As the smoking ban takes effect, a new way of meeting potential lovers looks set to gain popularity.
Smirting, as it is known, sees smokers head outside pubs and bars for their nicotine fix, where they drum up conversation with fellow smokers who have been ousted from newly smoke-free pubs.
The most common ice breaker in such a scenario is, predictably, asking for a light.
As smokers take advantage of this new way to get to know like-minded people, it appears that smoking is not generally a trait people look for in a potential partner.
A new survey reveals that 28 per cent of women and 25 per cent of men think smoking is a turn-off, with another 27 of men saying it could kill the passion.
Just 3.5 per cent of women claim that they find it sexy when men smoke.
A third of respondents also claim that they would not date a smoker, demonstrating that this lifestyle choice can have a significant impact on your love life.
