Smoking Bans?

Hello Readers! The city I live in passed a smoking ban about a year and a half ago. That means that no one can smoke in public buildings. This means court houses, restaurants, bars, night clubs, etc. I personally think it was a great idea because I can now go out with my friends and not worry about having to go home early due to my allergies to smoke. Before I would excuse myself a couple of hours after we got to a smoke filled enviroment because my nose was stuffed up and I could no longer breath, my eyes would hurt and water so badly that my makeup would run down my face and I looked terrible. Many smokers were very upset and fought very hard against this ban. At first many people were still smoking in these places because the owners allowed them too because the ban only gave them a small fine if they were caught breaking it. Now they passed some kind of harsher punishment for repeat offender establishments and it is more widely enforced. I can now enjoy going out with my friends, I think it is the most wonderful thing. I knew some smokers who were very pissed off about this, but have recently contacted me saying they have quit smoking, which is wonderful. I have no problem with people who want to smoke, it is there life and this is a free country. I just don't think I should be forced to endure there habits when I pay money to go somewhere. So I don't buy the arguement they they can smoke if they want. Be my guest, but go outside, or do it in your home, etc. I think smoking is a terrible addiction for many, because they often say they can't quit, but wish they could, I will include a recent part of a chat I had with a friend below.
fairydustheaven: why do you work so much?
1255 11145: coz i have to stay alive
fairydustheaven: i work to stay alive, but i don't work as much as youfairydustheaven: i did for awhile when I was getting my second degree, to pay for school, but it sucked really bad and I wasn't a happy person
1255 11145: i have to eat and smoke
fairydustheaven: i have decided life is too short and I should enjoy some of it, while i am young and happyfairydustheaven: give up smoking, it would be better for money and for your health1255 11145: yes but i cant

So what do my readers think of smoking and smoking bans?