With smoking bans going into place all over Europe now -- mirroring the efforts of us old Yanks -- attendance in some Scottish pubs has actually risen since the public smoking bans has taken place in that country. Is that a surprise?

Perhaps patrons stayed away from smoky bars and pubs for fear of smelling and feeling like a wet, limp cigarette at home and at work. I know when I've gone out to places that allowed smoking, I come home smelling disgusting. I have to wash all those clothes and take a shower just to get rid of the stench.

Maybe pubs and other places of entertainment in Scotland and in other European countries will see improved attendance when banning smoking is put into full effect -- if it ever is.