Korean Job Discussion Forums

Scorpion · Joined: 15 Apr 2012

I'm amazed to see that the smoking ban in pubs is actually being enforced. Places like Seoul Pub and Bulldog's actually have a small corner room (or booth) where smokers have to go to puff up. Glad to see it. I personally find smoking a vile habit, and blowing your filthy smoke on others beyond offensive. Pleased to see that the tables have now turned. Smokers used to say, "If you don't like smoke don't go to a pub". (As if that was a reasonable position to take.) Now we can say, "If you want to smoke don't go to a pub. Or if you do, see that little cubby hole over there?" It's come to this because so many smokers were abnoxious and inconsiderate of others. So nice to go home at the end of the night smelling exactly the same as when I went out. So nice to be able to pick up my shirt the next morning and not feel like I need to barf because of the smell. For those responsible and considerate smokers, this criticism is not aimed at you. I agree that you have every right to smoke, just not around others who don't wish to be subjected to the smell, annoyance and health effects of second hand smoke.

Good on ya Seoul for actually enforcing this rule. Now close the loopholes, and start enforcing the dozens of other laws on the books that currently go unenforced.

Steelrails · Joined: 12 Mar 2009 Location: Earth, Solar System

Lucas · Joined: 11 Sep 2012

tiger fancini · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Location: Testicles for Eyes

Smokers actually obeying the law? As they do already on airplanes, in cinemas, on public transport, in restaurants and hospitals to name but a few? Who ever would have thought it? Still, make sure you get your little 'filthy, vile and disgusting' jab in there, just to ram the point home that smokers are basically sub-human scum and you'll despise them no matter what they do.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 10:44 pm Post subject:

Mr. BlackCat · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Location: Insert witty remark HERE

It might be working now, but wait till it hits the freezing mark in the winter.

I'm an ex-smoker and I've always been kind of indifferent to the various bans or non-bans. Maybe "indifferent" is the wrong word. I totally get it for restaurants. Even when I smoked I would go outside there. No one wants that blowing around when they're eating. Bars? Well, it's sort of part of the package, isn't it? Smoke or no smoke, if you're able to wear that shirt again in civilized company the next day then you're obviously going to the wrong bars.

The problems becomes when these bans get more and more expanded. In Canada, first you couldn't smoke in the bar. Then you couldn't smoke within so many meters of the door, which is impossible in many bar areas unless you're standing in the middle of the road. Not to mention that in winter in Canada many places force you to check your coat/jacket. You have to go and get it every time you want a puff. Even in summer, many places make it so complicated for you to come and go (especially if there's a cover). In Canada, it started off that you just needed to create a separate area for smokers, even blocked off (many Tim Hortons still have those separate little rooms). But then that wasn't good enough and people were forced to go outside. Then they were forced to stand in the middle of the parking lot. It's ridiculous.

Some people, probably the OP, will say that's what these people get for smoking. Well, last time I checked ciggies were legal and the taxes (in Canada, anyway) helped pay for lots of things even non-smokers enjoy. We could just as easily flip it around and say too bad if you smell like smoke, that's what you get for going to the bar. Militant non-smokers sound just like those people who try to ban violent/sexy movies. You don't like it, don't watch it. You don't like smokey bars, don't go to them.

Having said all that...meh. There's problems on both sides. I don't like that businesses are forced to do something like this, but at the same time businesses are forced to do all sorts of things (fire safety, minimum wages, etc.) So it's more of a public health issue. Is it public health, or an overreaction? I don't know.

The point is, I'm not sure how strong this ban is to survive the winter months. But Korea does adopt and change very quickly, so who knows.

augustine · Joined: 08 Sep 2012 Location: México

This one sure got off to a flaming start.

Lucas · Joined: 11 Sep 2012

radcon · Joined: 23 May 2011

If you spend so much time in bars that you are worried about the detrimental health effects of second hand smoke, you should probably be worrying more about your liver.

cincynate · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Location: Jeju-do, South Korea

Scorpion is a vial and disgusting sub human for going into the pub, getting sloshed and then puking all over the street on his/her way home. The rest of us should not have to put up with loud and obnoxious drunks stumbling home from the pubs every night and having to carefully walk around the piles of putrid vomit on the streets. I can't wait until they have a drinking ban so I can go out for a peaceful night on the town without the likes of Scorpion sullying it up for everyone. They should have a loud talking ban and a horn beeping ban too. In fact, they should just ban everyone from ever leaving their homes. Wouldn't that be a nice world.

Steelrails · Joined: 12 Mar 2009 Location: Earth, Solar System

drydell · Joined: 01 Oct 2009

It was always going to work. It ain't the same as scooters on pavements... Anyone can see that- escalating fines for the bars themselves as well as individuals..

I like how K- defenders who get upset at 'Farmers in suits' comments are now annoyed Korea is following the majority of developed economy nations on public smoking legislation... What lovely irony..

nora · Joined: 14 Apr 2012

I agree with steelrails on the libertarian aspect of it. If someone wants to run a business that caters to people that are doing something that is legal, then it is nobody's business.

BUT, we don't live in a "free society" in regards to the health system here. While I am through and through libertarian, the reality is that:

1. We have a national health care system.
2. I am fairly well convinced by the research that shows smoking causes cancer.
3. I don't want to pay for smokers health care.
4. I would be fine if they made smoking totally illegal in Korea OR required smokers to pay higher health care costs to offset the difference.

Ergo, as much as I enjoy a good cigar or pipe once in a while, I understand and appreciate the government's efforts in this regard.

yodanole · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: La Florida

Why are smoking, drinking and other "sin" activities always medical costs that the "Cheap Charlies" rail on about, but weighing more than an economy car never gets mentioned? The taxes are already obscene for alcohol and tobacco in most places.

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

If the end goal of all the anti-smoking legislation is to reduce the number of smokers and related illness, then Korean needs to raise the price of cigs too. 2,500 is ludicrously cheap compared to other developed nations. It is something like £10 ($15) in the UK now. That surely has to be a good reason not to smoke, or at least not smoke so much.
At the moment, smokers in Korea are merely inconvenienced a little by having to move an extra few metres when they want to light up.