Here's the scoop.

Smoking in our club house has never been an issue until recently. The usual group of regulars (mostly non-smokers, FYI) was sitting around when one of the smokers started to light up. A non-smoker immediately put his hand in this guys face and basically told him to not light up around me. (This might not be the exact quote - but this is what I was told)

The next thing you know, a no smoking sign went up on the club house door. Well, one of the clubs charter members who is an avid smoker, got just a little bit upset when he arrived at the club house. Well, way more than a little upset. More like really PO'd. His consensus is that, he helped build the club house and he should be able to smoke in it.

He had proceeded to have a harry fit because this was not put to a vote by the club members. And rightfully so I might add. So, It was published in the next newsletter that a vote would be taken at the next club meeting on whether or not smoking would be permitted inside the club house. Well, a vote was taken and we banned smoking inside the clubhouse. Only one smoker showed up to vote and he voted against smoking in the club house himself. The long standing member who had the issues didn't even bother to show up for the meeting. Maybe he figured since there are far greater non-smokers than smokers, he shouldn't waste his time.

Needless to say, he is still PO'd about the no smoking in the club house even after putting it before the club members.

Nobody was looking to alienate club members and unfortunately as an after thought was handled in a democratic matter per the club bylaws. But on the other hand, Here is a long time member and Charter member at that, who liked to come out drink his coffee and have his smokes to relax and be around a hobby he has enjoyed for many, many years. I personally hate to see him give up something he enjoys so much.

I am looking for some logical input on this issue and how else it might have been handled or how we can possible come up with an amicable solution to both smokers and non-smokers occupying the same club house space simutaneously.

TIA
Ted