Part 2: Guy’s Guide to Smoking in Public With Class

Part 2: Smoking In Public

In 2006, the city of Calabasas, CA enacted the Comprehensive Secondhand Smoke Control Ordinance.  Essentially, it states that smoking within the city limits in any public space where people can reasonably be expected to congregate and therefore be exposed to second hand smoke is forbidden.  This includes businesses, parks, hotels, bars, restaurants, and even apartment common areas.  Furthermore, it was expanded in 2008 include the provision whereby some 80% of all rental apartment buildings be designated as non-smoking by January of 2012.  So whether your a classier smoker or not, you’re shit out of luck when it comes to smoking in public in that town.

Now it’s not quite that bad for smokers everywhere else, but it is getting harder and harder to hit a burner in public.  Regardless, it’s been a longstanding issue with which smokers have had to deal.  Be it in a park, in a restaurant, a club or just walking on the street, the classy smoker all too often has to be wary of his surroundings.  Here’s a couple of pointers to help the classy smoker get by in public.

On The Street
It’s not something any smoker wants to hear, but a nonetheless sound piece of advice to avoiding issues with smoking in public is to use discretion.  If you can hold off for a bit, then do it.  Wait till you’re in a situation or place where you can light up with no worries.  Since that’s unlikely to happen though, what the classy smoker does when on a street is to duck somewhere with less foot traffic.  Seek a side street, establishment with a designated smoking area or perhaps a parking lot.  The classy smoker, while not necessarily concerned with people’s opinion of their smoking, will nevertheless show some consideration for non-smokers in a public setting.  Put simply, get someplace where people aren’t and then indulge.  And crush out the cig when done, strip it and toss the butt in a trash can, never on the street.

In The Car
The car is middle ground.  It’s your home away from home, but it’s still out in public.  If you’re moving at a good clip or if there are few cars on the street, it’s not that big an issue.  If you’re stuck in traffic, though, it’s a given that your secondhand is going to be drifting to the cars around you.  That’s why the classy smoker will go for the easy fix and roll up the windows and hit the air conditioning.  The cigarette is smoked and disposed of in the ash tray or in a handy, disposable container, preferably one with a lid.  When done, the windows can come back down and everybody goes on with their commute.  Another option will be to roll up the windows most of the way, and still keep the air flowing.  The smoke will still escape, but at a reduced level than simply blowing into a nearby SUV with kids, busload of nuns or something similar.  And remember, the classy smoker will not toss the butt onto the street, where it ends up in storm drains, gets washed into the ocean, and chokes dolphins or sea turtles or some shit.

In An Establishment
This isn’t usually an issue, as most establishments such as restaurants, bars and clubs have their own designated smoking areas.  Seek them out and remember to dispose of the cigarette in the nearest handy ash tray.  If with mixed company (smokers and non-smokers), the classy smoker might also slip into the nearest washroom and freshen up a bit before rejoining his party.  Of course, the obvious option is to seek out establishments that cater to smokers, such as smoking lounges or cigar shops.

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In Someone Else’s Home
If at a smoker’s house, the classy smoker will simply follow the same rules as when at his own home.  He might even clean the ashtray he uses during his time at the residence so the host will not be bothered with cleaning up after him.  If at a non-smoker’s house, always smoke outside, even if they offer you a place inside somewhere.  The classy smoker will make sure to never litter the property with butts, and washing up after smoking in the guest bathroom is not only advisable, but considerate of your host(s) who don’t share this particular proclivity.

Miscellaneous
In areas such as parks, especially where there are children, the classy smoker will remain as far away as is reasonable to avoid secondhand exposure to others.  He will also not litter if at possible.  But sometimes, even a classy smoker has to drop a cig on the ground.  Just make sure no one sees you do it.

Next Time: Part 3 – Smoking At Work