J - who is the lolo that stole my pakakolo?  Luckily I now live in THE TOBACCO state; however, this issue continues to show the encroachment of government into our every-day lives.  Thanks for the post!

I wonder how they will try to enforce that one?  They can't even enforce the drug laws.

State lawmakers pandering to special interest groups, now there is a new one.

Apartment dwellers do not own their own space, just rent/lease. The apartment complex owners should be able to determine whether to allow smoking or not (if I owned any rentals, I would not allow smoking, it reduces the value). Condos might be a different thing. The space is ownded individually. The association might be able to impose some type of no-smoking restriction, but, might have to grandfather in existing owners.

Some localities have even attempted to pass laws against smoking in single family private residences if a neighbor complains about being bothered by the smoke.

I am against cigarette smoking (ok, I confess, not unlike Alan Shore & Denny Crane, I do like the occasional stogie).

On the other hand, I also am against most government anti-smoking regulations (the restaurant or bar or bingo owner should be able to decide on their own whether or not to allow smoking).  I do agree, with a town in Maine, that outlawed smoking in cars with small children, they have no say in the matter and are strictly at the mercy of their parents.

I kind of thought this was an interesting issue.   I guess we will see where it goes.   Thanks for your comments.   Jerry

Jerry, there has been a simalar push in my State.  Sad part is, if you don't stay on top of things, the small groups keep trying until everyone loses interest and it passes!

Hey, Jerry - Long time, no post. :) 

I can't say that I'm all that fond of smoking but I'm less fond of government intervention.  Hopefully this little initiative crashes. 

I AGREE with others here.  I am; in fact an ex smoker (proud of it) yet once an addict always because there is not a day that passes that I dont crave one; seriously

June 22 will be 7 years smoke free; and I smoke 2 packs a day for over 25 years!  The longer I am smoke free the more smoke actually bothers me (if there is more than one smoker near me) one is okay if I am not confined somewhere with them. My point is this: I get grouchier and grumpier and pissier about being with others that smoke; the longer I am smoke free.  I DO NOT want to smell like it; SMELL it; etc etc

BUT.......................

what angers me far and above smelling like an ashtray? is GOVERNMENT STICKING THEIR COTTON PICKING NOSES, HANDS, ARMS, MOUTHS, FEET or any other appendage into our PRIVATE LIVES!!!!!!

WOW, did I say that?

Patti - congrats on your upcoming smokefree anniversary. I too was at least a 2 pack a day person (unless I was partying, then it could be 4) for about 25 years. I don't feel the urge but sometimes I still dream of smoking or find myself reaching for a cigarette.

To quote Lynard Skynard

Oooh oooh that smell!

Yup, you said that. I am proud of you!

Interesting post about smoking and government, sound like a new police force would be needed, the sniff patrol. Glad I am a non smoker.

Here we go again. The liberal minded among us want to control everything we do. Maybe I'll get kicked off active rain for saying that.

Wow, what great comments.  For those who have stopped somking, a hearty congratulations.   That takes some Character, Commitment and Dedication.  Jerry

Kudos, Kevin. Its nauseating that others keep sticking their noses into everything in our lives from what we do in the restroom to what we do in the bedroom. For a country that was founded on freedom, we surely are losing a lot of them. And those same people whining about the smell of cigarette smoke don't mind one bit sitting in traffic breathing the carbon monoxide from car exhaust. Well driving your car is killing me. Get your butts out and walk!!

Jerry - I am an ex smoker (18 years come October), however, I support smokers rights. More exactly, I am anti-government intrusion into individual rights.

I agree that apartment owners should be able to determine whether or not lessee's should be able to smoke inside. However, condo's are individually owned. Perhaps if when the condo was permitted their convenants could dictate no smoking.

Many states/municipalities are trying laws like this. There are even some who have proposed outlawing smoking in your own detached home if a neighbor complains.

If this, what next, seat belt laws? laws against certain acts between men & women? (Oh wait, we have those in many places already).

I'm going to comment, but I just need to pop out and have a smoke. Really - I'll be right back.........

The thing about all these smoking bans which so many agree with because they personally do not like smoking, is that it's sets a precedence for the government to ban many other things. Just wait till something is banned that non-smokers enjoy.  If smoking is such a horrendous thing to do, just ban cigarettes!  Oh no, can't do that - look at all the tax revenues that would be lost........

OK - there is a serious issue here. It's either legal or it isn't. If it's legal, then (no pun intended) butt out Government! If it's so bad, then ban it.

Smoking as I read:-)  I own my home (not a Condo, Townhouse, or the like) ... butt out big Gov!

As Mike Saunders pointed out, "On the other hand, I also am against most government anti-smoking regulations (the restaurant or bar or bingo owner should be able to decide on their own whether or not to allow smoking)." 

Well put, Mike.  I'd love to hear someone rationalize to me why the Government should be involved in such practices.  Wait ... I'm a guy who can compromise.  If Mr. & Mrs. Government feels they can tell those folks to not allow smoking in the very establishment they own and pay taxes on, then those folks should be forgiven of any Real Estate Taxes they pay in that area.  How about that, fair enough?

Smoking isn't good for a person, that's a blatant fact.  There's also a lot of other things not good for people ... we really need to get a grip and get back to personal responsibility. 

(filing lawsuit against big tobacco because I just coughed:-)

It is not the governments job to dictate what we do in our own homes or cars EVEN if children are involved. Children are at the mercy of their parents in all aspects of their lives. It's still not the govmts business unless the child is being bloodied, beaten to the point of bruising or bones being broken.

I personally think it's bad for parents to let their kids play some video games, listen to some kinds of music, wear certain clothing, use certain language, stay at home alone under a certain age, watch inappropriate movies, eat foods that are bad for them all of the time, have sex, etc....but that doesn't make it any of MY business or the Govmt's business to police them.

That's the problem with this country. The govmt is sooooo busy dictating to us how to run our personal lives that they don't have time to work on budgets or laws or anything else they really should be doing.

They are micromanaging the citizens. It doesn't work. I even read that someone said we need population control because of food shortages?!? That was in US News and World Reports.

They won't be happy until this is a communist country.

Jason, enjoy your cigs, I'm on your side on this one!

Jason - I support your right to smoke, but, quit that habit - you too Simon. I may be heavier but I smell soooo much better since I quit. And, my wife and I would never have gotten together if I still smoked. Even I can't stand to wear my clothes if I have had the occasional cigar (been almost 2 years since my last).

Not going to argue with you there Mike, you are right.  Tell you what, my birthday is coming up and I owe myself a present.  I will try and quit, on that motive (32nd B-Day) alone.  Hold me to it ...   You are right on smoking, there's very little redeeming about that habit.

Smoking, I will never advocate.  Big Gov = Same Deal.  Don't get me started on politics:-)

Jason - sounds like we have a lot in common

Touchy issue. I prefer to not have anyone smoke in my home. I own a 2 family. They don't smoke either.

Robert - I haven't had smoking in my home for 17 years. Private property owners should have the right to determine if smoking will or will not be allowed.

Wow, What a fantastic bunch of comments.  I ducked away for a minute because we had a property manager leave us and the number of accounts I manage went up by 40 new accounts and I have been having fun getting my arms around them.   Anyway, your comments have all been absolutely great.  I have to weigh in with the smokers even though I don't like being around someone who is smoking.   Everyone needs to be free to choose what they do in their own home, regardless.   Keep your thoughts coming.   They are fun to read.   Jerry

As a landlord, we do not allow smoking inside our rental units.  The cleaning costs are too great.  I don't care if you want to smoke, just don't do it my rental.

Here we go again. Big Daddy government has to tell us how to run our lives. Here is a simple idea: Why don't we choose if we want smoking in our  rental homes or in our businesses that WE own.