Interesting discussion. I am all for less regulation and more common sense. Common courtesy goes along with that.

Smoking at home:
I saw a related article on these California ordinances a while ago. It is interesting to note that the new code would be enforced based on “complaints.” Hmmmm… So, if no one says anything, you can still smoke in your own apartment. I bet that will last all of 10 minutes. My point in highlighting this is twofold. Not only have they created a code of behavior governing private citizens’ rights to participate in legal activities in their own homes, but they have put the burden of policing this infraction on the neighbors of the perpetrator! (Innocence is presumed, of course… until the cigar humidor is discovered… and taken into evidence. I’m sure this would make a great “COPS” episode.)

Smoking in "Public":
On a related note, the State of Florida and most municipalities implemented rules years ago to curtail public smoking in government buildings, public places, and most restaurants (even those with a bar). I recall the publicity and the predictions that many establishments would lose their customers and be forced to close up shop. Surprisingly, years later, these businesses are still thriving and in many cases expanding. An excellent example is the attendance at the Seminole casinos. As I understand the situation, when they permitted smoking inside the casino, the smoke was as thick as fog. Consequently, very few non-smokers would go. When smoking indoors was “banned”, the attendance went up along with their revenues. I’m just saying…

None of this is a problem for me personally. I mean, hey, I don’t live in Cali. And I only smoke cigars. And the government is really just looking out of me, aren’t they?

*sigh*