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by Darkseid
on Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:20 pm |
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Bar owners: Baltimore cops target smokers for loitering
The Baltimore Examiner ^ | March 8, 2008 | Stephen Janis
BALTIMORE - Banished smokers taking nicotine breaks outside bars in one of Baltimore City’s trendy neighborhoods are being told to move or face fines and arrest for loitering, bar owners said.
Hampden bar owners said they were shocked last week when police began warning patrons to move 150 feet away from the entrance of bars they were patronizing or face loitering charges.
“Loitering has always been a legitimate problem in the neighborhood that we couldn’t get police to deal with,” said Benn Ray, owner of Atomic Books and head of the Hampden Village Merchants Association.
“So why all of sudden is the Police Department being aggressive with smokers when they haven’t been enforcing loitering laws for 10 years?”
“Harassing customers who are smoking creates a dysfunctional relationship with the community.”
At Frazier’s, a popular Hampden hangout, day manager Tabrina Sherman said the message police gave to patrons smoking outside her bar was clear.
“They were told they need to move 150 feet away or they will be fined first and arrested the second time.”
City officials said enforcing loitering laws has grown trickier since the statewide smoking ban went into effect Feb. 1.
“Particularly in front of bars where there have been a history of problems, we have asked patrols to be aggressive to enforce the loitering laws; however, the smoking ban changes the dynamic,” said Sterling Clifford, spokesman for the Police Department. |
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Darkseid
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by Jay
on Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:50 pm |
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“So why all of sudden is the Police Department being aggressive with smokers when they haven’t been enforcing loitering laws for 10 years?”
That's a d@mN good Q. Sounds like the loitering cops are giving those smokers 2nd class treatment which is no different from a smoke cop giving ME a ticket for smoking outside. But yet, he doesn't say a single word to the guy who's smoking himself!
Would the cops give nonsmokers a warning for standing outside of a bar? I seriously doubt it. |
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Jay
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by Lynda F
on Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:13 am |
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| They are just using the loitering law now to harass smokers. The timing is just too obvious. |
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Lynda F
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by naptownKrabbi
on Sun Mar 09, 2008 1:10 pm |
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proud to be an EX marylander...THANX governor o'malley!
they obviously can't control the rampant violent crime element...
how typical to pick on INNOCENT smokers!
the world has gone mad!!!  |
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naptownKrabbi
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by Darkseid
on Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:10 pm |
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easy money for der state. seig heil
hey-great artwork, by the way. not as nice as that christmas a$$ shot, but nice.   |
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Darkseid
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by Tristeneugene
on Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:09 pm |
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Playing devils advocate here.
If people are standing right outside the entrance of a bar smoking then all who go in and out of that bar must pass through the smoke. Also the smoke accumulation is great enough where when the door opens the smoke goes in to the establishment somewhat defeating the laws purpose. SO, either all or nothing.
To me it kinda seems like swearing. Example: 5 people are sitting around a table in a bar using very vulgar language. the bar owner says that it is not allowed to use that language in the bar. so, the group decides to go outside to finish their converation. soon complaints are rolling in that it can be heard inside the bar everytime the door opens as well as others complaining that people are standing right in front of the bar using vulgar language. |
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Tristeneugene
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by naptownKrabbi
on Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:37 pm |
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Quote: the bar owner says that it is not allowed
operative phrase here...THE BAR OWNERS SAYS...
'cause it's HIS (or HER) BUSINESS!!!
p.s. anti smoking laws HAVE NO purpose except to pacify the mentally infirm and insecure control freaks who aren't capable of contributing to society in a productive positive manner... |
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naptownKrabbi
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by Lynda F
on Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:39 am |
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Tristeneugene wrote:
If people are standing right outside the entrance of a bar smoking then all who go in and out of that bar must pass through the smoke. Also the smoke accumulation is great enough where when the door opens the smoke goes in to the establishment somewhat defeating the laws purpose. SO, either all or nothing.
To me it kinda seems like swearing. Example: 5 people are sitting around a table in a bar using very vulgar language. the bar owner says that it is not allowed to use that language in the bar. so, the group decides to go outside to finish their converation. soon complaints are rolling in that it can be heard inside the bar everytime the door opens as well as others complaining that people are standing right in front of the bar using vulgar language.
Which just proves the stupidity of such things. Smokers have been thrown out into the streets. In some places there are rules as part of the law forbidding smoking within x number of feet from any door or window that can open......in places like NYC that pretty much means if I have to step outside to smoke I'm just leaving as the only place I could smoke would be right smack in the middle of the street so I could dodge cars. Brilliant.
Total bans are NOT sensible OR needed. |
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Lynda F
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