A Better Pipe Smoking Community

I used to live up there!

While I understand the Maine statute's intent, it is dreadful that even this reasonable accommodation for us is thwarted. In Pittsburgh (and throughout PA now) these outdoor places were mostly set up to allow smoking enjoyment in places where legal smoking indoors was outlawed.
My usual tavern lost 65% of its revenue following the smoking ban.
I hope when "they" finally win they go into shock trying to replace all the taxes we do pay - tobacco AND other taxes raised in associated activities.

The only way to combat an unjust law is to break it.

You don't have to be violent. You don't have to be rude. But you do need to be aware that:

1: You are responsible for the consequences of your actions.
2: You have to keep doing it until the law is changed.
3: You have to get others to support you.
4: You have to clearly state what the change you want is.

Looking at what little I know of this law, the very first thing to perform the required act of civil disobedience is to talk with the property owner. If this law has been implemented the same way the indoor smoking ban was implemented in my city the owner faces the fine for smoking not the person smoking. This puts the enforcement on the owner. You don't want to spark a protest action that puts the business owner out of business.

The lines have been drawn. You have to play the game by the rules. You have to do it frequently. But before you play, make sure you know exactly what you are doing. Do not bundle this issue with any other politics you may have. This fight is won on stating a single issue and being willing to compromise. For example, as ridiculous as it sounds, would giving the owner the option of setting up a protected outdoor smoking area suffice?

Good luck anyone who lives in Maine who reads this. And please do keep a note for when it happens in your state/city/county.

Effective 7/6/2010, in Wisconsin, the smoking ban applies to all outdoor public areas including Public Parks and Parking Lots. In fact, if you book a Family Reunion in a Public Park in Wisconsin, and smoke, you will be fined up to five-hundred dollars! If you drink alcohol at your event in this Park and minor children are present anywhere in the Park, you face the same fine! If you smoke in a Tavern, not only are you fined, but the owner of the Tavern is fined as well. PROHBITION HAS ARRIVED IN WISCONSIN, TOO! As far as a Public outside area is concerned, smoking is outlawed within twenty feet of a building vent or door. Not even a separate shelter is permitted for outside smoking at a Tavern. A building is now defined as any structure with "two walls". That takes care of that! Can't smoke in my Private insurance agency office because the Public is admitted! Smoking is only allowed in your own private residence or automobile! Don't move to Wisconsin as you will not be welcome if you are a Smoker! The unanswered question is, "can I smoke on a Public Sidewalk in Wisconsin?" So far, the legislature has not answered this question, specifically. It appears that the definition of a "Public Place" would include sidewalks. So much for smoking while I take a walk around the block in my neighborhood! You haven't seen nothing yet, my friends. Please write your Federal and State Representatives with your feelings about this issue or be ready to smoke only within the confines of your home (for now) as that, too, may be outlawed. At the same time, be prepared to pay more than $100 per pound for pipe tobacco (OTC), if you can believe it. It is coming. Read the Federal Act on PSI.

Excerpt from the Federal FTCA (Family Tobacco Control Act):
“(1) Amount of assessment.—The total amount of user fees authorized to be assessed and collected under subsection (a) for a fiscal year is the following, as applicable to the fiscal year involved:
“(A) For fiscal year 2009, $85,000,000 (subject to subsection (e)).
“(B) For fiscal year 2010, $235,000,000.
“(C) For fiscal year 2011, $450,000,000.
“(D) For fiscal year 2012, $477,000,000.
“(E) For fiscal year 2013, $505,000,000.
“(F) For fiscal year 2014, $534,000,000.
“(G) For fiscal year 2015, $566,000,000.
“(H) For fiscal year 2016, $599,000,000.
“(I) For fiscal year 2017, $635,000,000.
“(J) For fiscal year 2018, $672,000,000.
“(K) For fiscal year 2019 and each subsequent fiscal year, $712,000,000.

Go here to read the ACT for yourself: http://www.pipesmokersintelligencer.org/Tobacco%20Control%20Act.htm

I smoked my pipe in a park there by the river more than once! I would have been pissed if I had got fined!

I greatly appreciate that the Capt. keeps us up to date, but I gotta say, it is friggin depressing, lol.

I think I liked living in my ignorance better, LOL.