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1 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW The Ashland Climate Challenge ... Ashland Climate Challenge Kickoff Sunday at Armory ... Talent asphalt plant continues operating while appeal moves forward ... The Ashland Climate Challenge ... Ashland Climate Challenge Kickoff Sunday at Armory ... Talent asphalt plant continues operating while appeal moves forward ... LOCAL TAKE Should the city regulate outdoor cigarette smoking? Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Nov. 12, 2015 at 2:00 AM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Nov. 12, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Social News What to do about smoking downtown and in other more crowded commercial areas downtown? The City Council took an initial go at bandying about some potential ideas at a study session Nov. 2. It’s bound to be an emotionally charged one if an when an ordinance is formulated for consideration, what with its implications around Big Brother vs. healthy air, not to mention its potential as another tool to address the homeless folk downtown. "Vapers" (smokers of vaporized liquids) and marijuana smokers could also potentially be impacted, although public marijuana use remains illegal. Talk at council orbited around what’s practical and needed — whether a ban should include area around shop and restaurant entrances (where tobacco use is already forbidden by state law, but is not enforceable by city police, as there's no local ordinance), the downtown commercial zone (and in other areas, such as the Railroad District and Ashland Street) – or perhaps other areas as well. Councilor Greg Lemhouse mused, "Why not do it througout the whole city, outside Shop'N Kart?" Tobacco use is already forbidden in Ashland parks. Many other cities have similar restrictions. A few, including several in California and one in Colorado, ban smoking anywhere in a downtown area, according to an Ashland city staff report. The recent legalization of marijuana in Oregon has exacerbated the issue, with heightened complaints about weed toking by groups lingering on downtown sidewalks. At least one councilor said they want e-cigarettes included in any action. The issue was brought forward by Councilor Steffi Seffinger, who notes the ill health effects for workers and shopper-diners in these areas, especially those in outdoor restaurants. A rough draft of an ordinance she put together mentions that cities have banned smoking in such places as theater lines, airports, bus shelters, bike parking areas, public plazeas, on bridges and trails and outdoor eating areas. The proposal is also seen in some quarters as another law to control transients, but police say such citations and fines are routinely ignored by the homeless. The state Health Department pronounced that smoking should not be allowed within 10 feet of the door of any public place, but it’s not a law unless the city makes it so — and then it could establish the distance as 10, 50 or any feet it desires. The Council could take that path. We asked Ashlanders if the idea is a good or bad one. Maureen Claire — I find cigarette smoke offensive in public places, but Ashland’s getting a little too special. It should be banned in parks and public places where people congregate. We’ve become a city of too many rules. It’s a complicated question — all of a sudden there’s a plethora of rules and regulations coming through. I feel it’s probably targeted at the homeless. John Anastasio — It’s a good idea but there ought to be someplace for people if they’re still interested in killing themselves with it. They will do it illegally if they have to. If someone has a problem with the 10-foot distance from doors, they can make it 20 and push smokers toward the business next door. I formerly smoked 17 years and know people will find a way to smoke. Michael Allan — It would be best to make the whole town non-smoking. I don’t smoke and don’t support it and I think smoking is beyond stupidity, because of what we know about all the dangers of smoking cigarettes and marijuana. It’s enforceable to a point, for those who respect the law. For those who smoke, they’ll still do it. It’s a big addiction. “William” (declined photo) — It’s a bad idea. There’s already too much Big Brother. I hate smoking and the smell of it. It’s more Ashland political correctness. They always go too far. Lisa Young (declined photo) — I don’t like cigarette smoke at all, so it wouldn’t bother me if I never smelled it again. It’s air pollution and not healthy. The more you enforce, the more you feel freedoms are taken away. There should be no fine. That kind of thing really pisses me off. Just be human and kind and ask people. If there’s one bad apple, you deal with the apple. Everyone is on such a frickin' power trip. It’s gotten out of hand. It’s a respect issue. There’s no easy answer. Jacob Cox — It’s a bad idea. It falls in with my belief that government should not try to over-regulate people’s lives about petty issues. It’s not really enforceable when you over-regulate, you end up with silly laws. Having a smoking police? Who would want that job? John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Nov. 12, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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