How to handle a no smoking request in a smoking area?

When I was a smoker I'd just politely point out the signage, ignore the interloper, and keep smoking. They're free to voice their opinions. The waitress already told her what needed to be said, so any further input from you isn't necessary.

(To be honest though, I'd have asked her how "bubble boy" was planning on dealing with the fumes from the fireworks. That's a LOT worse the cigarette smoke and can leave anyone gagging if the wind shifts. Yeah, sometimes I like to stir the pot a bit.)

Now that I'm a non-smoker I have to put up with it sometimes, such as at my favorite wing joint. The bar area has the best TV screens (and the cutest waitresses) and I just like to sit at the bar. That usually puts me in a sea of smokers as that's the smoking area. If I don't want the smell and all, I could go the the restaurant area. My problem though. I've had my "big boy pants" since I was about 7 or 8, so I just deal with it.

Yank

You did not wimp out, you tried to behave in an adult and responsible manner. You could have , or in this case the waitress did, tell them that such a restriction does not exist. Then you could decide to light up or not. It is their choice to stay or leave. Her attitude was bad to say the least. I would have gotten a good feeling giving here s good 'stink eye' of superiority.

Live it up there while you can. The management of that beach bar is being torn by the smoking / no smoking policy. They will convert to non smoking in the near future. It is sheer economics. It interferes with more non smokers than smokers.... and everyone is used to the smoking restrictions.

Soccerrerf

Gees, Louise. I can understand your take on smoking, but you need not be a big baby about it. It isn't that big of a deal that you should take over rule of the entire country of China for your visit. Back home you can side-step the smokers. If you are going to be such a cripple about it abroad, just don't go.

I don't smoke, but I would have done exactly what you did. There is no point in arguing with self righteous b*****s who won't listen no matter what you do. Just be happy you made her angry. If she has any sense at all she will feel sorry for making a fool of herself, and if she doesn't... Well, she'll probably die in a car crash.

By the way, no one is allergic to cigarette smoke. If you have asthma, it can be bad, but that's not being allergic to it.

I would have simply said, "I am smoking in a designated smoking section, and as long as I am legally allowed to be smoking, I will." When she told me her son was allergic, I would have responded, "I'm sorry to hear that, perhaps you may want to move him to the NON-smoking section of this establishment, and if there is none, perhaps he should not even frequent THIS place". Period. Then I would have ignored every single thing she said loudly from that moment on and just went about my business.

I totally agree with you, the woman was very impolite, selfish and rude. I also agree with you that bubble boy and loud mouth should have left to a different area.

I actually have turned to people saying loud things about me (as I perceived it) and have asked "are you speaking to me?" very loudly and catching their eye. This usually stops the problem. Had I done that, I would have probably lit up again especially after the waitress had said it was allowed in that area.

Stick up for yourself always. No one else will, you know?

You were in the right and you were very considerate. If it was a smoking area and she was complaining about that then she should have gone elsewhere.

I am an ex-smoker

I would have told her it was a smoking area and if she doesn't like smoking she should leave, than I would have lit up.

i think you handled it appropriately. you were completely within your right. some people are just like that. its not worth the confrontation

I would have lit another cigarette back when I smoked.