Compton approves strict ban on smoking (no smoking in apartments)

[The Straight Story]

Compton approves strict ban on smoking
Passed by a unanimous vote of the City Council, the restrictions — called one of the tightest in the state — will eventually prohibit smoking inside one’s own apartment.

The Compton City Council has unanimously approved an aggressive smoking ban that its backers call the most restrictive in the state. By Jan. 1, 2013, it will call for persons living in multi-unit residences to refrain from smoking inside their own living quarters.

The ordinance allows the city to restrict smoking and tobacco use in public places as a means to “limit public exposure to secondhand smoke and promote a healthy environment for the residents in the city of Compton,” stated the Oct. 25 staff report.

Once in effect — by Nov. 24 — smoking will be banned from the following unenclosed areas within the city: Outdoor patio dining facilities, service areas, common areas of multi-unit residences, public parks and on streets and sidewalks during public events — festivals, concerts, parades, fairs, farmers markets and any other events open to the general public.

Enclosed places include multi-unit residential housing with more than three adjacent units. Here, t hose residences will have to immediately comply by designating common areas — hallways, paths, lobbies, courtyards, stairs, elevators, playgrounds, community rooms, gym facilities, swimming pools, laundry rooms, parking lots and garages, restrooms and eating areas — as smoke-free spaces. But by January 2013, all such residences will be mandated to prohibit smoking inside units. New apartment complexes will have to designate 100 percent of its units, including balconies, patios and decks, as non-smoking units.

http://www.wavenewspapers.com/news/local/west-edition/Compton-approves-strict-ban-on-smoking-133127938.html

[FiveGoodMen]

1. I would MUCH rather live with second-hand smoke

than live in such a tightly-controlled "society"

[Laluchacontinua]

2. Compton Ca, median income $33K v. $42K for LA County? WHY?

I doubt most residents felt a smoking ban was high on their list of priorities.

I can't see the point of it except to arrest/kick out more minorities (25% white, 32% black, 65% latino of any race).

The further down the income scale you go, the more smokers.

[Bake]

3. I'd like to see someone challenge this ordinance in federal court

I submit it's unconstitutional. Tobacco is legal. Compton, like many other smoke-nazi municipalities, is overstepping the line.

Bake

[Cerebral Assassin]

4. Nice

I'm glad to see that the City Council has managed to solve all their problems vis a vis crime, homelessness, poverty, and neglect. I mean, that's the only reason I can see for focusing on something like this, you must have already solved all of your actual, important problems and you're just casting around for something to do. Right?