I'm talking mainly about Craigslist.  A lot of people rent out houses they own, and say "Non-smokers only."  However, I think this can be considered discrimination, because it is alluding to something you do regardless of where you live.  I'm a smoker, but I refuse to smoke INSIDE the house.  But, because I'm a smoker, does that mean that they won't rent to me because I smoke outside, where it is perfectly legal?  I'm thinking that they need to state something more to the point of "No smoking INSIDE THE PROPERTY."  That I can understand, because they OWN the property, so they have a right to say something like that.  But to put a blanket statement and say that no smokers are allowed to live there, I think might be considered discrimination.  Can anyone with any real estate/CA Housing Laws/Fair Property Act (I think) give me some insight into this?  I would appreciate it!
201469
First of all, "smokers" are not a protected class, so discrimination is not an issue.  \n\nAnd my comment would be, how would they know you smoke?  They can't keep you from smoking outside.  As long as you do not smoke in the house.\n\nHowever, I will mention that it may be an insurance issue.  When you get homeowners insurance, they ask you if you smoke.  I guess because you are more likely to burn down your house if you do?  I dunno.  Anyway, so it may cost a lot more in insurance if the property owner rents to people who smoke in the house.\n\nOr they may just be being diffcult, but I figured I would propose a possible legit reason.
83659
Yes. Very much so. And I'm a smoker. I do not smoke in public, around children, or around pregnant women. It is MY choice alone to die of cancer. Not theirs. I do not defend smokers in ANY way. Smoking is a dangerous habit that I wish I could control and quit. Unfortunately, I can't seem to stop. I've been a smoker for 18 yrs. and I will NEVER tell another human being to deal with MY habit in public because I have the right to smoke. They have more of a right to breath and to live with out being wrongly affected by me. I smoke in the privacy of my own home. I apologize for those smokers who do not get it, that WE are the offenders. Keep it up guys...maybe smoking will be banned.
163994
You make some excellent points about this.  On the surface, you are correct that people who have addictions to sex, food, alcohol and so many other vices aren’t kept away the way smokers are.  But the difference is, when you smoke, you affect other people who may be around you. \n \nSecond hand smoke is a serious health concern.  The US Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen, which means that it is a significant causal factor to cancer in humans. \nSmoking is being restricted because everyone is vulnerable to secondhand smoke exposure in public places, such as restaurants, shopping centers, public transportation, schools and daycare centers. Although some businesses are reluctant to ban smoking, there is no credible evidence that going smoke-free is bad for business. Public places where children go are a special area of concern.  \n\nIf a restaurant existed that was for smokers ONLY, then that would be great.  They all the smokers could dine and socialize and snort each other’s smoke.  But when there are non smokers present, it’s unfair to subject them to the health hazard of breathing in the smoke. \n\nThanks for this discussion.  You articulated your points very well and I appreciate the opportunity to share.
462827
I feel that city officials have the right to restrict the no smoking policy on city owned property, but have no right to restrict smoking in a privately  owned business. That should be up to the owner.\nI am a non-smoker and I'll decide where I want to go. Smoking or non-smoking.
233231
Smoke free patios are the next wave, although the smokers will claim their rights are being violated (what else is new?)  I would like to enjoy the outdoor patios during the summer, but with the smokers flocking to them and puffing away on their dirty, smelly habit, it makes them an unattractive location to enjoy a meal or some drinks.\n\nAmazes me how smokers don't get it.  Smell your closets on a nice rainy day.  Will you ever understand that blowing your smoke in public places is inconsiderate and subjects others to your unpleasant odor (and rudeness).\n\nSuccessful lawsuits against smokers and establishments are just a matter of time.
273382
First ask them to smoke somewhere else.  And then if your state has a smoking ban of some type you can take legal action.  But I don't think a restraining order is what you are looking for.  They are actually called Personal Protection Orders and they are for when someone is threatening physical harm to you.  They will probably just laugh if you try and get one because someone is smoking near your window.\n\nIs this a house or an apartment?
87457
That all depends on the state. It is possible that there is such a law. There is not in Oregon (only within 200 feet of hospitals), but it wouldn't surprise me if there was one in some states.\n\nCalifornia state law only requires that smoking be prohibited in "enclosed workspaces." San Bernardino law restricts smoking within 20 feet of county property, but otherwise does not restrict smoking outside.
497717
I am not a smoker, but have no problem with people smoking in designated areas in restaurants, or public places like hospitals, malls, etc. I expect people to be smoking in bars, clubs and such. I know there are people that are on oxygen, allergic to smoke, have lung problems and the smoke increases their difficulty to breath. However, everyone has the right to do what they want to as long as it does not hurt someone else. I believe their is a common ground and solution without totally banning smoking and coming down so hard on people who choose to smoke.\n\nAs for taxation, the government has that go in' on....They tax the vices they know people won't quit....gambling, Alcohol,......that's the way it goes.
256097
I don't know your city or the traditions there. But I would advise you to think about this question from the point of view of a potential renter.  If you wanted to rent a house like yours, where would you look?  Are there newspapers that people find advertisements in typically? Can you put a "For Rent" sign on the house? Is there a large employer nearby that helps its employees find housing?  Are there universities nearby that bring many students in from other cities?  If so, they may also need to rent space.  Finally, I have also learned that I can often find tenants just from word-of-mouth.  I mention the opportunity to my friends, and tell them to mention it to anyone they know who is seeking a rental.  I have had luck in renting this way more than once.\n\nAfter that, you simply need to decide on the terms of your rental agreement, and determine the legal documentation (if any) that is needed in your community.\n\nBest of luck to you.
416269
I smoke too, and my daughter wants me to stop as well...personally I do not agree it is harmful for EVERYONE that is living with her, because my personal stance on second hand smoke is that it's FOOEY!  You will be exposed to more harmful contaniments sitting behing the automobile in front of you than you will EVER suffer from my cigarette...but....\n\nTo answer your question, cigarettes are LEGAL, and it is your mother's CHOICE to smoke.  As for a law being in existance to make it harder for your Mom to smoke, they have those already...that's why you can't smoke in restaurants, bars, or within 30 feet of a doorway anymore.  I live in a city that has made it so bad you cannot even be OUTSIDE of your home and smoke.  If you want to smoke, you have two choices, smoke in your home or in your car.\n\nYou might object to your mother's smoking, but she might not have a choice, as I have none.  You might want to find out what your town has done on it's smoking ordinance first, before you think you're mom is intentionally putting you in harms way.\n\n-Em
381499
There is no way to hide the smell from non smokers. As a smoker you probably won't smell it on yourself and neither will other smokers. The smell is not only on your hands and clothes but your hair and in your house if you smoke indoors. Your friends may not have said anything out of politeness, but the nonsmokers among them know - they can smell it on you. They may think the smell comes from someone else you are around who smokes.
635402
Well, if you don't own the business, then you really have no right to tell the owner(s) how to run their's.\nSecondly, there is a drastic difference between breathing the air outside and having to deal with cigarette smoke in a condensed area.  \nWhile I'm sure you are aware of the countless cancer causing stories related to smoking, cigarette smoking doesn't promote a healthy lifestyle.  If your company pays for your health benefits, they have to pay more when there are smokers.\nAlso, why should smokers be allowed to take specified breaks during the day while non-smokers are not given the same privilege.  And don't give me the non-smokers can get up and talk to people at the same time as the smokers are on their break as innumerable office statistics show that both smokers and non-smokers waste multiple hours during the week on non-work related work items.\nIf you really don't like the rules that may be set up within your community, run for a seat on county board or for city council and see if you can change the rules from within.  That's why we have democracy and that is what your son (and many of my friends) are fighting for.
341791
Issue 4 would allow smoking in bars, bowling alleys, bingo halls, racetracks, enclosed areas of restaurants and some other buildings. \n\nIssue 5, would ban smoking in nearly all buildings outside the home.\n\nMy husband and I just recently purchased a bar and we are very concerned that the people, (may I remind everyone one that their name is not on our promissory note with the bank.) Can decide if I can allow smoking in my establishment.\n\nI'm pissed. It's suppose to be effective December 8, 2006. And since Issue 5 passed, the only place smokers can smoke is outside. That's it.\n\nI posted a similar question, about possible loopholes. There is a clause in the issue 5 regarding private clubs and you would have to get a D-4 permit to do so. But, to get a D-4 permit you have to be Non-Profit and an established "club" for at least 3 years. \n\nSo basically, the voter's told us how to run our business. Which to me is not fair. \n\nI guess the bright side is that there is no evidence that it actually decreases business, it may possibly increase business because the people who don't like cigarette smoke may be more likely to frequent bars now, since they won't have to deal with the smoke. and since it's for the entire state and not just a city/ward . It's not like our patrons can go around the corner and give there business to another bar because you can't smoke there either.
149942
I would but NO. And why? By keeping it illegal I think they are just trying to make a private thing. Ya know, people complain about the second hand smoke from cigs could you imagine the mass witch fest that would go on because of that & the fact o contact buzzes. Then wht about the job market? Don't already have enough problems with drunk driving too? It does sound great but the reality is just to impracticle. Maybe you are fine & still live life happily but many others would not. I just say becareful when you have it in tow & I do what you like in private. I've seriously thought about it.... More than once. The cops really don't bother anyone, people are just gonna be at the wrong place at the wrong time & catch the heat. That's just life. Most smokers aren't really winning at the game of life, really most of them aren't.... I guess there's just some it works for & say cool!
80970
it is in Texas..also the cities make their own rules as to where you can and cannot smoke...such as restraunts,etc...
189432
Nonsmokers have some serious issues with "control" when they start talking about not smoking outside. Just walk around the smoker huddled next to the ash can, it's really not that difficult. If he's not huddled next to the ash can do that silly fake cough thing, that will show him. Sigh.
276962
Being a non-smoker, I really like the idea.  The ban on smoking in bars and restaurants has been effect in NY (USA) for a few years now and I personally enjoy going out now.  I understand that smokers feel their rights are being infringed on, but those same smokers often do not take into account that they infringe on the rights who do not smoke to breathe clean air.\n   It is an issue that has no clear-cut answer, but I think that when an infringement or taking away of rights happens, it should be done to protect the health of people, which is what the ban is for.