Bloomberg is an American Embarrassment

[Chicago Jake]

First the large soda ban. Now this. This pinhead is the poster child for nanny-state activism run rampant!

***********************

New York mayor wants to ban stores from displaying cigarettes

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Monday proposed requiring that cigarettes be hidden from view in retail stores as a means to reduce smoking in what he said would be the first law of its kind in the United States.

Bloomberg plans to introduce to the City Council on Wednesday two bills that would require retailers to keep cigarettes in a drawer, behind a curtain or in some other concealed location.

Some retail trade groups and tobacco companies criticized the proposed display ban as an unnecessary burden.

Bloomberg, a former smoker, is accustomed to industry opposition from previous measures to improve the health of New Yorkers, including bans on smoking in most offices, restaurants, bars, parks and on beaches.

Bloomberg has also taken steps to curtail the use of trans fats and salt in the city's restaurants. Last week a court unexpectedly struck down his attempt to limit the size of sugary drinks, in part because it did not go through the City Council. The city is appealing that ruling.

"These laws would protect New Yorkers, especially young and impressionable New Yorkers, from pricing, discounts and exposure to in-store displays that promote tobacco products," Bloomberg told a news conference at a city hospital.

more:
news.yahoo.com/york-mayor-wants-ban-stores-displaying-cigarettes-174440406.html

[Merlot Joe]

Every state or city has a moron someplace in their government structure.

But here in Sonoma County they are trying to pass a law that you can not smoke in any house of 4 or more units. They are also try in pass a law in CA that you can not smoke in your own home if you have children under the age of 18 living with you.

[Irish Stu]

We have this same nanny state stupidity here in the UK. Since last April supermarkets have to keep cigarettes hidden from view in closed cupboards. In 2015 the law will be rolled out to smaller outlets who will have to keep them in a cupboard or a drawer. All it has succeeded in doing is slowing down service at the counter as customers cannot see the products on offer so must squint at the long list posted on the counter when they reach the front of the line, or ask the assistant. It's okay for customers who know exactly what they want, but for people shopping for the bargain brands, or shopping for someone else, it's maddening if you are in the line behind them.

I'm one of those rare former smokers who doesn't have a problem with people smoking around me and believe strongly in the rights of the individual, and the the state telling us what we can and cannot do.

[Merlot Joe]

Mar 19, 2013 12:03:03 GMT -6 Irish Stu said:

I'm one of those rare former smokers who doesn't have a problem with people smoking around me and believe strongly in the rights of the individual, and the the state telling us what we can and cannot do.

Same here. I quit almost 9 years ago but people smoking around me is no big deal. I feel that they have just as much rights as non-smokers.