Due to my odd habit of reviewing state statutes, I stumbled across an interesting item.
609.681 Unlawful smoking A person is guilty of a petty misdemeanor if the person intentionally smokes in a building, area, or common carrier in which "no smoking" notices have been prominently posted, or when requested not to by the operator of the common carrier. HIST: 1989 c 5 s 10: 1Sp2003 c 2 art 8 s 13 Many will notice how broadly this statute was written. The statute does not indicate who has the right to post a "no smoking" sign. Could a person by posting signs designate a building "no smoking" without equity interest in the property. Could a person designate a bar, restaurant or other destination "no smoking" while temporarily within its confines. Could a person designate a city "no smoking" by posting at all access points to the city. The statute also seems to indicate the operator of a common carrier (airline pilot, bus driver, cab driver, etc.) can request any person stop smoking in any location. The statute also does not preclude an individual from posting "smoking allowed" signs thereby trumping any city ordinance. It seems the state has laid groundwork for interesting conversations to the topic at hand. It appears there is room for compromise on this issue. I am confident the big thinkers at the city, county, and state levels of government can get this done. Lee R. Eklund Victory REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
