[traditional1]

"The only hope in stopping this trend is that smokers become more polite"

The only problem (and the crux of the issue, I think), is the idea that your interpretation implies that smokers are impolite, and need to be punished.

I would submit that when the Thought Police take over (as in this case, clearly), then we all lose....

[Young Scholar]

The only problem (and the crux of the issue, I think), is the idea that your interpretation implies that smokers are impolite, and need to be punished.

By and large, they probably are, but there is a sizable minority that insists on ignoring smoking rules (set by the property/building owner), tossing butts on the ground, and going into close public places (such as meetings) smelling like an ashtray. Unfortunately, it is difficult to crack down on only this group, so all smokers tend to feel the consequenses when harsher rules are made.