Which is a worse use of police power?

[So the Heroes Fall]

In a nutshell at my work it's well known that the police often patrol the parking lot, and that they've measured exactly 25 feet from the building's entrance. So basically they used to hang out there and then ticket anyone who stepped within that 25 feet, even by an inch before extinguishing their cigarette. (That was actually one of the first things they warned us about at training.)

I say used to because now they don't even bother with the 25 feet, they just interpret the law now as that no smoking is allowed on the corporate property at all except the designated smoking lounge and ticket people who get out of their cars before putting out their cigarettes. Basically you can't even walk across the parking lot now with any type of lit cigarette.

Of course I consider this far preferable to harassing marijuana users or prostitutes.

[Ebowed]

They're both equally pointless uses of police power.

[Grumps]

They're both equally pointless uses of police power.

[petedewolfe]

Arresting marijuana users.

[useful idiot]

I'll be the sane one who doesn't feel compelled to say something outrageous to appear cool or maintain an image. It's obviously more ridiculous to make people put out their cigarettes, because that ISN'T A CRIME. Police officers are supposed to enforce THE LAW, ya know?

[So the Heroes Fall]

Smoking within 25 feet of a workplace is illegal in Minnesota.

[Grumps]

Smoking within 25 feet of a workplace is illegal in Minnesota.

Probably drinking and screwing inside of 25' is fine.

[JSojourner]

Equally pointless, except when it's been a very dry summer.  In which case, I suppose I understand getting on someone's case about a discarded cigarette.  Say what you will about dope smokers, but you won't find them flicking a burning butt into some scrub brush as long as there's a microscopic amount of chronic left!

[dead0man]

Equally pointless, except when it's been a very dry summer.  In which case, I suppose I understand getting on someone's case about a discarded cigarette.  Say what you will about dope smokers, but you won't find them flicking a burning butt into some scrub brush as long as there's a microscopic amount of chronic left!

Roaches are valuable and you know it!

[JSojourner]

Equally pointless, except when it's been a very dry summer.  In which case, I suppose I understand getting on someone's case about a discarded cigarette.  Say what you will about dope smokers, but you won't find them flicking a burning butt into some scrub brush as long as there's a microscopic amount of chronic left!

Roaches are valuable and you know it!

I have never smoked,  but knowing my tendencies...I am sure I would get every last bit out of a blunt. My refusal to cast it aside would have nothing to do with good fire safety.

[Bo]

Arresting marijuana users, since cigarettes might accidentally start a fire if they are not extinguished.

[Ebowed]

I'll be the sane one who doesn't feel compelled to say something outrageous to appear cool or maintain an image. It's obviously more ridiculous to make people put out their cigarettes, because that ISN'T A CRIME. Police officers are supposed to enforce THE LAW, ya know?

Nobody is questioning whether or not it's part of the law.  That doesn't really have any bearing on the question, though if strict adherence to the law is your interest then the crux of your argument will be doubtlessly not pleased to find that the smoking of cigarettes in many places will only continue to be restricted by various "public health" measures.

[So the Heroes Fall]

There actually have been two incidents of bushes catching fire because of cigarette butts for the record. Basically after the second they sent out an email about putting them in the correct receptacles for them and if another fire happened ALL smoking on the property would be banned. Now people don't litter their cigarettes everywhere anymore.

[useful idiot]

Smoking within 25 feet of a workplace is illegal in Minnesota.

Wow, fascism at work(no pun intended). In any case, both laws are stupid. Outside of government owned buildings smoking(either cigs or pot) should be at the discretion of the property owner; anything less is unacceptable.

[dead0man]

I smoke inches from a govt building when it's super cold outside and much less than 25' on normal days.  But I do it in the middle of the night, I know all the cops, I get out of the way if another human comes near and I'm not stupid enough to let a discarded cig of mine catch anything on fire.

[dialectical fetishist]

Arresting marijuana users.

[Senator Sbane]

Although arresting marijuana users is extremely retarded, having lived in southern California for a while I understand the need for making sure people put out their cigarette butts before throwing it out their window.