Tell them you don't want to sit there. Your getting the 2nd hand smoke. You want NON-SMOKING.
Leslie

I'm SO glad our province went to a total n.s. ban a number of years ago. I used to get placed the exact same spot you're talking about m.a.m. We're so used to the non-smoking it takes us aback to be asked if we go somewhere where smoking is allowed anymore.

It makes dining out and even going to a bar so much more enjoyable!!

No smoking is allowed in any public buildings (restaurants, stores, etc) in our state any more, so this doesn't come up for us.

But yes--I've been at restaurants where they tried to sit me too close to the smoking section. For example--the Cracker Barrel, where the only thing separating your table from a smoker's used to be a 'wall' of lattice work. Not enough to keep smoke away. I've politely told the server that I am extremely allergic to smoke (it gives me a migraine almost instantly, if I smell any kind of smoking), and would be glad to wait for a table further from the smoking section. They usually don't mind accommodating you if you are reasonable about it.

Since last July, Iowa is smoke free in all public buildings...and I LOVE IT!! I hated being seated in a no-smoking section and 3 tables over they were puffing up a storm and there was no where in the place that you could truely get away from the smoke.

Not something that we have to worry about in our area but I'll tell you this, my husband never sits anywhere in a restaurant that doesn't please him. The last two times we have been out to eat he told the host/hostess where he wanted to sit...one tried to seat us at a table for two that would barely hold the plates and I told her, put us at a larger table....and she did...yesterday, she tried to seat us 4 feet away from the door that the wait staff used for the kitchen...the waitress got pissed and said something to the effect...we seat by order and he said ...do you want my business or do you want to seat me someplace that I refuse to sit. She moved us.

All non smoking here, and I love it. People who leave our state to travel into ther states come back with strong complaints about how bad being around smokers is and how quickly they had forgotten how lucky we are here with no smoking everywhere public.

No smoking here in NYS...thank goodness!

Amen! We were so glad when the restaurants around here went non-smoking. Before there were two separate (?) areas for smokers and non-smokers. Well, it didn't work so well. I still hate to run the gamut of cigarette butts and the lingering smell of smoke upon entering a restaurant. Why don't restaurants have a smoking patio off to the side, away from the entrance?

We're a smoke free state now and I am so glad. I used to hate having to take my clothes off to be washed as soon as I got home and having to rewash my hair.

When we had smoking section I would speak up and ask to be seated as far away as possible. I'm just like Ruthie's husband. I will never accept a bad table if others are available.

All non-smoking here too...

All non smoking here now also. I am a former smoker but it didn't bother me not to smoke while out. I quit 2 yrs ago.
Wish they would do the same with all the cell phones! It is awful some of the conversations you "have" to listen to at times!.

Our county (San Luis Obispo) was the beginning of the no smoking in public places movement. It was largely in part to a doc who worked for the same clinic I did.
I am so glad to be able to live in a state that is smoke free.
I have mild emphysema due to second hand smoke.
Years ago patients in hospitals were allowed to smoke.

Iowa is non smoking now and I love it. When I travel to another state I know I am in trouble when I am asked "smoking or non smoking". The whole place smells bad.
Nevada is the worst state for smoking. If you want to eat in a casino, you have to walk through clouds of smoke to get to the restaurants.

ND doesn't allow smoking in restaurants at all. Only in bars up here..

I should have added, when they did have smoking or non sections we always said whichever is faster! LOL We ate and ran most of the time anyway.

Have never minded asking to be moved.
Have done that frequently at IHOP!
Sometimes if I'm placed too close to the smoking section, or loud talking gents, under an AC vent that is too cold.

It's been a long time since I've been around anyone smoking. I notice almost immediately if someone is smoking even when I'm outside.

There is no smoking here in public places. It's great except for the people who stand outside the door smoking. You get to walk through the smoke to get in and out of the building. Ugh.

Linda

Yes that used to bug me. The people in the table right next to you could be smoking and all you have is a little short wall of sorts between you. All smoke free here in Illinios now. Loving it.

Once, my DH and I were seated at a table next to a woman reeking of cologne. We asked to be moved.

Ohio is also non smoking in public places. DH used to smoke. I had bronchitis 3-4 times a year. After he quit, I've only had it once. Cologne also bothers me. I am assuming that since I did a bunch of cleaning for the last 2 weeks, that I stirred up a lot of dust, because I've had to use my inhaler at least 6-8 times in the last 2 weeks. 2 or 3 times this week alone. I am sooooo glad I don't have to put up with it in restaruants anymore! We also used to say which ever was faster!

Tami

Back home in Dallas, it was non-smoking. But here in the tobacco capital (Reynolds Tobacco) they haven't done it most places. I find the same thing at Cracker Barrel. I just ask them to put me as far away as possible. BTW, we rarely go to a CB because they are always packed night and day and while I like their food, I don't want to wait an hour for it.