The ban has been an issue for smokers here in the Uk too...
Here is my story...
I am 52 years old,
Have been playing pool since I was 16 and am a lifelong non-smoker.
Until the ban came in I had to endure a faceful of second hand smoke if I wanted to play pool.
Yes I had a choice, I could choose not to play the game we all love.
But I chose to continue playing despite the risks of second hand smoke,
After all it will never happen to me right???
Wrong!
Last October I was diagnosed with a rare and difficult form of Cancer.. at the base of my tongue.
Caused I am told almost certainly by my constant exposure to second hand smoke.
I have just completed an intense 7 week course of daily Radio AND Chemotherapy.
I am burned to hell on the inside and outside of my throat and neck.
I have been fed thru a tube in my stomach for the past 6 weeks..
Check out my blog here
http://willybang.wordpress.com/
I have a 23.6% chance of being alive in five years time.
Thats the result of the choice smokers gave ME before the ban came in.
Is it really so much to ask that you smoke outside?
PS. My ambition for this year is to get well, practice my ass off and fly over for the US open in October.
Hopefully meet up with many of you there!