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Should smoking be banned in Apartments and Condos?
Posted January 22nd, 2008
CALABASAS has become the first city to ban smoking in apartments. Smoking in public has been banned in Calabasas, Santa Monica and other cities throughout California. Even smoker-friendly cities like Paris have recently passed non-smoking ordinances. What do you think? Is a ban on smoking in personal space the next logical step? Vote yes or no here and post your comments here.
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I love that ad that shows that second-hand smoke knows no boundaries. It flows from one apartment to the other. That would certainly be enough for most anti-smoking advocates to decide that a ban in apartments and condos should be warranted. My thoughts, however, go beyond advocating that which I believe in personally, to that which would be a less controversial battle...and a much bigger, all-encompassing win. Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you. Smokers know it. Some of them welcome the assistance we offer to quit. Take away their rights to smoke, however, will give them cause to fight us tooth and nail. The better approach would be to guilt the Government into accepting inadequate taxes from the sale of a lethal product, to help cover the medical costs that it creates. This amounts to a subsidy to kill off American’s at the taxpayer’s expense. That battle can be won with less controversy. That battle, would most likely also enlist the assistance of those poor souls who are addicted to tobacco and would like help to quit...and to stop endangering their loved ones, and others. It’s not hypocritical to understand the terrain and pick your battles. Moreover, the bigger battle, a nationwide ban of the product, is a far better goal, than restricting people in their homes, one county at a time. - Michael Arlen
Should Smoking Be Banned in Apartments and Condos
I believe that there is enough evidence-based science out there, to ban the sale or use of tobacco. I personally believe that the government needs to protect its people from the harm by outlawing the substance. Municipal attempts to deprive citizens of the use of that, which our Federal Government allows to be sold, approaches a violation of Constitutional Rights.
If smoking is so bad (and I believe it is) a more concerted effort, from higher-up, needs to be exerted, otherwise, the risk / benefit evaluation, which would surely follow in a Constitutional challenge, might not warrant being upheld. In my estimation, the fact that the US refuses to take the substance off the market, precludes the right for lesser governments to restrict someone's use of that substance in their own home.
The real battle is with a Federal Government, which in the face of incontrovertible scientific evidence and mounting cause-related healthcare expenses, continues to allow the substance to be used.
I would rather see BREATHE LA advocate for change in that arena...one, which side-steps the Constitutional issues, and directly confronts the issue on the basis of scientific cause and effect, without trampling on individual rights.
Michael Arlen Chairman,
Breathe California of Los Angeles County
Breathe LA poll on apartment unit smoking bans
The poll question on smoking bans in apartments seems biased. first of all, there are three cities now that have passed ordinances relating to smoking bans in apartment units: Temecula, Belmont and Calabasas. Second, by presenting the question as one of infringing on the "personal space" of the smoker, you do not present the other half of the coin, the violation of the "personal space" of the tenant whose apartment is filled with drifting second hand smoke. I think if you are really interested in what people think on this subject, which it does not appear that you are, you might want to make the question a bit more balanced.
Jack Nicholl
Smoking in apts
As much as I dislike smoking, telling someone what to do in their bedroom (or living room) is interfering with their personal life.
The smell of smoke
I hate the smell of cabbage, which seeps under my doorway
I hate the smell of Italian sauce, which seeps under my doorway
I hate the smell of car emmisions, that seeps through my windows
I hate the smell of pollution that seeps through my windows.
There are a lot of things that I dislike or hate.
But I do believe..Live and let Live.
And I do not intend to live in a 'bubble'
smoking in public
at this time, I cannot support banning smoking in your own home, patio, balcony, garden. although second hand smoke is a nuisance, & if close at hand continuously as when your family member smokes or you work in a bar, then it significantly may impact your health.
However, we should not let the swing to the overwhelming majority to nonsmoking habit to lead to a tyranny of this majority. We should ban smoking where it is egregiously intrusive on others & rely on persuasion and entreaty in public & private outdoors, even though on occasion we will be imposed upon by smokers in those areas. Smokers & nonsmokers alike will soon get the message that yielding politely to the desires of those around you, will limit the demand to further legal bans.