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18.03.06, 23:09
tinyurl.com/s8w9b
Lights are going out all over town that bans smoking
By Catherine Elsworth in Calabasas
(Filed: 18/03/2006)
The California town of Calabasas led the western world by imposing a ban on
public smoking yesterday, provoking celebration, bemusement and anger among
its residents.
Many were not surprised that the young town, a wealthy enclave just shy of
its 15th birthday and known for environmentally progressive laws, would pass
such a measure.
Margo Arnold smiles at her scheme's success
But others seemed to find the Comprehensive Second-Hand Smoke Control
Ordinance hard to stomach, despite explanatory leaflets and signs proclaiming
Calabasas a "smoke-free city".
In only six months what began as a teenager's suggestion that the council do
something about smokers outside a shopping mall has evolved into the West's
first ban on smoking in public other than in a few special "outposts".
The people of Calabasas can no longer light up in the street, in parks, bus
stops, by office entrances or even on their own balcony if it overlooks
communal areas such as swimming pools.
The ban underlines California's anti-smoking zeal. In the 1990s it outlawed
cigarettes in bars, restaurants and offices, a move that was followed last
month in Britain when MPs voted for a ban in all pubs, restaurants, private
clubs and most workplaces by next year.
The Calabasas ordinance also follows January's landmark decision by the
California Air Resources Board to classify second-hand tobacco smoke as
a "toxic air contaminant".
But the new rule takes the crackdown to extremes that some critics see as
draconian and infringing civil liberties.
"It's so ridiculous it's almost hard to believe they can do this," said Rich
Weiss, 55, a non-smoker and Calabasas resident. "Outside, smoke is dispersed.
If you don't like it then sit somewhere else."
Cindy Ward, 29, was enjoying possibly her last cigarette break outside the
clothes shop where she works.
"We are in America, which is all about freedom and free choice, and this
feels like it's going against those things," she said.
Smokers will be banished to "designated smoking areas", outposts indicated by
a large green sign with a hand holding a lighted cigarette.
These must be at least 20 feet from any "path, doorway or place where people
congregate" and must be removed if anyone complains.
Smokers caught lighting up anywhere else will be warned and handed cards
outlining the new law. Persistent offenders risk fines of up to $500 (£284).
Residents are being encouraged to report violators but Barry Groveman, the
mayor, anticipates few problems. "We are hearing nothing but positive
comments," he said. "People have a right to breathe clean air."
He expressed the hope that other US cities would follow Calabasas's lead just
as California pioneered smoking bans a decade ago.
Margo Arnold, 19, the student who suggested the ban, demanded action after
she became sick of the headaches caused by other people's smoke at outdoor
cafes at the Commons shopping mall.
"I never thought it would get that far but they did an incredible job and so
quickly," she said.
The ban is supported by the American Cancer Society and the Heart Association
and Lung Association.
Jean Adalian, 45, a Frenchman, was shocked by the ban as he visited Calabasas
from his home in nearby Encino.
"It's infringing freedom of choice," he said, finishing off a Dunhill. "Now
that I know, I won't come here again.
"This would never happen in France. There would be a revolution."
The local paper, the Acorn, has been inundated with comments from across
America.
Vince Orend, from Freedom, Pennsylvania, wrote: "Back in the beginning of the
20th century the US gave a shot to a new way of life called the Volstead Act,
better known as Prohibition.
"It didn't work for booze and I don't think your law will work for tobacco."