This is actually quite common in the states. We call them Fraternities.
I’m guessing the “need” for the no smoking signs everywhere is so that, following the smoking ban, no-one can try and get out of being caught by saying, “Oh, I didn’t know it applied to cathedrals/hearses/bus shelters with three walls” etc.
Unfortunately, it’s the law:
Well, if it’s anything like the Australian experience (and I suspect it is), the answer is pretty mundane. There is no grand nannying conspiracy by the government* or anyone else. It boils down to fear of litigation (especially with the recent rise of US-style “no win no fee” lawyers) and, as an effect of that, the skyrocketing price of public liability insurance. You wouldn’t believe how many things are in danger: heritage rail groups have trouble running steam tours, schools can’t have fundraising stalls selling food (not prepared in a commercial kitchen, y’see), playgrounds have no fun stuff, toys are bland…
*There are nannying laws being enacted, but those are in response to the same factors.
And try walking into a pub in Sydney these days. In the good old days, the wall behind the bar would have had a Johnny Walker clock, a girly calendar, and the fishing club notices, and a postcard to Pete, Bev, and the boys from Dave, Wozza, Jungles, Avachat, and Bluey from the Philippines. Maybe a beer can collection and an Irish Dog Carrier. Now, there’s no room for those, because it’s plastered with government posters:
IF YOU ARE INTOXICATED OR VIOLENT ON THESE PREMISES, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. FAILURE TO DO SO IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE. MAXIMUM PENALTY $2000.
KNOW YOUR STANDARD DRINKS. TWO PER HOUR FOR MEN OR ONE FOR WOMEN TO REMAIN UNDER 0.05.
IT IS AGAINST THE LAW FOR THIS HOTEL TO CASH CHEQUES FOR PATRONS.
DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM GAMBLING? CALL G-LINE.
IF YOU HAVE HAD ENOUGH ALCOHOL, PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR MORE.
IF YOU ARE UNDER EIGHTEEN YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED BY LAW IN THIS AREA OF THE HOTEL
SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED ANYWHERE IN COVERED OR ENCLOSED AREAS OF THE HOTEL
This is not the Australia I know and love. It’s some weird, plastic place.
I also suspect some places have played extra safe on hearing they must avoid not having the required signage, not by finding out what they’re supposed to have, but by putting feckin’ loads up, on every available surface. Which gives the impression that the law says all of them are mandatory (= nanny state), when maybe just one is needed (as I’ve seen in the porchway, i.e. the only public entrance, of many churches).
Thanks GorillaMan that answers a question that came up the other night. Whether or not the smoking ban covered churches as well.
Does it cover incense?
That stuff can’t be any better for one’s health than tobacco smoke.
I don’t know - have you tried smoking it? :eek:
Well, y’know I was young, the cool altarboys were doing it and smoking it was easier than shooting it up.
It only became a problem when it developed into a four thurible-a-day habit.