Smoking in bars

SugoiBoy · Jan 27, 2017

When a friend of mine from overseas visited me in Japan a few weeks ago, he was struck by how much smoking is still going on in Japanese bars and pubs. (For the record, he is an ex-smoker while I've always been a non-smoker). Guess I had kinda gotten used to smoking in such places, but then I recalled that many Western countries these days have fairly comprehensive smoking bans.

What do TAG members think about smoking in nightlife spots?

just4fun · Jan 27, 2017

I like it cause I smoke.

TAG Manager · Jan 27, 2017

I don't mind it and it kinda fits the bars and their atmosphere.
They can of course, create non-smoking bars if they'd like... but it's a gamble in a country where smoking is still very prevalent.

The hard, no compromise stance in some other countries has killed businesses but also blossomed for some.

What I don't appreciate:
1) People smoking in public and walking down the street in front of me. (use a smoking area or don't walk and smoke at the same time)
2) People smoking in cars, flinging their butts and ashes out the window. Riding a bike behind a car with a smoker, needs a cautious approach. (preferred action: pass him/her)

just4fun · Jan 27, 2017

TAG Manager said:
.
They can of course, create non-smoking bars if they'd like... but it's a gamble in a country where smoking is still very prevalent.

A really good example of this I "think" is the Big Hub in Akiba. They have 2 bars across from each other. One is smoking and one's not. The smoking side is always busy packed and the smoke free one just pretty much takes the leftovers as there's really no place left to sit in the smoking area.

User#8628 · Jan 27, 2017

I really like the thing they have here in the restaurants with smoking and non smoking sections but for small bars that obviously doesn't work.
I dont think it should be banned or something since bars are adult entertainment and there are things like heavy drinking going on so why ban smoking? But i can understand its frustrating for people who are sensitive to smoke who still wanna go out.

Jbagz · Jan 27, 2017

Don't smoke, but cigarette smoke doesn't bother me normally, but it smells different in each country you go to. Japanese cigarettes aren't that stinky, almost the same as in the US.

Indonesia has fragrant cigarette smoke, smells like cloves. The Turks smoke some crap that smells like burning garbage.

Cigar smoke is pretty damn nasty, I hate being around that stuff.

Oh, I remember reading a sign in Tokyo that urged people not to smoke and walk because it said too many holes were getting burned in people's sweaters and that children were getting hit in the face with cigarettes.

MikeH · Jan 27, 2017

User#8628 said:
I dont think it should be banned or something since bars are adult entertainment and there are things like heavy drinking going on so why ban smoking?

I think the way they got it banned in Europe was to argue it is a health hazard for the people working in those restaurants and pubs.

I don't smoke but also don't usually notice the smoke while I am out with friends. The problem is the next morning when my suit smells like someone barbecued it.

Lately many of my local friends have started to use electronic cigars which is much appreciated by all non-smokers in the group.

patty diaz · Jan 27, 2017

I hate smoking cause Im a health freak but I work night so that doesnt really help haha

rick · Jan 27, 2017

One of the reasons why I love Tokyo... it's one of the few places in the world you can light up inside while having a drink.

If I recall correctly, there are laws for establishments in that they have to have either a separate smoking section or be able to move a certain volume of air per minute in and out of the establishment to keep the air clean for the patrons.

Certain districts like Minato also ban walking and smoking (aruki tabako, I think it's called).

I always ask before lighting up, either way - if it annoys you, it's not like I have to smoke. Most people in Tokyo are quite accommodating, they'll either smoke one off you too or give you the go ahead. Of course, some people might not tell you to abstain even if they don't like it, so I stop after one or two if it visibly bothers them. When I'm with someone who doesn't smoke, I also take care to blow the smoke away from them. Just small things that I think people appreciate.

stringen · Jan 27, 2017

I'm used to both but I'm not against either. Home I don't get out so much because of work 24/7. When I'm in Japan I go out every night just to cool off. But in terms of health reasons they really should ban it.

just4fun · Jan 28, 2017

deckard said:
I always ask before lighting up, either way - if it annoys you, it's not like I have to smoke. Most people in Tokyo are quite accommodating, they'll either smoke one off you too or give you the go ahead. Of course, some people might not tell you to abstain even if they don't like it, so I stop after one or two if it visibly bothers them. When I'm with someone who doesn't smoke, I also take care to blow the smoke away from them. Just small things that I think people appreciate.

We are sooo opposite

patty diaz · Jan 28, 2017

Im glad that electric cigarettes are getting more popular..dont have to deal with smelly secondhand smoke

roots reggae · Jan 29, 2017

Since you asked...

The only smokin' I prefer, in a bar or otherwise (I need to qualify that statement) is:

Smokin Hot!!!

BladeRunner · Feb 1, 2017

Bars I don't mind so much - but if I'm in a restaurant, maybe hungover, and 3 people come and sit at the table next to me and start chain-smoking while I'm eating something clean and fresh - not cool.

DocMcStuffins · Feb 2, 2017

Wow, these are the same pro-smoking arguments in 1990s US. I don't think the bar business went down after bans here.

Anyway, bars with smoking do seem a little "cooler".

TheWhiteBear · Apr 6, 2017

Personally as a smoker, being able to smoke indoors is definitely a plus (especially during winter and windy days) however, I've been to a number of bars where parents bring their kids and I always feel super guilty and shitty if I smoke around kids.
As for banning smoke I don't think it will hurt business in the western world, it would have a huge impact in Japan (I used to work at an American burger shop in Tokyo for fun and we could even smoke in the kitchen when we are free, though it was a small private restaurant)
@TAG Manager I must apologize because I'm one of those assholes who smoke and walk and the same time, though I don't do it in crowded places.

TAG Manager · Apr 6, 2017

TheWhiteBear said:
@TAG Manager I must apologize because I'm one of those assholes who smoke and walk and the same time, though I don't do it in crowded places.

yeah, it's the crowded areas that are a problem. If someone is walking down an empty street in front of me, I can just go around or go to the other side of the street. In a crowd, you can't really go anywhere...

krdxgm69 · Apr 6, 2017

TAG Manager said:
If someone is walking down an empty street in front of me, I can just go around or go to the other side of the street

Why would you so? Particularly if it is forbidden to smoke in this street.

TAG Manager · Apr 6, 2017

krdxgm69 said:
Why would you so? Particularly if it is forbidden to smoke in this street.

What? I don't understand what you're saying.

I'm referring to someone smoking in front me on an empty street.

It may be forbidden by a civil rule but that doesn't mean people follow the rules. Also, in neighborhoods like where I live, there are no 'smoking police' and no one really cares.

I will give them some credit though... most of them carry portable ashtrays and don't dump their butts on the ground.

krdxgm69 · Apr 6, 2017

TAG Manager said:
What? I don't understand what you're saying.

I say I don't see any reason I would be forced to change side because someone is not following the rules.

TAG Manager · Apr 6, 2017

krdxgm69 said:
I say I don't see any reason I would be forced to change side because someone is not following the rules.

Oh, well, it's either change sides or keep taking on the smoke smell into the clothing.

They certainly won't stop smoking... always so aggressive if you ever try to tell them that the smoking on the street isn't okay... lol.

krdxgm69 · Apr 6, 2017

TAG Manager said:
always so aggressive if you ever try to tell them that the smoking on the street isn't okay... lol.

That's so true...

Rusty Trombone · Apr 6, 2017

Over the past few years I've visited quite a few of the big western chain bars/restaurants.
Hooters, TGIF, Outback etc.

I like sitting at the bar if I'm alone or with one other person. But in all of them the bar seating is always smoking.

About the only thing I'm looking forward to with the 2020 Olympics is the talk that western smoking etiquette with be mandated.

e-smile · Apr 7, 2017

patty diaz said:
Im glad that electric cigarettes are getting more popular..dont have to deal with smelly secondhand smoke

it would become even more popular if they allowed selling liquid with nicotine.

Thefairy · Apr 29, 2017

Social smoker here. It was one of my highlights having a drink while smoking. I was amazed that you are allowed, so I took advantage of it and smoked like a chimney

Back in Australia we are allowed to smoke outside as long there is open air.

Smoking in bars

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Skeptical? Who me?

Skeptical? Who me?

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hmm

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Skeptical? Who me?

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Officially Unverified

But then again, who does?

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Ambassador of Mars/President of Kenya/Astronaut

Out

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