Non smoker

[moeZ 18]

Hi, My husband and I are non-smokers and I was just wondering what are the rules at the villages about smoking. I get really sick around smoking and was just curious about the smoking around the public places, pools etc. Also I want to try new things while I am there like dragon boating, pickleball and a number of the clubs. Is it hard to find your way around there? I don't want to spend my vacation getting lost all the time.

[manaboutown]

When I spent a month in The Villages in October I found prevalent smoking intolerable to me around the squares during entertainment times. Also, I had to move a couple of times while dining on a country club outdoor patio to avoid environmental tobacco smoke while attempting to enjoy my meal. I found, as a nonsmoker, I had to remain guarded wherever I went because I kept encountering tobacco smoke at unexpected times in unexpected places.

If you decide to buy, most of the homes are very close to other homes (kissing lanais). Living downwind from a nearby neighbor who smokes could be a nightmare for someone sensitive to environmental tobacco smoke.

[DougB]

I have no idea what you may have been smoking, but smoking is not allowed in the squares.

[njbchbum]

I have no idea what you may have been smoking, but smoking is not allowed in the squares.

but it is allowed on the perimeters which could create some of the 'environmental' smoke drift that is referred to.

[justjim]

Where there is drinking outside you will find smoking. It's the same in TV and just about any place you go. As far as getting lost, get yourself a $5.00 map of TV and if you look at the map and have any sense of direction at all----you will have no problem. You really can't get lost in TV because people are very helpful of newcomers. Enjoy!

[DougB]

but it is allowed on the perimeters which could create some of the 'environmental' smoke drift that is referred to.

Yes, I know nj. I have only been here a little under a year, but I go to the squares every weekend. I have never been bothered by smoke while enjoying the entertainment. And trust me, if I had ever I would be the first to say something.

[billethkid]

Prevalent smoking in the squares?
We have been here 10 years and I have never experienced "prevalent" smoking in any of the squares or any other outside venue where smoking is allowed.

btk

[Jhooman]

The smokers here are very polite most of the time. We do not sit on the patio because of the smokers, but living here is a dream come true.

We have gotten lost several times, but it's an adventure. We are from Los Angles and if we got lost in LA it could be deadly. It's a thrill getting turned around here, your in the bubble. People are kind, gracious and informative.

Come on down, don't sweat the little stuff, life rocks in The Villages.

[manaboutown]

In my previous post I wrote AROUND the squares, NOT IN the squares. That translates to "about the peripheries" of the squares. As to my use of the adjective "prevalent", if one was visiting from Paris, France he would probably not use that adjective with regard to encountering environmental tobacco smoke in the commercial and public areas of The Villages; however coming from Newport Beach where smoking is not allowed on the patios of dining establishments, in outdoor as well as indoor bars or on the beach one would.

If the OPs are coming for a LSV their sales rep will probably supply them with a map. A large print map of The Villages can be found. I purchased one in a drugstore. I found a GPS to be of value except for in the newer areas.

[ugotme]

With all due respect:

I am a smoker and i consider myself to be a VERY courteous one.

However, when I enter a restaurant I ask if there is a smoking area. I am usually told there is - outside on the patio.

Now if this section is for smokers than why go out there if you are a non-smoker? Yes, I realize everyone says they have a right to be there - so do I! If the vast majority of the establishment is for non-smoking than let it be.

We are not low-life, uneducated heathens we just happen to smoke!

[Doodle]

Hi, My husband and I are non-smokers and I was just wondering what are the rules at the villages about smoking. I get really sick around smoking and was just curious about the smoking around the public places, pools etc. Also I want to try new things while I am there like dragon boating, pickleball and a number of the clubs. Is it hard to find your way around there? I don't want to spend my vacation getting lost all the time.

I must say that sometimes I find it completely absurd when I find people complaining about such trivial things in the grand scheme of things. Take a look around for Pete's sake. Your in paradise!! Have we become such a self absorbed society of non tolerance?
My country tis' of thee....no body appreciates being free. Shall we travel back to war times, the depression, etc., so you can get a dose of what hard times are like. I'm quite sure no one bothered complaining about dog poop, cigarette smoke, or golf carts traversing over 20 mph.
Listen to yourself! At the TOWN SQUARE enjoying ENTERTAINMENT...do u get it? I have a sad feeling that the vast majority of complainers will never find true happiness. Ignore the smokers, etc., and enjoy every minute of your life.

[karostay]

I'm an x smoker the worst kind of critic
80 % don't pay any attention to any rules
It's an all about Me! society

[graciegirl]

I must say that sometimes I find it completely absurd when I find people complaining about such trivial things in the grand scheme of things. Take a look around for Pete's sake. Your in paradise!! Have we become such a self absorbed society of non tolerance?
My country tis' of thee....no body appreciates being free. Shall we travel back to war times, the depression, etc., so you can get a dose of what hard times are like. I'm quite sure no one bothered complaining about dog poop, cigarette smoke, or golf carts traversing over 20 mph.
Listen to yourself! At the TOWN SQUARE enjoying ENTERTAINMENT...do u get it? I have a sad feeling that the vast majority of complainers will never find true happiness. Ignore the smokers, etc., and enjoy every minute of your life.

We have never met, but I want to be your friend.

You go girl...or umm fella.

You got it right...whichever color your booties were.

[DianeM]

With all due respect:

I am a smoker and i consider myself to be a VERY courteous one.

However, when I enter a restaurant I ask if there is a smoking area. I am usually told there is - outside on the patio.

Now if this section is for smokers than why go out there if you are a non-smoker? Yes, I realize everyone says they have a right to be there - so do I! If the vast majority of the establishment is for non-smoking than let it be.

We are not low-life, uneducated heathens we just happen to smoke!

As a former smoker, I will give you applause. If you are where you can smoke, then you should be able to feel free to do so. If smoke is offensive to some, then they should not go where smoke is permitted. :clap2:

[DianeM]

i must say that sometimes i find it completely absurd when i find people complaining about such trivial things in the grand scheme of things. Take a look around for pete's sake. Your in paradise!! Have we become such a self absorbed society of non tolerance?
My country tis' of thee....no body appreciates being free. Shall we travel back to war times, the depression, etc., so you can get a dose of what hard times are like. I'm quite sure no one bothered complaining about dog poop, cigarette smoke, or golf carts traversing over 20 mph.
Listen to yourself! At the town square enjoying entertainment...do u get it? I have a sad feeling that the vast majority of complainers will never find true happiness. Ignore the smokers, etc., and enjoy every minute of your life.

amen !!!!

[manaboutown]

Tobacco smoke is not just a trivial nuisance to be ignored, obnoxious solely to the senses. It is noxious and contains serious toxins. Its effects are likely to be devastating, especially in the United States which produces some of the deadliest cigarettes in the world, cancer-causing wise. Which Country Makes the World (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/06/19/us-made-cigarettes-cause-the-most-cancer.aspx)

[gpirate]

I have no idea what you may have been smoking, but smoking is not allowed in the squares.

It is allowed at City Fire and their outside bar. Some were smoking cigars and it was so bad we had to leave. I love City Fire but wish they would control the smoking.

[ugotme]

Just curious, the last time I was at City Fire (@ Brownwood) one side of the patio was smoking while the other side was non-smoking.

Is it not still that way?

[njbchbum]

Tobacco smoke is not just a trivial nuisance to be ignored, obnoxious solely to the senses. It is noxious and contains serious toxins. Its effects are likely to be devastating, especially in the United States which produces some of the deadliest cigarettes in the world, cancer-causing wise. Which Country Makes the World (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/06/19/us-made-cigarettes-cause-the-most-cancer.aspx)

environmental tobacco smoke - probably no worse than the toxic effects of perfume [just as hard to avoid at the squares, restaurants, movies,etc]:
'We also inhale these chemical fumes that go straight to our brains where they can do major harm, and many of these chemical fumes have a "narcotic" effect. ("Smelling Good But Feeling Bad, Synthetic Perfumes, Colognes and Scents Are Turning Up Noses," Green Living Your Health, and "The Health Risks of Perfume and Other Scented Products," emagazine.com - March 2002} Author's comment: These effects from scents can surface days after the exposure, and many people do not connect the strong perfume/cologne smell on the lady or gentleman next to them at the opera to their headache or upset stomach days later..
[]Chemical Sensitivities and Perfume (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/9682.php)

[JP]

I must say that sometimes I find it completely absurd when I find people complaining about such trivial things in the grand scheme of things. Take a look around for Pete's sake. Your in paradise!! Have we become such a self absorbed society of non tolerance?
My country tis' of thee....no body appreciates being free. Shall we travel back to war times, the depression, etc., so you can get a dose of what hard times are like. I'm quite sure no one bothered complaining about dog poop, cigarette smoke, or golf carts traversing over 20 mph.
Listen to yourself! At the TOWN SQUARE enjoying ENTERTAINMENT...do u get it? I have a sad feeling that the vast majority of complainers will never find true happiness. Ignore the smokers, etc., and enjoy every minute of your life.

RIGHT ON.

I'm so sick of our current wining society that is so obsessed with itself.

People need to get a grip.

Go to foreign countries and see how much more personal freedom they have than us. It's alarming.

[carlanddiane]

I must say that sometimes I find it completely absurd when I find people complaining about such trivial things in the grand scheme of things. Take a look around for Pete's sake. Your in paradise!! Have we become such a self absorbed society of non tolerance?
My country tis' of thee....no body appreciates being free. Shall we travel back to war times, the depression, etc., so you can get a dose of what hard times are like. I'm quite sure no one bothered complaining about dog poop, cigarette smoke, or golf carts traversing over 20 mph.
Listen to yourself! At the TOWN SQUARE enjoying ENTERTAINMENT...do u get it? I have a sad feeling that the vast majority of complainers will never find true happiness. Ignore the smokers, etc., and enjoy every minute of your life.

We are new residents and we are loving living in The Villages. Our motto is "Don't sweat the small stuff and (with the exception of health) it's ALL small stuff"

[CFrance]

I agree with every single one of you! How's that for waffling???

Second-hand smoke is not "small stuff." Don't go where smoking is permitted if you don't want to be in an environment that allows smoking. It's true that some states were much further advanced in banning smoking in public places, even outside decks at restaurants (CA, for example), so what you are used to may be different depending on where you lived before coming here.

Same with dogs in restos... OOPS!!! SORRY, OFF TOPIC!

[DougB]

I agree with every single one of you! How's that for waffling???

Second-hand smoke is not "small stuff." Don't go where smoking is permitted if you don't want to be in an environment that allows smoking. It's true that some states were much further advanced in banning smoking in public places, even outside decks at restaurants (CA, for example), so what you are used to may be different depending on where you lived before coming here.

Same with dogs in restos... OOPS!!! SORRY, OFF TOPIC!

Now you know dogs can't smoke in restaurants.

[CFrance]

Now you know dogs can't smoke in restaurants.

I think I may have knocked one of our goldens off from SHS out in the garage...

Before I quit.

[Barefoot]

Hi, My husband and I are non-smokers and I was just wondering what are the rules at the villages about smoking.

I must say that sometimes I find it completely absurd when I find people complaining about such trivial things in the grand scheme of things. ...... At the TOWN SQUARE enjoying ENTERTAINMENT...do u get it? I have a sad feeling that the vast majority of complainers will never find true happiness. Ignore the smokers, etc., and enjoy every minute of your life.

The OP seemed to be asking an innocent question about policies in TV prior to their lifestyle visit.

[kaydee]

With all due respect:

I am a smoker and i consider myself to be a VERY courteous one.

However, when I enter a restaurant I ask if there is a smoking area. I am usually told there is - outside on the patio.

Now if this section is for smokers than why go out there if you are a non-smoker? Yes, I realize everyone says they have a right to be there - so do I! If the vast majority of the establishment is for non-smoking than let it be.

We are not low-life, uneducated heathens we just happen to smoke!

and I can say the same for myself. I 100% respect the non-smoker, I abide by ALL of the smoking rules & I put my cigarette butts in the receptacles provided or I bring them home & dispose of them. When dining or enjoying the occasional beverage on the patios ( including the outside bar at City Fire) that permit smoking I probably will have a cigarette. I do smoke on my lanai...sadly I can't control which way the wind blows.

[ugotme]

As a former smoker, I will give you applause. If you are where you can smoke, then you should be able to feel free to do so. If smoke is offensive to some, then they should not go where smoke is permitted. :clap2:

Thank you. That is all I am saying.

I have seen way too many times non-smokers enter a "smoking area" and start waving and covering up etc. Fine. But, don't come in here.

Okay, enough. Made my point.

[redwitch]

I smoke. I try to be considerate to those who don't -- I willingly remove myself from my friends and smoke out back, around the corner or in designated areas. I don't litter. I wish non-smokers would give me the same courtesy. You can walk around smokers. We don't mind, honest. We do know some don't like the smell of smoke. (Few of us believe you when you say you're allergic, so try being honest about it.) We do sympathize with those who are sensitive to smoke (there is a difference between an allergy and being sensitive. Not all of us believe that secondhand smoke affects those outdoors since the smoke rarely lingers (those that don't believe could be wrong but you'll never convince them, so don't bother trying).

If I'm in a smoking area, don't go by waving your hands, fake coughing or making rude comments. I'll more than likely find a way to blow the smoke in your face. Why should I be considerate to you if you go out of your way to be rude to me?

[Serenoa]

quote snipped by me.

If I'm in a smoking area, don't go by waving your hands, fake coughing or making rude comments. I'll more than likely find a way to blow the smoke in your face. Why should I be considerate to you if you go out of your way to be rude to me?

Oh, ok...so if I happen to walk through your smoking area to get where I'm wanting to go I'm supposed to inhale all of your oh so healthy & good for me second-hand smoke...and LIKE it. I shouldn't DARE try & clear the air a little by waving my hands to minimize what I inhale.....as it might hurt your feelings. Yeah sure...makes perfect sense to me.

And BTW, did it ever occur to smokers that non-smokers might just like to enjoy eating lunch or dinner out on a patio....to enjoy dining in fresh, CLEAN air? Why should we be relegated to the indoors so smokers can pollute all of the patio air?

[njbchbum]

snipped

And BTW, did it ever occur to smokers that non-smokers might just like to enjoy eating lunch or dinner out on a patio....to enjoy dining in fresh, CLEAN air? Why should we be relegated to the indoors so smokers can pollute all of the patio air?

it might have occurred to smokers, but i don't think that they have much to say about it...being relegated to the indoors/outdoors seems to be a policy of the facility management...you'd be best to take it up with them.

but if management's intent is to provide an accomodation for each the smoker and the non-smoker, it seems to me that it is only practical to keep the smokers on the outside of the bldg. i'd be willing to bet that if non-smokers were relegated to the outside - they would be distraught because they were denided the benefits of indoor heating in winter and indoor air conditioning in the summmer.

now if there was only a way to prevent the stinky perfume/cologne/after shave fragrances from wafting thru the air of public places - indoor or outdoor!

[Birdie Dreamer]

it might have occurred to smokers, but i don't think that they have much to say about it...being relegated to the indoors/outdoors seems to be a policy of the facility management...you'd be best to take it up with them.



The Florida ban on smoking in the workplace enacted in 2003 controls this. Restaurants are included as workplaces. Stand alone bars ( deriving less than 10% of revenue from food ) are among the few exclusions.

So indoor smoking areas in food establishments is not an option.

[njbchbum]

thanx, birdie dreamer - knew that. i think serenoa was trying to make the point that smokers should not be smoking outside as it drives non-smokers away from a place they, too, would enjoy dining. and if that was so, that is a policy that mgmt would have to make - disallowing outdoor smoking and driving smoking patrons away. maybe i wasn't clear on that.

[Barefoot]

..... BTW, did it ever occur to smokers that non-smokers might just like to enjoy eating lunch or dinner out on a patio....to enjoy dining in fresh, CLEAN air? Why should we be relegated to the indoors so smokers can pollute all of the patio air?

I'm not a smoker, but I do believe that smokers also have some rights. If the owner of a restaurant has designated a portion of the patio for smokers, then either pleasantly coexist with the smokers, or find yourself a nonsmoking establishment.

[ugotme]

In addition, City Fire (for example) has a smoking AND non-smoking area outside. The non-smoking side is definitely larger.

All I am saying is please don't come to our small section and complain. You have the entire indoors and most of the outdoors.

[DianeM]

WOW. What a lot of commentary over each other's rights. Whatever became of this being the Country that respects the rights of individuals. When did we become a nation of crybabies. If you smoke - that's your choice - enjoy. If you don't smoke - that's your choice - live and let live.

[USSGompers]

I smoke. I try to be considerate to those who don't -- I willingly remove myself from my friends and smoke out back, around the corner or in designated areas. I don't litter. I wish non-smokers would give me the same courtesy. You can walk around smokers. We don't mind, honest. We do know some don't like the smell of smoke. (Few of us believe you when you say you're allergic, so try being honest about it.) We do sympathize with those who are sensitive to smoke (there is a difference between an allergy and being sensitive. Not all of us believe that secondhand smoke affects those outdoors since the smoke rarely lingers (those that don't believe could be wrong but you'll never convince them, so don't bother trying).

If I'm in a smoking area, don't go by waving your hands, fake coughing or making rude comments. I'll more than likely find a way to blow the smoke in your face. Why should I be considerate to you if you go out of your way to be rude to me?

I agree. I am sure there is much more smoke pouring out of the back of city buses in the winter up north than I could ever blow around while smoking in the designated "Smoking Area".

So Please quit with the fake coughing and waving of hands. It's annoying.

[DianeM]

I agree. I am sure there is much more smoke pouring out of the back of city buses in the winter up north than I could ever blow around while smoking in the designated "Smoking Area".

So Please quit with the fake coughing and waving of hands. It's annoying.

:agree:

[janmcn]

I agree. I am sure there is much more smoke pouring out of the back of city buses in the winter up north than I could ever blow around while smoking in the designated "Smoking Area".

So Please quit with the fake coughing and waving of hands. It's annoying.


Or fumes coming out of a gas golf cart while driving through a tunnel.

[Barefoot]

I shouldn't DARE try & clear the air a little by waving my hands to minimize what I inhale.....as it might hurt your feelings.

So Please quit with the fake coughing and waving of hands. It's annoying.

Perhaps we can now discuss what percentage of air is actually displaced by fake waving of hands. :popcorn::popcorn:

[travelguy]

We enjoy dining oudoors, and if outdoor seating is available we usually request to be seated there. We ask to be seated as far away from any smokers that may be out there, and also ask that when they seat additional customers to please put them as far away from us as possible. It has almost always worked out, and we receive a smoke-free dining experience. Of course I would prefer that all smoking, indoors and out, would be prohibited in restaurants and bars, including the adjacent sidewalks around such establishments. And banning all smoking from the sidewalks immediately adjacent to the Town Squares here in The Villages would be great. Smokers can go across the street if they really have to smoke.

[njbchbum]

snipped
Smokers can go across the street if they really have to smoke.

is there a particular reason why non-smokers cannot go across the street?

[manaboutown]

We enjoy dining oudoors, and if outdoor seating is available we usually request to be seated there. We ask to be seated as far away from any smokers that may be out there, and also ask that when they seat additional customers to please put them as far away from us as possible. It has almost always worked out, and we receive a smoke-free dining experience. Of course I would prefer that all smoking, indoors and out, would be prohibited in restaurants and bars, including the adjacent sidewalks around such establishments. And banning all smoking from the sidewalks immediately adjacent to the Town Squares here in The Villages would be great. Smokers can go across the street if they really have to smoke.:agree:

[jblum315]

Perfect circle