Can you still smoke in your own home with the windows closed if you live within 20 feet of an outdoor eating area? while I agree that smoke can be annoying while eating the underlying mentality that the government has to save us from ourselves drives me nuts

I remember a few years back Fort Wayne banned all indoor smoking, even at bars.  I was shocked at first.  Not being a smoker, I didn't think it would effect me at all.  Well it did.  I LOVE the clean air.  This is really good news for non smokers! 

Jeff, I guess there will be no more stepping outside for a quick smoke. Second hand smoke is just as bad so it probably isn't a bad thing. What are the smokers saying?

Brian in #24:  Forget all that "government" nonsense you are dribbling out.  You are correct about one thing, though.  You ARE already nuts if you think that I, or just about anyone, want to inhale the poison that you see fit to fill your own lungs with.

Smoking is not "annoying."  Smoking kills.  If you want to kill yourself smoking, that is your decision.  But you have no right invading the air that I breathe to do it.  None!  And, if I need the "government" to save me from you... I am so glad they are there.

Look what "smokin" does to meats...?  Enough said on this subject....I nominate Karen Anne (#27) as a sort of non-smoking enforcer. She can have a little air-pellet type gun and if anyone lights up in her assigned area, whooosh bam.....and a resounding "ouch" from the targeted violater  is the warning. Ticket comes after that....Go Karen....

This is a tough issue.  Should smoking be considered a right or personal freedom? Do non-smokers have the right to clean air? Finding the balance between those two things is pretty tricky.

Richie, oh my Richie in #28:  No pellet guns for me.  And if anyone lights up anywhere else, not my job.  But, if anyone does "light up" near me in a restaurant, I would walk over to him and ask him to stop.

If that did not work... I very much COULD see myself... this Nice Catholic Girl from Cleveland... asking my server for a glass of water... a very tall glass of water... and then going over to the dolt... and "accidentally" pouring it either in his lap, or on his head.  Oh yes... I could do that.  LOL.

No pellet guns, though.  You may remember my writing the following story in one of my previous posts:  There was a time when some "gentleman" in a suit... who was behind me in the check-out line at Kroger, bumped into me "gently" with his cart.  When I looked at him, he was smiling.  Actually, smirking.  I asked him if he knew he hit me, and he said... "oh yes, you are taking too long."

I pulled a bag out of my cart.  It had a frozen chicken in it.  I dangled it in his direction... and in a very "ladylike" manner... I told him that if he hit me again with his cart... he was going to get this frozen chicken shoved down his throat.  The look on his face was priceless.

Before I left the store... I stopped to chat with someone at Customer Service.  As this guy left the store, the Customer Service person and the register clerk came over and thanked me for doing what I did.  It seems this guy was always like that to others... and the folks who worked there, although they could not reprimand him, were hoping that someone else would come along and say something to him.

I guess I was their girl.  (LOL x 2)

Ah, the old classic argument of where do my rights and and your right begin has surfaced.  I see what is happening, which is that these restrictions are slowly being introduced and making it more difficult to smoke in public places (which I think is a good thing).  I've never met a smoker who thinks that what they are doing is actually good for them...  In fact, most seem to want to quit.  A little nudge from the government should help.  Cig smoke does not do anyone any good, does not do society good, and although we are free to smoke, I view it more as a social harm.  Then again, without smokers, the Social Security fund would probably  be depleted by now.  Smoking is a slow form of suicide, if you really think about it.

This is great news, not just for Carlsbad, but now other cities and areas all over will be willing to take the step forward to follow the example of Carsbad. In Utah, there is a similar ordinace statewide. I love it. I wish everywhere we go could be smoke free, cigarette butt free. When I take my children anywhere, it's so disturbing when there is 2nd hand smoke anywhere. It's unpleasant for so many people and on top of that, the amount of money that a smoker spends is astounding just for the habit. Then the cost of healthcare and insurance is through the roof.

Smoking is a choice. I choose not to. I do like the ban and I see most everyone here as well.

Pretty soon smokers will have to be wearing a large letter "S" for smoker and Karen Anne will be able to target them with her air pellet gun more easily. [joking] Although the butts are a problem for the environment I do think government regulations are over-reaching and limiting peoples' freedoms. Smoking in public places is just one of the many freedoms Americans are losing. On the face of it it seems like a good thing to ban smoking because so many people do not like smoking, but what if government said they don't want people drinking in public because they leave their big gulp soda cups all over the place and that's trash for the environment. Just sayin'

I like these laws.  I'm sure the remaining smokers in the world will complain but considering how much good outdoor dining there is in Carlsbad this is good.  When I'm out eating and drinking, that smoke carries a long way and it really impacts the quality of my outdoor experience.

Such an oppinonated topic! But a physically healthy move any way you look at it!

I live where it is pretty heavily Amish. Maybe the smoking Amish should show up to the polls in droves to prohibit driving and air travel which pollute much more than cigarette smoke does.

Jeff, great post. Smoking is banned here as well...so glad. I remember when my friends and I would go to a bar in DC and the next day I could still smell the smoke.  So glad for the BANS on smoking.  Love KarenAnne's responses.

Hi Jeff,  great post....looks like its getting tougher and tougher for smokers which is good for us that don't

Good to hear! Hope real estate is treating you well in carlsbad jeff!