It was my first visit to Trailfinders yesterday and I was disappointed that so many people were smoking around the ground. Especially as I had my 4 year old son with me. Everywhere we stood/sat all round the ground there were blokes smoking cigarettes near us. Is this normal? Seems to go against being a) modern pro sport b) a family club.

Maybe it's something to raise with the club, designated cancer stick areas.
Although I can't see what it being a modern pro sport and family club got to do with it, by that you would have to ask why they have a bar selling alcohol.

I confess i thought smoking was banned at all sports stadiums? have never seen anyone smoking, then again difficult to police at trailfinders as its not an enclosed stadium like most grounds

I think thats the issue, its not an enclosed stadium so the rules probably dont apply. They have ash trays on the tables outside the bar! or they did at the pre season training run out i was at.
Personally i think it should be banned in all areas where crowds form unless its in a designated area roped off from the rest preferably as far away as possible from anyone who does not smoke, at Trailfinders I think the smoking area should be somehere in Southall

I think it was exceptional yesterday as we had a large group of French visitors especially seated behind the posts. They were very well behaved and enjoying themselves and made some much needed noise ! The downside being quite a lot of the adults smoked. Perhaps a cultural thing ? Not seen many smoking on other visits.

Good one Unless people are pouring alcohol down children's throats against their will I don't really see the comparison.

Speaking as an asthmatic, 100% agree with you Micky!

But does not having kids in and around bars also encourage that behavior.

What you see adults do, do kids not tend to follow? Told you my thoughts on smoking but the current law in the country is what it is, interesting that the adults with the French kids us mentioned. It is actually a bit of a culture thing I think though, generally most folk that smoke these days in this country are fairly thoughtful around kids don't you think?

I just don't think kids should be forced to choose between second hand smoking and going to the game. It should be banned in the ground. Nothing to do with culture or copying adults.

A quick look at the Ealing website suggests that it is banned for two reasons: the law on buildings and the pitch.