Most people drink alcohol but it is perfectly acceptable to be a non-drinker. Smoking became somewhat less acceptable after the smoking ban came into affect in 2006 (you can’t smoke in any enclosed places anymore).
It is not polite to be drunk in public but it’s very common.
While men tend to do the asking, it’s acceptable for women to ask men on dates as well.
A good first date might involve going out for a meal, going to a pub or seeing a movie. Usually the man will pay for the first date.
