O'HARA: The big fat Greek smoking ban scam 

But reality is different: many Greeks will have smoked since their teens. They might hate the habit but they can’t kick it. For now, the climate is on their side because until October few Greeks will be indoors. Drive along the motorways and from the front seats arms loll out windows with cigarettes between nicotine-stained hands while kids play on the back seats. Look at the hospital balconies and nurses chat to patients on drips while they both light up.

Unlike many places, smoking is still socially acceptable. If you want to make friends here, the best way is to offer someone a fag. Last week at a formal dinner the man next to me, without asking, lit a large cigarillo in the middle of the main course. The woman next to him was about six months pregnant. He was a charming man, educated. He saw the disapproving scowl on my face.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” he said with an apologetic smile, “How rude of me…” and leaning over the table he opened the packet towards me, “Would you like one?”

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