Something similar happened here when our state when no smoking. The state-run nursing home/home for chronically ill folks had to go no smoking, sending WWII vets outside to have their smokes. Pretty crappy thing to do to those old vets who were, factually speaking, in their own home there.
It was actually even worse than what you describe. The home in Smyrna had an outdoor pavillion type structure for the smokers. After the smoker ban went into effect that pavillion fell under the non-smoking law because it was enclosed. DHHS refused to grant an “exemption.”
Delaware is inhumane in regard the isue. The only saving grace is the fact that the winters aren’t brutal.
Do you live in WA state? The same thing happened at the Veterans retirement home in Retsil. The first barrage came in 1986 or so, when a new administrator locked a gate that opened across the street from a tavern that catered to the vets. If they wanted an excursion off grounds he posited, they could ride the bus. Soon after, they banned smoking in rooms. I have heard that they now ban smoking on the grounds, although I cannot verify this, as my friend no longer works there.