| |
DaffyDuck
|
While the smoking ban in Thailand is being ramped up (i.e. it will really take effect in May, from what I understand, and while active, until then is a 'grace period'), and there's lots of smokers complaining mightily about it - it does not seem as if what Thailand is doing is so out of place compared to other places.
What examples from other countries are there, that have similar, or more draconian enforcement, of their smoking ban?
I came across this anecdote, of a recent incident in Burbank, CA (USA).
http://laist.com/2008/04/16/laist_inbox_200.php
----------------
Last month I was in downtown Burbank for an evening out with family, after dinner I stepped outside the restaurant and lit up a cigarette. Moments later my Girlfriend and I were approached by two police officers on bicycles, and cited for smoking a cigarette in a public area.
When the cops rode up on us, they said "Did you know you can't smoke here in downtown Burbank?" we politely said "No" and extinguished our lit cigarettes. Allow me to add, I am nearly 30 years old, I pay my taxes, I obey speed limits and I can't remember the last time I intentionally vandalized private property. I am an adult, as an adult I take certain liberties, one of which is enjoying a post dinner cigarette instead of simple warning, we issued tickets that cost us $200 each. While awaiting my arraignment, two people plead guilty to misdemeanor marijuana possession, and received a $280 fine. So, I could smoke an illegal substance, or a legal product, and receive roughly the same punishment.
We live in nearby North Hollywood and frequent many shops, restaurant, gas stations, and bars in the Burbank area, or should I say we used to. I, along with anyone who I know will now avoid the city all costs.
Now, I understand all the risks and health issues that are associated with cigarette smoking, yet this law is solely an attempt by the city of Burbank to collect an obscene amount of money. While in court today, there were six other people issued the same fine.
If I lit a cigarette inside a bar or restaurant and received a ticket, it would be understandable, a new law that is not close to common knowledge should not be enforced to this extent. A simple warning would be sufficient.
If I were a business owner in Burbank I would be furious, and frightened, not to say all people who eat dinner and go to bars smoke, but a good majority of folks enjoy a cigarette if they have a few drinks, or a big meal.
This will effect the local Burbank economy in several ways, they have already collected $400 from my household, but I assure you the thousands I may have spent on a myriad of products will now never happen.
I truly believe the police officers have better things to do than write tickets to adults for smoking a cigarette. The officers took roughly 20 minutes to write us these tickets, if you count the 6 other people cited the same night, that's over two and half hours of time that could have been spent patrolling the streets for people actually committing crimes.
It's not right, we should all be outraged that our tax dollars pay the cops salaries to address these types of "crimes."
----------------
While I'm generally on the side of the smoking bans, and support enforcement, I do agree that this enforcement and the fines, were disproportional and rather idiotically enforced - especially if you compare the fine for the marijuana smoker being nearly the same as the cigarette smoker.
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 7:38 pm on April 21, 2008
|
|
cheapcharlie
|
Look at the fine print it was marijuana possession not
smoking which means the guys civil liberties were probably being breached and he got searched. Not that after he finished his meal he stepped outside and lit up a joint. What the f***in problem is if he did god only knows. Against the law - then the law is an ass.
|
Bangkok Women : Meet Sensual Bangkok Women
Posted on: 3:08 am on April 22, 2008
|
|
ThaidUp
|
It would be good repeat business if restaurant customer's were allowed to go outside and smoke a joint after they finished eating.
|
Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 4:09 am on April 22, 2008
|
|
Baskoy
|
Even better business if they were allowed to smoke one before
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Sexy Bangkok Girls
Posted on: 5:47 am on April 22, 2008
|
|
bkkz
|
All the more reason to come to Bangkok. You can still smoke outdoors.
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 5:58 am on April 22, 2008
|
|
cheapcharlie
|
im with Baskoy on this definately better for business when customers can smoke the joint outside before the meal
|
Bangkok Women : Meet Beautiful Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:35 pm on April 22, 2008
|
|
DaffyDuck
|
Quote: from cheapcharlie on 5:34 pm on April 22, 2008
Look at the fine print it was marijuana possession not
smoking
The guy in question was smoking a CIGARETTE - the guy with Marijuana was someone in court that same day, and being fined a similar amount.
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 4:39 pm on April 22, 2008
|
|
Bull
|
He frequents many establishments in the Burbank area but didn't know there was a smoking ban downtown? Sounds a bit fishy.
|
Thai Girls : Meet Active Thai Girls
Posted on: 6:22 pm on April 22, 2008
|
|
DaffyDuck
|
He's from North Hollywood -- 'nuff said.
|
Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 6:41 pm on April 22, 2008
|
|
ThaidUp
|
Anyone who eats in downtown beautiful Burbank should be fined.
|
Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 7:19 pm on April 22, 2008
|
|
| |
|
