Crazy Anti-Smoking Laws in San Diego Cities (Corona, Coronado: sale, home)

[Curbed Enthusiasm]

I just finished a visit to San Diego. Such a beautiful place with such friendly people. However, I was shocked by the extremity of some of the anti-smoking laws in San Diego. I totally support banning smoking in places like offices and restaurants, but in some cities like Del Mar, I saw signs saying no smoking on the sidewalk or on adjacent street! I just did a Google search and saw that Coronado is banning smoking on every piece of public land. And I don't even smoke! Indoors is one thing, or even near doorways and windows, but how ridiculous to ban smoking on an entire sidewalk. Is that so you can smell the car exhaust and diesel fumes better when you're walking down the street? If theses cities really wanted to take a stand against smoking, they should ban the sale of cigarettes, but they won't do that because they'd lose out on the tax revenue!

I don't like smoking, but I also don't like a big brother nanny state government controlling every aspect of our lives. For those who are concerned about the health risks, back east where I live people are allowed to smoke on the sidewalks, and I guarantee you we aren't dropping dead or in the ER with asthma attacks (I have asthma).

I realize that these laws are getting common in California, and far be it from me to judge how ya'll want to legislate, but to an outsider, these laws seem really extreme and more based on hysteria than anything. Maybe California wouldn't have so many problems if lawmakers were focused on solving real problems rather than worrying if somebody was smoking a cigarette on a sidewalk.

[malcorub16]

Originally Posted by Curbed Enthusiasm

I don't like smoking, but I also don't like a big brother nanny state government controlling every aspect of our lives. For those who are concerned about the health risks, back east where I live people are allowed to smoke on the sidewalks, and I guarantee you we aren't dropping dead or in the ER with asthma attacks (I have asthma).

I realize that these laws are getting common in California, and far be it from me to judge how ya'll want to legislate, but to an outsider, these laws seem really extreme and more based on hysteria than anything. Maybe California wouldn't have so many problems if lawmakers were focused on solving real problems rather than worrying if somebody was smoking a cigarette on a sidewalk.

I agree, the one that annoys the hell out of me is the alcohol ban at the beach. I don't go to the beach to get drunk, but sometimes its nice to sip some beers on a beach chair and watch the sunset. The laws here are sometimes a bit excessive.

On the flipside though, I feel like SDPD and SD County Sherrifs are very lenient with regard to traffic laws when compared to other cities in the US. When I go back home to Texas I feel like the police are just waiting for you to slip up while driveing so they can pull you over. The only time I feel that tension here in SD is during the holidays, for example yesterday on ECB in the middle of the day the coppers were everywhere.

But for the most part, I can drive 80MPH and not use my turn signal without a care in the world here in SoCal.

[Encinitan]

California: It's Not for Everyone

[MovingAloha]

Originally Posted by Encinitan

California: It's Not for Everyone

[1AngryTaxPayer]

I'm on the fence with the smoking ban. I know it used to suck to be on a nice piece of beach only to have someone park their blanket upwind of you and start chain smoking. Just nasty. I believe if people were more responsible about it, it wouldn't have been banned. Hundreds of thousands of cig butts left on the sand and boardwalks.

[AADAD]

I can't support smoking anywhere. Freedom ends where harm begins IMHO.

[kanjelman7]

Originally Posted by malcorub16

I agree, the one that annoys the hell out of me is the alcohol ban at the beach.

We'll have to thank those responsible, well-behaved college kids for that one. (especially on major holidays)

[Gentoo]

It isn't just a CA thing. I've heard that Florida's anti smoking laws rank up there with ours too. As 1angrytaxpayer said, these things wouldn't happen if people were responsible and considerate of others.

[jacobwilliam77]

an even crazier law is the one where you can't even drink on the beach anymore like you used to because of what happened here...


Labor Day Beach Brawl 2007 Pacific Beach - YouTube

[Astron1000]

Considering that I can smell the stink of a single cigarette 150 feet away from the smoker, I have no problem with it.