....but you are imposing on others. If you are in the same enviorment with people who do not smoke, and you smoke, then you force them to have to deal with it. I don't think you can reasonably expect others to HAVE to tolerate it. Medical issues aside, it is just common courtesy. The author mentions he is not allowed to smoke in many of the finest restaurants in the country. WELL DUH!!!! People dine in these establishments to enjoy exemplery cuisine, not to inhale tobacco smoke.

For me, it is a simple matter of decency to others. YOU smoke. Someone else does not. They should not have to inhale YOUR smoke.

For the record, I am an ex-heavy (2 packs a day) smoker. 15 years after quitting and I still miss it. I don't begrudge anyone their right to smoke, but when you are in a public space, it is incumbent on you to keep your smoke away from those who find tobacco smoke revolting.