The biggest difference I have noticed since the NY state law took effect is it is hard to judge how many people have come to your gig. At any given moment there is a large huddle of smokers outside the door. Also it is harder to connect with an audience which is constantly changing places. With half the people in a club having to go outside once or twice an hour there is less of a static audience sitting in one place concentrating on the music. People move around more weather they smoke or not. While this seems to make things a bit more difficult for the artist to listener conduit, I think we are still better off. Smokers are becoming more used to having to retreat to fresh air in just about every other public place. It's not that they can't smoke - they just have to step out. I think the people who will benefit most are those that spend 40 hrs+ in there working environment. Bartenders, waitresses, owners & musicians will be healthier. As to the people who say second-hand smoke has yet to be proven as harmful, I remember it was only a few years ago that 10 CEO's of tobacco companies stood before a congressional hearing and proclaimed "I do not believe nicotine is addicitive" You don't need to be a scientist to know that a small smoke filled club is bad for you.

[This message has been edited by Michael Meal (edited 04-01-2004).]