Bingowings said:

If you drink and act like an arse, say and do things to others you wouldn't dream of doing when sober or (heavens forbid) drive a car, the effect is much worse than second hand smoke.

apparently you never read my 3rd point where I said I never drive when drunk.

Bingowings said:

Very few people live in total isolation if someone choses to wreck their own health on booze it has a detrimental effect on others.

perhaps. But I don't think I've wrecked my health yet. I am also sure the same can be said when someone chooses to wreck their health by smoking.

Bingowings said:

The parallel between puffing away in front of people unable to move out of a badly ventilated environment and boozing to excess is pretty obvious.

yet I don't see them. With smoking, you risk damaging the lungs of those around you. With drinking you do not damage other people's livers.

Bingowings said:

I wouldn't advocate a blanket prohibition in either case, just common sense and good manners.

we agree here.

Bingowings said: I wonder how long it will take for Champagne and booze in general to be excluded from romantic rituals like weddings and anniversaries.

I hope that never happens.