Should Cities Ban Smoking in Public Places?

[KevinG]

This is a pretty cool blog post on the NY Times site:

Edward L. Glaeser is an economist at Harvard.

One of my jobs is to be a booster for research on state and local government. In that capacity, I’m always a little sad that most people are captivated by the drama of presidential elections and bored by the nuts and bolts of local politics. Much of what is most important in our lives — the quality of our schools, the safety of our streets and the speed of our commutes — is determined at the local level.

Today, states and localities are on the front line of regulating drugs and tobacco. Last Tuesday, for example, Massachusetts decided to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana possession. As marijuana heads towards legalization, tobacco seems headed in the opposite direction. On Nov. 13, the Boston Public Health Commission will consider a sweeping ban on tobacco consumption, which would end the city’s four remaining cigar bars.

Does it make sense for localities to ban smoking tobacco and permit marijuana possession?

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[tx_tuff]

WOW that is freaking crazy!! And no smoking in a cigar bar! That makes a lot of sense. I have no problem with no smoking in public places that are inside, except for bars. Drinking and smoking go hand and hand. Also I think any public place that is out doors you should be able to smoke.

[shrtcrt-cl]

I am sure the weed bars will be opening up soon. Seems really stupid. They claim medical reasons for allowing people to smoke marjiuana, well I claim the same with my cigars. They keep my stress levels down big time!

[SmoknTaz]

Yup, I'm with ^^^ Justin ^^^ on this one.

[DBCcigar]

Originally Posted by tx_tuff

WOW that is freaking crazy!! And no smoking in a cigar bar! That makes a lot of sense. I have no problem with no smoking in public places that are inside, except for bars. Drinking and smoking go hand and hand. Also I think any public place that is out doors you should be able to smoke.

DITTO!

[CHRIS7891011]

I personally think both should be legal. (flame me if you feel so inclined!) I however see the stupidity in legalizing weed and forcing legitimate businesses to have to close. It's sort of ridiculous.

[Patrick B]

It would make sense to me for cigar bars and full service bars to permit smoking. If you serve food, no smoking. Just an idea...

I'm in Cincy, and I have to go over to KY to find a place in the winter to smoke a cigar and have a beer. I like many places over there and enjoy myself, but it would be nice to not have to travel 30 min.

[shroom91]

i think it all (bull$hit) all politicition should be shot.damn goverment choke on a knat but swallow a elephant maybe we should ask for a bailout...why not it work for big co. on wall st....

[baba]

I figured Marijuana would become legal as time passed. It cost the government too much money to put small time pot smokers in jail.
With tobacco - with the anti smoking crowd, it has become a religion to stamp out all tobacco products. We have regulated our selves into a society that claims to be free, but in reality is not.