I totally agree with you Rick! As a lifelong non-smoker I am probably a little more sensitive to second hand smoke then a former smoker but one must also realize that smoke is a very popular allergen. There is a large chunk of the population that is also allergic to cigarrette smoke. I have friends that get so stuffed up in the presence of smoke that they can't breathe at all through their nose! Nevermind taste anything... As for beer and smoke - I find that in a smoky place, I cant smell hardly any aroma on even a strong IPA! The smoke masks it out and also affects the taste buds so it doesnt taste as good. I find the same with good food. I find it pointless to order a good meal in a smoky place as the smoke greatly affects how well I can taste the food and how much I will enjoy the food. But that being said, smokers represent a large chunk of the population and need to have their rights observed too. I'm just voicing a non-smokers opinion. Unfortunately, many smokers dont realize the affect their smoke has on others. And I would further venture that as one has a few drinks many likely wouldnt care! So I think government laws are probably necessary to ensure that all people rights are respected. Kirby ________________________________ From: mba-bounce(a)thebarn.com on behalf of Rick Oftel Sent: Sun 2/6/2005 9:01 PM To: mba(a)thebarn.com; St. Paul Homebrewers Club - Public Mailing List Subject: To smoke or smell or sniffle. The Saint Paul club had quite a thread on smoking. I couldn't resist adding a few comments. Interesting series of comments about smoking in bars and as a x-smoker, I just need to comment. This message doesn't have anything to do with current, future, or possible restrictions - it just has to do with common sense, decency, and beer. Smoking is an addicting habit. If you become addicted, it takes about 7 years to actually shake the habit but it lingers on much longer. I don't mind sharing any location with smokers as long as they don't exhale. OK, they need to breathe but not in my face, not next to the entrance, not when I am eating, and please don't blow smoke in my face while I am enjoying a wonderful pale ale or a Pils. I am not aware of a style that includes imperial nicotine porter but it might fit into the experimental category. I still am amazed how strongly I feel if I watch someone in a movie take out a pack (box preferred) of Marlboro reds and light one up. Still gets me going. Almost as bad as having to walk through a smoke filled room to get to the non-smoking area or smelling your clothes after a night out at Smokedale. On the flip side, we visited the Rocking Lobster (yes, made the trip across the river) and had a great time. We watched the smokers on the other side of the glass, enjoyed our dinner, and were amazed how little smoke filtered into the non-smoking area. Didn't mind it one bit. So there you have it. Expensive habit that is very hard to quit and is worse for the body than beer. The good news is that many smokers require oxygen later in life. After they are gone, they usually have a great cache of oxygen equipment that is extremely handy for brewing. Smokers and non-smokers can co-exist as long as both groups respect the other groups standards. Shouldn't require government action - just common sense and a little decency. Sorry, I know you didn't want me voicing my opinion like this but I just hate the smell of a great beer mixed with nico-smoke. Rick