Smoking Ban in Burbank, CA

A Pox on Political Correctness!

This is the time of year I usually post an article about The Taste of Burbank, but this year that taste turned to ashes in my mouth. Why? On May 12, 2007 the Burbank City Council ordinance against smoking in downtown Burbank , CA went into effect "to limit exposure by non-smokers to secondhand smoke due to its documented negative health effects and the irritation and annoyance that it can cause."

I hasten to tell you that I am a non-smoker. As a matter of fact, I'm allergic to cigarettes and to secondhand smoke from all burning objects, including incense and grass fires. I'm allergic to perfume and the smell of those nasty dryer sheets that waft into my apartment from the one below mine. At one time my allergy to cigarettes was so bad that I took up smoking to desensitize my body and enable me to breathe in an area with smokers. Twenty years ago when smoking on airplanes was still allowed, I was an active member of ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) and thus was a part of banning smoking on planes. I felt very strongly about the issue.

Now, however, I see things a bit differently.

The Taste of Burbank takes place in the downtown area where by law nobody is allowed to smoke. Downtown encompasses a large geographic chunk of real estate, and according to the new ordinance, smoking is prohibited in the following areas:

All City parks and facilities and all areas within 20 feet

Within 20 feet of all entrances, exits, and open windows of buildings open to the public

All sidewalks and pedestrian areas in Downtown Burbank and all areas within 5 feet

Chandler Bikeway and all public areas within 20 feet

Outdoor dining areas and all areas within 5 feet

Outdoor waiting lines and service areas and all areas within 20 feet

Outdoor gathering places and event areas and all areas within 20 feet

City transit vehicles and station platforms and all areas within 20 feet of station platforms

Pedestrian areas at outdoor shopping areas and centers and all areas within 20 feet

All elevators

Any area designated as non-smoking by the property owner or business