All hope of a seat goes up in smoke (From The Argus)

All hope of a seat goes up in smoke

11:15am Monday 22nd October 2007

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Last week I was out having a drink at the Basketmakers Arms in Brighton. It was really crowded and my friend and I were desperate to sit down.

Much of the pub appeared to be empty and we soon found a couple of seats, only to be told by a couple of blokes that they were "taken" as their mates had nipped out for a fag. The same thing happened at every table.

We therefore had to spend the next half hour standing although there were actually plenty of seats. The whole situation was a bit ridiculous - it reminded me of the sunlounger and towel situation on holiday.

Of course, it's great for us nonsmokers to be able to go to the pub without having to breathe in fumes and to get home without our clothes reeking of smoke.

But, on the other hand, is it socially acceptable for people to take up chairs when they are not there?

This is yet another example of an unforeseen complication brought about by the smoking ban.

Should non-smokers put up with this as a by-product of being able to spend an evening in a smoke-free environment?

Or should smokers be forced to forgo their seats if they go out to have a cigarette?

I would be interested in what other people thought.

• Mary Hoye, Round Hill Crescent, Brighton

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