One Reason to Welcome the Smoking Banification of America

Looking to start superficial conversations and hook up with complete strangers? Pray for a smoking ban! The Guardian reports:

Welcome to the practice of smirting (smoking and flirting), a craze which has swept Ireland since the introduction of the pub and restaurant smoking ban in January 2004. As it took hold, enterprising pubs and bars introduced outside areas for smokers to gather and with them came a more relaxed attitude to meeting people...

'It's brilliant,' says David Conlon, 24, of the ban's unexpected side-effect. 'You spend your time going in and out from the bars to the outside areas and that's a great way to get meeting people. There is definitely more pulling, just because you're inevitably chatting to way more girls during a night.

This increase in social smoking is one of the more worrying aspects of smirting... Many young Dubliners admit that they have increased their consumption of cigarettes because of the social benefits.

Whole thing here.

Comments

zach | October 31, 2005, 11:39am | #

this is nothing new. smokers have known for decades that there's no easier pickup line than "got a light?"

Larry A | October 31, 2005, 11:41am | #

Virtuous busybodies + Government action ==> Unintended consequences

smacky | October 31, 2005, 11:42am | #

Smokers make better chatters. It's just a fact I've noticed over the years.

(This comment paid for by Marlboro Ultra Lights.)

bob mologna | October 31, 2005, 11:46am | #

I can confirm this story. I recently moved back to the US from Dublin and all the fun in Irish bars is now just outside the door.

TJ | October 31, 2005, 11:48am | #

Same in New York, although I should say that my preferred pick up line is "Welcome to the nanny state!"

zach | October 31, 2005, 11:54am | #

is it that you prefer drinking alone?

keith | October 31, 2005, 12:15pm | #

I had an Israeli friend (anti-Israel, anti-Palestine -- he didn't like many people) whose pick-up line was, "So, are you interested in any violent Middle Eastern conflicts?"

It didn't work, and neither did his eventual replacement, "I bet I can guess the Pantone color value of your eyes."

mediageek | October 31, 2005, 12:28pm | #

It didn't work, and neither did his eventual replacement, "I bet I can guess the Pantone color value of your eyes."

Geeze. And I thought I was a dork...

mediageek | October 31, 2005, 12:30pm | #

It didn't work, and neither did his eventual replacement, "I bet I can guess the Pantone color value of your eyes."

Geeze. And I thought I was a dork...

Larry A | October 31, 2005, 3:31pm | #

You aren't a dork. I was the guy who used to answer the "What's your sign?" comeon with "Orion" just to see how many people actually knew enough astrology to catch me.

Yobbo | October 31, 2005, 3:40pm | #

Guy: What's your sign?
Girl: "No Entry"

Mo | October 31, 2005, 3:44pm | #

I've know this ever since the instituted the CA ban.

Plus people that smoke have an oral fixation....

Larry A | October 31, 2005, 5:06pm | #

Of course smokers make better conversation. Wheezing increases the time they spend listening.

dagny | October 31, 2005, 7:04pm | #

Hmm. I remember reading once about one of the ways Prohibition changed the bar scene -- prior to Prohibition, only men (and prostitutes) went to bars. But when alcohol became scarce, everybody went to the speakeasies, including regular women. After it was repealed, they stayed.

Jennifer | October 31, 2005, 7:13pm | #

I quit smoking a few weeks ago, and the only thing I miss about it are the outdoor chats with other smokers.

SteveInClearwater | October 31, 2005, 9:05pm | #

Shared use of drugs has always been a good start towards getting laid.

poco | November 1, 2005, 10:55am | #

Good on ya, Jennifer! (Though I assume you're referring only to cigarettes...)

smacky | November 1, 2005, 1:40pm | #

Congrats, Jennifer.