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ken0042 · 05-31-2006, 08:48 PM

What is so hard for people to grasp about the patio law?

When they were looking at the smoking laws; they looked at what other cities did. For example most of California has been smoke free since the 90's, so there was a lot of history in other cities. What had been banned there was smoking on streetside patios. The problem those cities faced was defining what a streetside patio was. How far from the street? Let's say 10 feet. You then have a guy who is 9.5 feet away asking for a variance, and then by-law inspectors need to take measurements, and it ends up costing the city all kinds of money in enforcement.

If you make the law simple; "No smoking on patios" then it is black and white, and easy to enforce.

Add to that the city knew eventually there would be no smoking anywhere within a few years, and it becomes a no brainer.

I find it funny; the city wastes money and it becomes an issue. This time the city found a way to save some money, and everybody jumps all over them.

05-31-2006, 08:48 PM	#27
ken0042 Playboy Mansion Poolboy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Close enough to make a beer run during a TV timeout Exp:	What is so hard for people to grasp about the patio law? When they were looking at the smoking laws; they looked at what other cities did. For example most of California has been smoke free since the 90's, so there was a lot of history in other cities. What had been banned there was smoking on streetside patios. The problem those cities faced was defining what a streetside patio was. How far from the street? Let's say 10 feet. You then have a guy who is 9.5 feet away asking for a variance, and then by-law inspectors need to take measurements, and it ends up costing the city all kinds of money in enforcement. If you make the law simple; "No smoking on patios" then it is black and white, and easy to enforce. Add to that the city knew eventually there would be no smoking anywhere within a few years, and it becomes a no brainer. I find it funny; the city wastes money and it becomes an issue. This time the city found a way to save some money, and everybody jumps all over them.