Bangor, Maine, just outlawed smoking in any motor vehicle in which anyone under the age of 18 is riding.
The New York Times reported:
The laws, experts say, are part of a new frontier of cigarette regulation: moving beyond smoking bans in public settings like restaurants to crackdowns in private spheres like cars and, in some cases, homes.
The city ordinance provides that police may stop the vehicle and issue a $50 fine.
Not exactly what Everett White would want to do when he's on duty.
More: Belmont, California, is contemplating going even further. The Los Angeles Times reports:
When the City Council of this San Francisco suburb voted to consider what could be the most stringent tobacco regulation in America, anti-smoking activists cheered. Banning smoking everywhere but single-family detached homes and their yards would be a big step forward, even in health-conscious California.
Then the blogosphere erupted.
Not that I wouldn't enforce the law...it is what I'm sworn to do!
Posted by: Everett White | January 28, 2007 at 11:55 PM
Considering all of this anti-smoking legislation is (supposedly) based upon health issues, will Maine be fining parents for feeding unhealthy food to anyone under the age of 18?
Posted by: Josh Osbun | January 29, 2007 at 08:30 AM
Josh, I promise you, it's only a matter of time. We're becoming Seinfeld's Bizzarro World.
EXAMPLE: It's unconstitutional and unforgiveable to intercept phone call patterns coming from Iran, Syria, or Iraq into the U.S. no matter the "greater good" is undoubtedly stopping a terrorist attack.
BUT....It's perfectably acceptable to outlaw the use of a perfectly legal product in a private building you must PAY to even enter so as to spare voluntary patrons the inconvenience of a smokey pillowcase.
Don't fear the Feds boys and girls, look out for your local councilman! He's the one who is going change your life.
Posted by: Tim Zank | January 29, 2007 at 07:57 PM
The Society of Selfish People, better known as the "I-know-better-than-you gang", has designated two new targets, now that smoking almost a crime. The new targets are Fat People and Cell Phone Users, please watch for the newsletter concerning the two new targets and useful propaganda.
Just missing the list of targets: Semi Trucks. Organizers are hopeful that Semi Trucks will make the next list.
Posted by: Craig Eckert | January 31, 2007 at 12:36 PM