Smoking rules are different depending on where you are. In this lesson, you’ll practice asking about smoking areas, understanding signs, following public rules, and responding politely in everyday situations such as restaurants, parks, offices, airports, and hotels.
Pro Tip: When you’re unsure whether smoking is allowed, simply ask politely instead of guessing. Native speakers often use questions like “Is smoking allowed here?” or “Where is the smoking area?”
Useful Expressions
- Is smoking allowed here?
- Sorry, smoking isn’t allowed here.
- This is a non-smoking area.
- Please use the designated smoking area.
- Where is the smoking zone?
- You need to smoke outside.
- Could you put out your cigarette, please?
- There’s a no-smoking policy.
- You can smoke near the entrance.
- I didn’t know smoking wasn’t allowed.
- Thanks for letting me know.
- I’ll smoke outside.
- Please follow the rules.
- The smoking area is over there.
- Electronic cigarettes aren’t allowed either.
Questions & Answers
1. Is smoking allowed in this restaurant?
No, it’s completely smoke-free.
2. Where can I smoke?
There’s a smoking area outside the building.
3. Can I smoke on the balcony?
Yes, smoking is allowed there.
4. What does this sign mean?
It means smoking isn’t permitted.
5. May I use an e-cigarette here?
No, e-cigarettes are not allowed.
6. Why can’t people smoke inside?
To protect everyone’s health.
7. What should I do if I want to smoke?
Use the designated smoking area.
8. Can I smoke while waiting for the bus?
Only if local rules allow it.
9. What if I didn’t see the sign?
Apologize and stop smoking immediately.
10. Is there a smoking room at the airport?
Yes, many airports have designated smoking rooms.
Conversation
A: Excuse me, is smoking allowed here?
B: No, this is a non-smoking area.
A: Oh, I didn’t notice the sign.
B: That’s okay.
A: Where can I smoke instead?
B: There’s a smoking area outside.
A: Is it far from here?
B: No, it’s just near the main entrance.
A: Thanks for telling me.
B: You’re welcome.
Real-Life Conversation
Customer: Excuse me, is smoking allowed in this café?
Staff: No, sir. This is a non-smoking café.
Customer: I see. Is there a smoking area nearby?
Staff: Yes. There’s one outside next to the parking area.
Customer: Can I take my coffee there?
Staff: Of course. You’re welcome to.
Customer: Great. Thanks for your help.
Staff: You’re welcome.
Customer: I didn’t notice the no-smoking sign.
Staff: Many people miss it the first time.
Customer: Are e-cigarettes allowed inside?
Staff: No, they’re not allowed either.
Customer: Good to know.
Staff: We try to keep the indoor area smoke-free.
Customer: That makes sense.
Staff: Thank you for understanding.
Customer: How far is the smoking area?
Staff: About a one-minute walk from here.
Customer: Is it open all day?
Staff: Yes, it’s available during business hours.
Customer: Perfect. I’ll go there.
Staff: Enjoy your coffee.
Customer: Thanks. Have a nice day!
Staff: You too!
Quick Practice
Change the words
Replace the highlighted word.
- Smoking is allowed outside. → inside / upstairs
- This is a non-smoking area. → smoking / public
- Please use the designated area. → special / nearby
- I’ll smoke later. → outside / after lunch
- The sign says No Smoking. → No Parking / No Entry
Answer the questions
- Is smoking allowed in your workplace?
- Where is the nearest smoking area?
- What would you say if you didn’t know the rules?
- Have you ever seen a no-smoking sign?
- What should you do if someone asks you to stop smoking?
Complete the sentences
- Smoking isn’t allowed ________.
- Please use the ________ smoking area.
- I didn’t know ________.
- Could you ________ your cigarette?
- Thank you for ________ me know.
Speaking Challenge
Imagine you’re visiting a shopping mall for the first time. You want to smoke but don’t know the rules.
Speak for 45–60 seconds and include these points:
- Ask if smoking is allowed.
- Ask where the smoking area is.
- Respond politely when you hear the rules.
- Thank the staff member.
- Say what you’ll do next.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Can I smoke in here? (when speaking formally) | May I smoke here? / Is smoking allowed here? |
| Where I can smoke? | Where can I smoke? |
| Smoking allow here. | Smoking is allowed here. |
| I smoke here okay? | Is it okay if I smoke here? |
| Thanks tell me. | Thanks for telling me. |
Lesson Summary
Key Expressions
- Is smoking allowed here?
- This is a non-smoking area.
- Where is the smoking area?
- Please use the designated smoking area.
- Could you put out your cigarette, please?
- I’ll smoke outside.
- I didn’t know.
- Thanks for letting me know.
- Please follow the rules.
- You’re welcome.
