Maine has had a smoking ban for a few years now. After a while, it all shakes out, people adapt. For the guy in NC complaining about going out and smoking in the cold, you should see the folks here, where it gets MUCH colder! The bars have been quite creative, setting up patio-style areas, with canopies and such to protect the smokers from the elements.
The private club where I belong to play pool was exempt from the ban, but eventually followed suit due to complaints by customers and employees alike. They not only set up covered areas with seating outside, but they even heat the area as well.
(I wouldn't join until they stopped the smoking. It was simply too painful to my eyes after a whole night there, and having to take a shower when I got home before going to bed was a bit of a pain in the tookus, especially after enough "lubrication"... My wife couldn't go at all, as her lungs would just close up due to the smoke. Now she doesn't go cuz all I do is play pool. :grin: )
Have patience, NC folks. It'll work out, and you'll eventually have more folks playing, I bet.