I confess I have judgemental thoughts, but I try not to. People who smoke do so to suppress their emotional pain, same goes for drinking in excess/at inappropriate times/any other addictive behaviours. It's hard to know why a person lives like that unless you have a good understanding of what their life's experiences have been (and often that can only be guessed at). Sometimes it's learnt behaviour from their own families of origin (like babies being given coca cola). I guess we're all possibly less-than-our-best in the decisions we make as parents, who knows how that will rub off on our kids over time?

I guess the judging is ok so far as you only apply it to your own decision making, eg IMO very good call to not go there as long as the sexual offender is there. That's less about judgement and more about protecting your own family, IMO. But it's important to maintain your sense of compassion. I would want to lovingly and as gently as I can, tell my friend how concerned I was about the situation she was in. I would make sure she knows she can call me if she's ever in danger or needs to get out of there, kwim?