I have seen the future...

...of how smokers are dealing with completely smokefree pubs, and it ain't pretty. Especially on New Years' Eve, as I walked past a whole bunch of pubs on the way home, there they were, outside, drawing on their darts.

Legislation of a very simmilar kind is on its way in Victoria, as an extension of the laws that previously made smoking illegal where food was served. Ireland has also gone the smoke free way. Australia can be thankful that most of its climate lies in temperate/tropical zones, where standing outside for a quick drag is not testing on the extremeties.

On New Years' Morning (early) I saw litterally hordes of them. Standing out in the cold, shivering but eager to chat. I admit that I had a more positive experience, and my own clothes did not stink like they usually do after a night out in Edinburgh, or Melbourne for that matter. At least if needing to step outside in Melbourne's undoubtedly warmer climate, it's a little easier. Mant pubs already have open air beer gardens that may qualify as outdoor areas. The pubs in Edinburgh have already installed a smattering of small outdoor smoking areas for thise who want to brave the elements. I am curious to see how Melbourne's restauranteurs, publicans and venue owners respond one the legislation comes into effect.