place had no alternatives.

Eggs For Dinner

Eggs For Dinner wrote: »

I'm a nonsmoker and don't like smoke near me when I'm eating. However, smokers were banished to the areas that diners now want to use. The way I see it, you're on their turf.

The very rational for having us all outdoors is health concerns so this makes perfect sense.