I did a keyword search and didn't find anything, so I hope it's okay to start this thread.
There have been laws introduced in KY that have made smoking illegal in public buildings and dining establishments. I wondered how it is handled on Bonaire?
I am a former smoker, and other former smokers can tell you - we're the worst when it comes to being around smoke now. Can't stand it!
Thanks!

Shoot - I misspelled restaurants in the title of this post - any way to fix it?

(Message edited by thefranks on March 20, 2009)

Not that I know of. Most have outside sitting. I also am a non smoker now also and have never been bothered by smokers....... I do believe we live in the same town.........

Hi, Peter - I'm glad to hear it isn't much of an issue. We have noticed in our travels that the prevalence of smoking is not what it is here.
We're in Hike's Point - where are you?
Cindy

Excuse me -- Patrick! My apologies...

Live over on Preston hwy. by Gilmore lane.

For the most part, people are considerate about smoking in restaurants here. I have on occasion asked to be moved if it became an issue and have been accommodated.

The majority of restaurants on Bonaire do not have air conditioning which means they have fresh air circulating, unlike here in the states where the closed loop air conditioning and emphasis on weather tightening to control costs magnifies second hand smoke problems.

Almost every place I went was outdoors and I don't really even recall seeing anyone smoke anyhow. I can't stand being near smokers in restaurants (even though my husband smokes), so I would have noticed.

Thanks for all the responses - I'm very happy to know it doesn't seem to be much of an issue!
Cindy

Sorry to have a slightly different opinion, but because of the open air style of restaurants it is not unusual to have smoke from a table of smokers drifting to your table for the entire meal. This can happen even if the restaurant designates smoking and nonsmoking areas. It happened last year to us at Casablanca; great food, great service, but we decided to go elsewhere for dessert/coffee because of a large table nearby of smokers.

It's funny how my friends on Bonaire, some of whom happen to be smokers, don't get(sadly) the smoking ban here in the states, but Bonaire has mostly all open air dinning, some with aircondition rooms. Just change seats.
The wind blows pretty much and when it dosen't, you wish it would.
Some of my friends did't get the idea of the "hot" tub either, we would shut off the heater when we rented the villa.

I've never had it be an issue while on Bonaire. What I've found is that the # of people smoking is significantly less then here in the states?
I've always gotten great humor out of the signs which say "non smoking eating area"! I've wondered if the smoke knows that-lol

Very few problems with the smokers.

We ate at Capriccio's 3 times in the last 3 weeks.
Inside with the a/c is NO SMOKING. Outside you can smoke to your heart's content.
PS The food is GREAT.. Pasta & fish is the way to go!

Vince, nice profile picture!!! Ron

Thanks for the tip about Capriccio's - we'll be sure to check it out!

Thank s Ron.. we took one last week where it looks like I'm riding horseback in bare back & bare butt. I was gonna post it, but decided probably not..

Vince, AKA Lady Godiva, that is a really cool pic on the profile. Who did the sign? It is beautiful.

Don't miss the great wine list at Capriccio's.

(Message edited by jwobkk on March 24, 2009)

In my opinion the smoking in Public places IS a problem on Bonaire. In Canada we have been spoiled with smoking bans in public places, like restaurants (even on the Patio of the restaurant), for years now. My wife and I enjoy eating on the patio's for restaurants while we are in Bonaire, and if a restaurant offered outside seating with no-smoking, we would be there. Just about every time we eat at a restaurant in Bonaire, someone is smoking near-by. This second hand smoke impacts the enjoyment of the meal for both my wife and myself. Not to mention the proven health risks. I also find that it is usually not possible to "simply move tables"; when I am on the island the restaurants are busy and finding a seat is usually a problem.

All of that said, I think businesses should offer a non-smoking area. The reason I think this is that it is just a matter of time before it becomes a rule. Once it is a rule, it might be a complete ban, and you will not be able to offer a convenient smoking area for those wishing to smoke.

Yes Gord , I know exactly where you are coming from . I do not miss the days of smoke in my face when I go out . It is amazing how much we notice it after being in a smoke free environment. At first I was against the ban , even being a non smoker . Now I love it .

Thanks Jim. Her name is Marge; she teaches art, has her own business & stayed a week with us in Bonaire. The plaque was a "house warming" gift & hangs predominately in our hallway as you enter. She also drew our logo from my design idea of flamingos, sun, sand & surf. All what I consider essential elements of the Bonaire experience. (all right, so I left out the diving, beer & food..just couldn't tie them all together in a logo) .

Maybe the next one Vincenzo. I can see you have a creative eye. When we stay at Bellevue, in your beautiful place, I have a nice idea for a gift for you. I can be creative as well.

Uh Oh.... Did I get myself into something I can't get out of?
Wayne/Cindy..sorry to hi jack your thread

Not a problem! I was getting a kick out of the side trip, too!

I was amazed at the response to this thread - I can see that we may want to do a little recon before choosing a place to have a nice dinner!

Thanks to everyone for the advice!

Cindy