At Mayflower Lounge, Patrons Draw Last Puff

That night, the bar was less crowded. The difference was obvious on every surface. In place of cigarette packs and lighters, cellphones and BlackBerries sat next to sweating drinks. The only sign of smoke was in the clouds of steam from the dishwasher that occasionally wafted into the lounge.

"The air quality is much better," said Lauren Miller, 26, holding a chardonnay. "I don't have to take a shower as soon as I get home."

Nonsmokers -- particularly those who once had the habit -- delighted in the clear air. "I quit smoking in 2005. But really, I quit today," said Don Kroll, one of Sam's regular customers.

Woodrow Allen, 62, was one customer who clearly had not received Sam's e-mail. He lighted a cigarette, and as its plume curled in the clear air, he was promptly told to put it out.

He crushed the cigarette in the ashtray held before him and slammed his Old-Fashioned on the bar, unfinished.

"This is ridiculous. People who don't smoke should have a separate place of their own," he said angrily. "The key thing here is choice. Everyone should be able to choose. Right now, I'm going to choose to stop coming here."

He picked up his briefcase and stormed off.

There remained only one vestige of the previous era, and that was on the menu. Sam's classic and dry martini, combining gin, single malt scotch, dry vermouth and a lemon twist, still goes by its original name: the "Smoke Out."