Smoking Establishments

I don't even realize how acclimated I am to smoke-filled rooms.  And I think it's unfortunate.

Most all the pool rooms (currently) in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are smoking establishments.  I've been in smokey pool rooms my whole life, except the few times I might have visited a non-smoking pool room in another state.

Because I don't frequent pool rooms that much anymore, I am not around smoke as much (and I'm not a smoker).  However, I have noticed it takes me a few days (literally) to feel up-to-par after running a tournament all weekend because I'm around smoke more than I'm used to.  My body and lungs are affected more by the smoke because I'm not around it as much.

However, what really surprised me was at the previous Omega stop, a couple of friends stopped by the pool room on Sunday morning, as they were driving from Florida to Vegas for BCAPL Nationals.

They were there only about an hour and one of the guys comes up to me say goodbye.  He said, "Sorry, we have to go.  We aren't used to the smoke and we need to get out of here."

I gave my hugs and said my safe travel wishes and they left.

But, I have to say I was VERY surprised.

You see, it was Sunday morning, so hardly anyone was in there.  Maybe only 20 people.  Unlike the previous day when it was packed, the smoke was more noticeable to me.  My point is, it wasn't that smokey that Sunday morning (at least I thought).

And, it was right when they opened, so again, it wasn't that smokey yet (like it could be later in the day).

Here I was, not even noticing the smoke that morning, yet because they play pool in 100% non-smoking pool rooms in Florida, they noticed it right away.

I'm actually saddened that I didn't even notice how smokey it was that morning.  I mean, even reflecting back I can't recall it being so smokey (the previous day, yes, but not that morning).

It just shows how the smokey atmosphere is invasive and we don't even know it.  :(

Bystanders Smoking

One thing that bothers non-smokers is when smokers light up their cigarettes near our matches.

If it's an opponent or someone playing on another table, we just try to adjust our seating arrangement to anywhere the smoke isn't coming into our face (which we all know the smoke has a B line to the non smokers, lol).

But what do you do if a smoker is near you but they are not playing in the tournament?  What do you do then?

Sometimes I just move, or deal with it (although I admit it's SUPER distracting), or sometimes I might say something (which in itself is a distraction - future blog topic).

It's actually difficult in general to ask someone to move their cigarette.  Most take it offensively or react badly to a request.  I shouldn't feel bad for asking that, but hardly anyone replies, "oh I'm sorry, sure I'll move my cigarette," with a smile on their face. 

If anyone has a suggestion for how to ask this, please let me know!

Now - back to pool  :)

During the August Omega tournament I overheard a player ask a bystander to move because they were smoking close to their match and it was bothering/distracting him. 

What was different this time was he explained the situation, which I thought was a smart idea.  Maybe explaining this helped so the guy didn't take it wrong.

After he asked if he could move because of the smoke he explained, "I'm playing a match right here and I can't move.  You can move, though, because you aren't playing, and I would really appreciate it."

I really like that approach!  Maybe I'll use that while in match if a bystander is smoking near me.

When You Really Need to Smoke....

Visiting a pool room in Louisiana in June, I ventured into the bathroom and saw this little gem:

Is this bathroom really that old that an ashtray is in there still?

I hadn't seen this in years, so of course I had to take a pic of my "find."

Yikes....

No Smoking within 15 Feet

My favorite sign at the 2014 BCAPL Texas State 8-Ball Championships was this one:

Usually you just have to "go outside" with no restrictions.  This meant all us non-smokers would have to walk through smokers to get to our cars or come inside.

So, I REALLY liked this sign - no smoking within 15 feet of the building.  WOO HOO!

:)

For non-smokers, this was pure awesomeness. 

NonSmoking During Matches

I really LOVE that No Smoking is allowed during the matches on the OB Cues Ladies Tour!

It's even better at Rusty's Billiards in Arlington, Texas because they have a entire room with 9 tables in it that is completely a non-smoking room!

The reason this is so cool is, because here is an example (from another pool room) where even though the match at this table is non smoking, the people at the bar can smoke!

Ugh.

While it helps during matches away from people, the tables near smokers still kinda sucks I admit.

But, I know I can't make everyone not smoke inside a pool room while we play our matches.  Our can I?  ;)

Smoke Breaks and E-Cigs

On one of the tours I play on, during the players meeting the Tournament Director mentioned as a reminder (and for the new players) that this is a non-smoking tour.  This means that during your matches, you cannot smoke. 

Each person can take one (1) break per match.  So, a smoke break or bathroom break, whatever.

So obviously, that means up to two breaks per match, if the players each take a break.

A new player asked, "What about E-cigarettes?"

Wow, great question!

My first thought was, "um, no."  Because they would still be "smoking."  Even tho the rule is in effect due to smoke being unhealthy/bothering the non-smokers, E-cigs release vapor, not smoke, but I still didn't think it was fair.

I didn't speak up because I was still mulling it over in my head, and no one else objected.... until.... at the last minute another player realized what was being discussed and then she became vocal about not allowing E-cigs, as well.

Then a smoker spoke up and said she agreed, also.  "Hey, it's not fair I can't smoke and they get their nicotine fix!"

Good point, too.

I have heard smoking calms players, so I didn't think it was fair if players smoked E-cigs either.

Very good question, tho!