[Cassie325]

This did not happen to me...but a trusted friend and Villager of 4 years. I could not believe my ears so I thought I would bring it to TOTV and ask for comments. Again this is second hand as I am telling it and was not present.

Just this past Thursday or Friday night my friend was at the square with her hubby and 8 other friends. A few of these people are smokers. The group always sits back by the drink shack where the ashtrays are...making one assume you are allowed to smoke near the ashtrays. As I said before they have lived here perm. for 4 years and know the rules pretty well.

Towards the end of the evening (around 8:30pm) most of the group had gone home. There were 4 of them left (one smoking). A couple (wife and husband around 52-55 yrs) came over to the small group and stood right next to them. After about 4 minutes the woman stated loudly that they were "invading" her air space.

The man smoking(former NY state Trooper) explained they were in the smoking section. That most of the square area was non-smoking and they would more than likely be happier over there....

The man in the couple grunted and started defending his lady friend. That she too had the right to stand or sit where ever she wanted....and should not have her air invaded.

Bottom line is the couples all went back and forth....the invaded air couple finally made some comment about the others not being from around here...no villagers....must be outsiders etc....

There was almost a brawl (so I am told).....

Personally, IMHO, to each his/her own. If someone wants to smoke that is their business...however it does seem that they followed the rules and laws of courtesy.

Why would this couple get so weird about it....just walk away or further down the row if you don't like it.


Just wondering what TOTVers thoughts are....please share.

[redwitch]

Being a smoker, this kind of behavior is not uncommon. Some smokers are rude and inconsiderate about their smoke. Many non-smokers are downright jerks when it comes to picking on smokers. Let's face it, smoking today is about as popular as being a leper in the 1700s. We're a "safe" target. Of course, some of us smokers can and do get rather belligerent if you invade our space and then bitch about our smoke. Sorry, hon, if I was there first and it is okay to smoke there, you can bitch all you want. Heck, you get nasty enough and I'm likely to light several cigarettes at once and make sure all smoke blows your way (yes, I really did that once -- the whiner left).

[Talk Host]

I thought both town squares were entirely non smoking. I believe I have seen signs to that effect.

If that's the case, It would be very difficult to enforce without some kind of law enforcement agency.

If I'm wrong, I am sure I'll hear about it.

I agree - I thought the squares were non-smoking. In my opinion, if that is the case, the smokers were wrong and should have stubbed out their cigs or left the area, because smoking just isn't alllowed. If smoking was allowed, different story; obviously the nonsmokers should have moved. With all the open space in the square, it does seem like the non-smokers could have gone to a different part where they wouldn't have been bothered by the cancer sticks, but rules are rules. I guess we need to know exactly what the rules are there regarding smoking.

[Cassie325]

LEt me clarify exactly where they were and my understanding of the "smoking" area. My understanding is that at SS town square the majority of the gazebo area is indeed non-smoking.

However where these folks were sitting behind the hegdes, behind where the majority of the chairs are located. There are several benches back near the drink shack along with some ashtrays.

I guess my concern is that for 4 years these folks have been sitting in the same area smoking with out anyone commenting.

Then this one couple acts so rude, IMHO. They could have easily asked them about the smoking rules. They could have pointed to some sort of signage stating no smoking. But they were so disrespectful to these people. Smokers or not...they are human beings. Why do people act this way?

OK....off my soap box for now.

A note to Red....while I understand the point you were making with lighting several cigs at one time..... didn't that make you sick?? Oh my....

You did make me laugh though!!!

[Sharon904]

They have to go out on the side walk,it does not matter who got there first.I have suggested that each band at the beginning and end of each brake say thank you for not smoking or smoking is permitted only out side the square,but no reply as of yet.I have had to leave twice because of some guy smoking a cigar up close to the dance floor(same guy so I know he knows better)the event staff are the ones who should be enforcing the rule,but they are usually sitting out on there carts Smoking.

[784caroline]

If there is a written policy on smoking on the squares with boundaries cited, can someone post it rather than some of us just guessing. He said---she said is not the answer here!

[sandybill2]

We have been at the Town Squares and the entertainment that night has announced that smoking is NOT ALLOWED EXCEPT on the outer perimeters of the "square." I assumed that meant the sidewalk that wraps around the outside. I have heard it numerous times.

[Cassie325]

Originally Posted by sandybill2

We have been at the Town Squares and the entertainment that night has announced that smoking is NOT ALLOWED EXCEPT on the outer perimeters of the "square." I assumed that meant the sidewalk that wraps around the outside. I have heard it numerous times.

Well if this is the case then they were indeed sitting in the right area. Apparently it is a case of rude behavior.

Thanks for all the comments.

[billethkid]

in the square. They are very small and in amongst the landscaping. ANYWHERE outside the the curbs of the gazebo/dance area is considered smoking if one so chooses.

When an "invadee" mouths off, I find the most effective measure is to just completely ignore them.

BTK

[redwitch]

Cassie, I LIT them, I didn't smoke them and ths was only after being harassed for 30 minutes. Heck, I'd even finished my cig and was just sitting. This was in San Francisco during lunch hour in an area where smoking was perfectly acceptable.

[villager99]

both squares are posted as smoke free and ashtrays are positioned near the signs so smokers can properly dispose of their lit cigarette before entering the area..i don't know what florida law is re public or private designated non smoking areas. but in the case described it seems all involved were being rude. ther eis no law that says folks must respect each other's needs but i think it is common courtesy.

[blueeagle65]

My thanks to the smokers that comply with the rules at the squares and don't subject the rest of us to the stench of their addiction.

[Talk Host]

I'm curious where there are signs that say it's okay to smoke outside of the hedges and bushes. That places the smokers closer to the food service booths. Smoking is prohibited in and around all food service areas in Florida, as I understand the law.

[rshoffer]

Originally Posted by Cassie325

This did not happen to me...but a trusted friend and Villager of 4 years. I could not believe my ears so I thought I would bring it to TOTV and ask for comments. Again this is second hand as I am telling it and was not present.

Just this past Thursday or Friday night my friend was at the square with her hubby and 8 other friends. A few of these people are smokers. The group always sits back by the drink shack where the ashtrays are...making one assume you are allowed to smoke near the ashtrays. As I said before they have lived here perm. for 4 years and know the rules pretty well.

Towards the end of the evening (around 8:30pm) most of the group had gone home. There were 4 of them left (one smoking). A couple (wife and husband around 52-55 yrs) came over to the small group and stood right next to them. After about 4 minutes the woman stated loudly that they were "invading" her air space.

The man smoking(former NY state Trooper) explained they were in the smoking section. That most of the square area was non-smoking and they would more than likely be happier over there....

The man in the couple grunted and started defending his lady friend. That she too had the right to stand or sit where ever she wanted....and should not have her air invaded.

Bottom line is the couples all went back and forth....the invaded air couple finally made some comment about the others not being from around here...no villagers....must be outsiders etc....

There was almost a brawl (so I am told).....

Personally, IMHO, to each his/her own. If someone wants to smoke that is their business...however it does seem that they followed the rules and laws of courtesy.

Why would this couple get so weird about it....just walk away or further down the row if you don't like it.


Just wondering what TOTVers thoughts are....please share.

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