Let me take you back to Melbourne in the 1990s, a bustling city where nights were filled with chatter, laughter, and the ever-present cloud of cigarette smoke. As a smoker during those years, I often find myself reminiscing about the days when enjoying a cigarette indoors was part of the nightlife, mingling with the sounds of camaraderie and music.

Young and Jackson was one of my favourite haunts, an iconic pub that’s been part of Melbourne’s landscape since the 1860s, perched on the busy corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets. Walking in, you’d be met not only by the friendly staff and the promise of a cold pint but also by the familiar haze of smoke that seemed to wrap itself around every conversation at the bar. It wasn’t until 2006 that the indoor smoking laws changed, and the sight of patrons enjoying a cigarette inside became a memory. It felt like closing a chapter on a cherished part of our social lives.

The Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda, or “The Espy” as we fondly called it, was another favourite. This was where the combination of smoke and live music created an atmosphere all its own, drawing a crowd from all over. There was something truly special about losing yourself in a gig, enveloped in smoke, the outside world fading away. But as the indoor smoking bans were introduced, this too became a thing of the past.

Reflecting on those times, it wasn’t just about the act of smoking; it was about the connections it fostered. Sharing a cigarette was an unspoken invitation to join a conversation, a means to break the ice or deepen a bond. It was a ritual that brought people together, strangers becoming friends over a shared moment. There was always someone “bumming a cig” off a stranger or asking for a light, sparking spontaneous conversations and new friendships.

Of course, there were the less glamorous aspects of those smoky nights. The sticky floors of a packed club, where your shoes almost seemed to cling with every step. The lingering smell of smoke that clung to your hair and clothes, a souvenir of the night that followed you home. And who could forget the occasional burn on the dance floor when a stray cigarette came too close? These were the quirks of a night out that we accepted as part of the experience.

Today, however, the rising prices of cigarettes in Australia have added another layer to the nostalgia. What was once an affordable vice has now become a luxury, with prices skyrocketing over the years. It’s a stark reminder of how times have changed, making those casual exchanges of “got a light?” or “can I bum a cig?” seem like relics of a different era.

Here are some ideas for nostalgic smokers:

Visit outdoor beer gardens as new social spaces where smoking is still permitted, allowing the tradition to continue under the open sky.

Host a throwback party to recreate the 90s atmosphere at home with friends, playing music from the era and sharing stories of those memorable nights.

Explore vintage shops to collect memorabilia from the past,old matchbooks, ashtrays, or posters,that can serve as a reminder of those cherished times.

In reflecting on these changes, many health advocates argue that the bans were critical for public health, significantly reducing exposure to harmful secondhand smoke. On the other hand, non-smokers have embraced the cleaner air and smoke-free environments, making social outings more pleasant.

While I miss those smoke-filled rooms and the friendships they nurtured, I also appreciate the cleaner, healthier spaces we have today. It’s a bittersweet nostalgia, a longing for the past while understanding the progress we’ve made.