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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Jeld-Wen files to go public with stock offering ... Massive rehearsal planned for Northwest mega-quake, tsunami ... Ashland man allegedly held woman captive with paintball gun ... Jeld-Wen files to go public with stock offering ... Massive rehearsal planned for Northwest mega-quake, tsunami ... Ashland man allegedly held woman captive with paintball gun ... OUR VIEW Our View: Sharing the load Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jun. 3, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Jun 3, 2016 at 9:29 AM Posted Jun. 3, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Jun 3, 2016 at 9:29 AM » Social News If you don't smoke — and maybe even if you do — you may find second-hand smoke annoying when it intrudes on what would otherwise be a pleasant stroll downtown to window shop, patronize a restaurant or bar or just enjoy a nice day. You may also find it annoying to be accosted by panhandlers, or to have your way blocked by collections of people taking up space on public sidewalks. Smokers and loiterers both will find their freedoms a little more constrained starting today. New ordinances taking effect ban smoking and blocking sidewalks. An aggressive panhandling ordinance took effect last month. Smoking is banned on and within 10 feet of downtown sidewalks and within 10 feet of any outdoor cafe. State law already bans smoking within 10 feet of entrances, exits and windows of places of employment and enclosed public spaces. The sidewalk-blocking ordinance says at least 6 feet of clear space must be maintained on sidewalks, and anyone intruding on that space can be cited for blocking the sidewalk if they do not move within five minutes of receiving a warning from police. Some say the new ordinances target homeless people. But the intent behind these laws is polite behavior, not identity. Smokers come in all ages and economic circumstances, and the ban applies to all. And everyone appreciates not having to dodge loiterers or fend off aggressive panhandlers. The law is not aimed at the homeless. It is aimed at the rude and obnoxious. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jun. 3, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Jun 3, 2016 at 9:29 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... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site 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. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501