>>>>
>>>>It hasn't passed, AFAIK.
>>>>
>>>>The screwy thing about that law is the proponents say things like "Oh, we won't vigorously enforce it. Just like the law about jaywalking. We just want it to handle nuisance cases."
>>>>
>>>>Don't they realize that in that case, it diminishes anti-smoking laws *everywhere*?!?!? You can't enforce it in one place (say, restaurants) and not others (apartments). Not and expect it to withstand challenge.
>>>>
>>>>They're actually working against themselves.
>>>
>>>There should be a law to prevent passing laws that are not intended to be vigorously enforced.
>>>The way it was described it really means that the enforcers are the nuisance - OK one minute and dicks the next.
>>
>>A little common sense would work wonders, but common sense is anything BUT common. Particularly on this issue. People react with emotion rather than sense.
>>
>>There's a Marriott Courtyard in Palm Springs I've used a few times. I picked it initially because each room has a balcony, and you could step outside to smoke. Their smoking policy has now changed. Last time (and it WILL be the last time) I stayed there, I got socked a $250 charge for "smoking in a non-smoking area" -- on the balcony.
>>
>>The senselessness here is that the charge is the same for smoking inside the room. Next time I'm in that situation I won't bother getting dressed, bundling up, and stepping outside on the coldest night of the year. I'll stay inside and smoke where it's comfy. They've removed any incentive for me to move it outside.
>
>
>I am not a virulent anti-smoker. (That would be Tamar <g>). But I wouldn't quite characterize those who don't like to be around tobacco smoke as reacting "with emotion rather than sense." The jury is still out on the health aspects of second hand smoke. Plus the stuff is nasty. I was at a Super Bowl party where a few people were smoking, OUTSIDE. And I still came home smelling like an ashtray. It didn't bother me that much when smoking in public areas was more prevalent. Now I have to admit it bothers me.
>
>I have to agree with you that it's pretty silly for the Marriott to fine guests $250 for smoking on a balcony. As it happens I am staying at a Marriott next weekend. (In Detroit -- woo hoo! <g>). I would like to protest with my feet, except it's the conference hotel and everyone is staying there.

What's worse about no-smoking buildings is that you have to run the gauntlet of the pariahs when you leave and it's quite disgusting (this is from a "partial" smoker - 'stan' wh'amsayin'?)