Sorry Alex, I agree with Maria...Its is not always possible to sit away from the smokers, just not that easy.
When we were over a few weeks ago, we were having a fab meal at La Casa's, the table we sat at what seemed relatively smoke free around and about, then all of a sudden people behind me started smoking and it all came our way and spoilt the meal....sorry but it did.
We have family and friends who smoke and if they want to thats their business but when they come around to our house they would not dream of smoking in the house and just go outside, I do not have to tell them they just do it, but obviously I appreciate that.
I do not think the smoking ban is the sole contributor to businesses going under in the UK I know a few people who own pubs and whilst it may have been strange to begin with, once they had erected a place outside for the smokers they were quite happy, a lot of people in the UK cannot afford to drink out anymore thats whats having an effect, hence the reason there has been a boom in supermarket sales for booze and wine as its a lot cheaper.....and the government are moaning about it!!
I have no objections to smokers as long as it does not enroach on me and I have to say it so much nicer to go into a pub and not come smelling like a cogarettte though.