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Published on February 11, 2008

To many nightlife lovers, cigarettes have long been part of the fun.

"On a night out with friends, I love to drink and smoke," 25-year-old Komkrit said without giving his surname. "If cigarettes are excluded, my pleasure from such times will drop."

Another frequent visitor to night-time entertainment places, Kitisak, said it would be a bother if he had to excuse himself from his friends every time he wanted to light up a cigarette.

"We are there to have fun. So, I can't help but wonder why I have to face such an inconvenience," he said.

Although Komkrit and Kitisak said they did not plan to give up their nightlife, thousands of night-time entertainment venues are shuddering at the thought that the smoking ban will scare customers away, even if only for a certain period of time.

"After the ban takes effect, it will take time for customers to adjust themselves to the rule," Route 66 pub manager Ronnakrit Panprapas said.

He expected to see a sharp drop in customers for some time.

Sompong Lueboon, entertainment manager at Chaikha Pakkai pub, said more than 80 per cent of his customers smoked.

"Once the ban starts, we will face a serious impact," he said.

However, non-smokers eagerly welcome the smoking ban, believing it will allow them to enjoy themselves much more at entertainment venues.

"I hate it when my hair smells of cigarettes," Nathinee, 26, said.

Sawitree, in her 30s, said she loved food, music and the nice atmosphere at the Londoner pub in Sukhumvit.

"But I don't go there often because smoke fills the air," she said, "If the smoke ban keeps smokers out, I will of course be a frequent visitor."

Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong

The Nation