The ordinance applies only to multiple family housing units – ones that share a wall including apartments, duplexes and condos. While many would find this to be beneficial to the community, others may feel as though their freedom has taken a shot. Some argue that the ban is too harsh, forcing people to quit cold turkey or leave their home. Is a smoking ban in private residences justified? Does this ban on smoking infringe on the freedom of residents in San Rafael? Comment with your thoughts on the issue.
I think this regulation has gone too far. What people do in the privacy of their homes is exactly as said: PRIVATE. Obviously you can't kill people in your own homes or do illegal things, but smoking would be one of the things that would take a toll on your freedoms. I will say that it is a good attempt at trying to regulate smoking and decrease the amount of users, but the city approached at a very aggressive angle. Banning smoking in public areas where it will actually effect others is more important than in apartments or condos.
ReplyDeleteGood move on USD's part for sure, but I'm curious to see how well it will be enforced and if there will be any fines for people who smoke after this goes into effect. I've witnessed a school campus before and after "smoking bans" and due to lack of enforcement, people kept smoking and it seemed like the smoking rate went up actually.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the San Rafael City Council has established this ultra-strict smoking regulation in order protect others from the serious dangers of second hand smoke, I believe that this smoking ban has taken things a little too far. The serious implications of second hand smoke need to be legally addressed; however, this bans seems to infringe on the right to privacy. In order to adequately defend this ordinance, there needs to be clear evidence that proves that second hand smoke does creep through doors and windows, ventilation systems, and other openings causes a serious threat to individuals sharing a neighboring wall of a smoker. The "ground breaking" ordinance that has been imposed in San Rafael has good intentions, but banning smoking in one's own home is a bold and controversial strategy, that will likely cause outrage and many litigious challenges.
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