I dont know why these people are complaining. Surly before the smoking ban was brought into force there was noise from people entering and leaving these premises. I can see that when a lot of people are out having a cigarette there will be a bit extra noise but it can be no worse than a couple of minutes before people return inside. Beer gardens have always been quite noisy and no-one seems to complain about them. They should just be happy that when they are out enjoying a drink that the smoke is no longer affecting them. They cant expect to have their cake and eat it.

Can it be reasonable for Licensees who have just had their private premises declared public to be expected to take personal responsibility for the public space outside?
Nine out of 12 businesses appear to have been little affected by the ban but it’s a lose lose situation for all and especially for the other 3 out of 12 whose trade appears to have been affected by the ban.
Forcing smokers out of pubs was always going to cause problems. No legislation will stop the majority of smokers from being smokers so they cannot simply be brushed under the carpet.

A stupid law made by stupid people.
We were stupid enough to vote them in.
I will never ever vote again it has caused nothing but problems.
I don’t recall one of our dually elected MPs speaking out in a proper manner against it
Our Scottish Mps are an embarrassment to the Scottish voters.
If I had a choice to save an ageing sewer rat, or a Scottish MP the rat would win.

This was always going to happen, if you force people out onto the street then you are going to have the noise of talking and laughter. The sensible solution would have been to install ventilation into pubs this would have suited everyone but since when did politicians have any brains or common sense, probably not one of them lives next door to a pub. Next they will be bringing in a law to say you carnt talk or laugh on the streets after 11pm. Dont blame the smoker they are only complying with what they have been forced to do, its the politicians that should be blamed they such a stupid ban

If you think noise hasn't become a significant problem since the ban came into force, just try living where I do. My wife is now unable to get to sleep until after two, just because of the noise made by the patrons of the well-known hostelry below.

I agree that it is a difficult issue, but it is important to remember that the main intent of the law was to protect the health of staff, not patrons - it cannot make sense to have the latter now free to damage the health of wholly innocent residents.

(As for why I am able to sleep, let's say I am effectively deaf!)

It was said that the vast majority of people were happy to have this complete smoking ban? They were not happy to have a situation of non smoking and smoking establishments.
Well this is one of the consiquences of being so selfish.
Still don't worry to much once winter comes there will be less smokers willing to stand outside in the cold and wet also the resident will have their windows closed.
I am sure that the ban gurrues will also ban smoking outside those establishments as well
and the smokers having to find a place that has its own private land for them to use.
Then when those establisments that don't have there own land lose profits in both winter and summer they will close and the problem will be solved "no noise" But don't complain about the loss of jobs and the affect on the local ecconomy when it happens.
Not being willing to compromise will always have effects.

I wonder how many of those complaining were the same ones who didn't want smokers being allowed inside pubs?

I also wonder if they realise that they're not the only ones with human rights.

I would've thought it was common sense to realise that if you move in beside pubs then you should expect noise.

Every weekend, people draw the curtains and ignore the violence and thuggery that takes place in every street but the moment a smoker tries to have a conversation, the whole city is in uproar.

I think it's about time everyone got their priorities in order and let the law-abiding smokers enjoy a puff outside their chosen pub. Don't forget that these pubs (smoking and non-smoking customers alike) keep the economy of the local area alive.

I have the solution REVERSE the crazy smoking law.
Let people have a fag & a pint with out having to go out side in the freezing cold.
(Our bottles MPs do not have the bottle to admit they are wrong or reverse the crazy smoking law)
They are an embarrassment to all hard working law abiding people.

lets get real with this scottish legislature. it has no real power (thank god ) teachers a lifetime of state support low it away and the building could be a folly as the calton hill is