There seems to be a bit of fuss and indignation from the smoking fraternity in the UK about the recent law banning smoking in the workplace, pubs, restaurants and other public places.

A hardcore section of inhalers are up in arms about it, calling it an attack on their personal freedom, interference by the nanny state, political correctness gone mad, etc., etc.

Now, as you’ll get to know, I am the first to take issue when the subject of state nannyism or personal freedom raises its ugly head but I’m afraid I can’t seem to muster up much support for the pro-smoking lobby over this one.

Yes, I agree that they should be free to smoke if they want to. And yes, I agree that they should fight with everything they have to retain that right.

But the only teensy-weensy little stipulation I would make is that when they smoke their stinking weed they do it without making me smoke it as well. If they can just do that one little thing then I’m right behind them.

No matter what anyone says, you can’t argue against the fact that smoking is pretty damned anti-social. As well as the very real health hazards involved, it makes your house, your car, your hair, your clothes and your breath smell like an old ashtray.

That’s fine if that is what you want but unfortunately it has the same effect on all those around you and everywhere you go. Worst of all, it has the same effect on me if I happen to be sitting at the next table - and that is definitely not what I want.

The real crux of the matter here is that smoking in public places just isn’t something you can do on your own. So these smokers’ defence of their right to smoke whenever and wherever they want does not only affect them, it affects me and thousands like me. We all have to join in with their habit whether we smoke or not.

Now this may seem quite surprising to you smokers but there are a lot of us who don’t actually want to do that; according to Cancer Research UK, 85% of us. That’s an awful lot of public opinion.

I agree whole-heartedly that smoking should be restricted in indoor public places where it affects other people’s well-being and comfort. Where’s the hardship in going outside to light up?

If you want to smoke that’s fine with me, you have the right to make that decision over your life. But if that decision affects my health or the length of my life then don’t be surprised if I come over and throw my beer over you.

After all, I’m only exercising my right to not smoke.