It is a fire hazard if lighted butts are placed in the paper bin - that is the reason for the total ban on smoking. I made the point because too many people react without knowing what the hazard actually is (you obviously included). In fact practiced illicit smokers know to cover the smoke alarm and flush their butts down the basin.
The reason for the smoking ban is because it is no longer socially acceptable to do so in a 'public place' (and keeps the cabin cleaner as a by-product). The fire hazard argument is a revisionist justification for the ban, not that one is really needed. We've had this debate many times before. But it
is the law and those ignoring it need to be punished.
Actually just had a thought, is it 'the law' on charters ?