<p>CAPE MAY- While City Council will continue to study the issue of banning smoking on Cape May’s beaches, beachgoers will be able to puff away this summer.<br />
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When you go on vacation this summer make sure you go to smoking friendly places, otherwise why leave home?</p>
Myrtle Beach City Council has passed a smoking ban which will be effective March 7, 2012. That really is unfortunate but you can go to surrounding areas and still smoke. E-cigarettes are not part of the smoking ban.<br type="_moz" />
<p class="standfirst">UK – Health minister Anne Milton has called for alcoholic drinks in the UK to be watered down as part of government efforts to tackle binge drinking.<br />
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Ministers are now hoping for a voluntary agreement from the drinks industry to water down their products.<br />
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If this gains momentum don’t be surprised to see this coming across the pond. The World Health Organization has had tobacco, alcohol and fatty food in their cross hairs for decades. Welcome to the brave new world as the health police see it.</p>
There is legislation in almost every state to prohibit smoking in cars with children under 18. The anti’s just can’t stop themselves from stamping out tobacco everywhere. They will find a way to get into your home, if you have children, it is only a matter of time.<br />
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In the 70’s there was a major movement, through the schools, to report parents who smoked marijuana at home. Children did report their parents because they had no idea of the consequences. Many children were removed from their home and placed in foster care. <br />
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It is a safe assumption that this will be a new avenue for the anti-movement. <br type="_moz" />
<p>People quit smoking for all sorts of reasons, most often because of health concerns, either their own or those of loved ones. Smokers know their habit isn’t healthy. But outlawing a legal activity isn’t as much of a deterrent as some might like to believe.</p>
<p>It just turns ordinary citizens into pariahs, “socially unacceptable” and condemned for their habit while others practice their own distasteful –– and potentially dangerous –– habits without the scorn of friends, family and even strangers.</p>
In Burnett County, Wisconsin, there’s a battle of the butts going on cigarette butts, that is. The owner of the Midtown Tavern <br />
tells newcomers: “I hope you guys don’t mind smoking. I do allow smoking in the bar.”<br />
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The owner of the bar said that since the smoking ban took effect in July 2010 law enforcers have fined him twice — both times because someone complained. He paid hundreds of dollars, but he continues to allow the smoking, he says, because enforcing the ban hurt his business by as much as 20 percent.<br />
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Another example that proves smoking bans are not good for business. Civil disobedience is not new in this country, it has worked in the past and will work again. Don’t like the ban, defy it.<br />
<p>What’s the worst policy idea that would cause the most damage to society?</p>
<p>I’m tempted to say the <a href="http://danieljmitchell.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/a-vat-would-finance-the-road-to-serfdom/">value-added tax</a> since our hopes of restraining the federal government will be greatly undermined if we give the buffoons in Washington a new source of revenue.<br />
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This is one giant bag of worms that we should all be watching very carefully.</p>
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard won’t take action on smoking ban this week. Ballard has said he likely will veto the proposed ordinance. His quibble is with a provision that would force exempted private clubs and veterans’ halls to choose between retaining smoking or allowing children anywhere on the premises.<br />
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He should not be signing this bill period!
<p>Opponents of the expanded smoking ban that took effect in June say they’ve gathered more than enough signatures to put a repeal of the ordinance before Springfield voters.<br />
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The group Live Free Springfield, which campaigned against the smoking ban before it was passed in April, has been circulating petitions seeking a repeal since November.</p>
<p>“As of right now we have over 4,000 signatures,” said spokesman Dave Myers. “That shows a lot of support from a lot of people that are really seeing the effects of this ban.”</p>
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Proposed bylaw amendments would see smoking prohibited on city properties such as parks, beaches, sports fields and areas outside municipal facilities, as well as bar and restaurant patios.<br />
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The issue is to go before the city’s board of health on Monday. Following consideration by the board, the proposed bylaw amendments are to go to council’s community and protective services committee on Feb. 15, and council on Feb. 22.
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If you smoke in Ottowa you better start emailing/calling the City Council<br />
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