Weird Smoking Laws

As more and more states adopt laws that prohibitdomesticated animals. While the law specifically names
smoking in public, crushing the hopes of cigar smokersdogs and cats, it surely applies to any kind of pet:
with the ease of crushing a used cigarette, peoplehamster, gerbil, and goldfish. None of these pets are
everywhere are calling "foul," restraining themselvesallowed to smoke cigars, no matter how much they
from telling lawmakers to kiss their ash. The laws, tobeg and plead.
the avid cigar smoker, are avidly ridiculous.
France: Colonel Mustard, in the Boiler Room, with an
But, ridiculous laws are a part of worldly culture. Fromashtray. That's right, an ashtray. In France, ashtrays are
a law in Denver that forbids people from loaningconsidered deadly weapons. Perhaps this is because
vacuum cleaners to other residences, to a law inpeople can use ashtrays to hit others, or perhaps it's
Wyoming that prohibits people from takingbecause ashtrays are known to prey on unsuspecting
photographs of rabbits during the month of June, manyvictims, jumping them in alleys and blinding them with a
rules and regulations simply make no sense. There iscloud of dust. But the most likely reason is simply
even a law in Champaign, Illinois that makes it illegal forbecause it's France. A nation reputed for passivity,
someone to pee in the mouth of their next doorsome people may think the citizens of France are
neighbor, undoubtedly ruining the weekend plans ofhomicidally threatened by the cast from The Brady
innumerable Midwest citizens.Bunch. We do hear that Marcia's packing.
It was only a matter of time before this law lunacyNew Jersey: While a sign reading "Do Not Feed the
filtered into the tobacco industry. Recently, they'veAnimals" is common in many zoos, New Jersey takes
become more obvious, branding our world with a "Nothis notion one step further. Passing a law that prohibits
Smoking" sign. Not limited to any one state, or any onepeople from giving local zoo animals cigars or whiskey,
country, strange smoking laws can be found almostthe creatures in this captivity obviously have no fun.
anywhere.But, being that whiskey is the only liquor specifically
named, it leads one to wonder if providing the animals
Australia: Australia has a law that bans children fromwith a cold beer would be equally frowned upon. If not,
purchasing cigars or cigarettes. This isn't particularlyperhaps the animals would be able to smoke a cigar
strange as many countries have similar regulations.on occasion. Ya know, socially.
However, Australia stands out because children,
though they can't purchase tobacco, are legallySouth Bend, Indiana: Keeping with the animal kingdom
allowed to consume it. As long as they get an adult totheme, in South Bend it is illegal to make a monkey
buy it for them, Australian children are freely allowed tosmoke a cigarette. This law goes back to 1924 when
smoke a cigar in front of a policeman, a parent, aa monkey was found guilty of the crime of smoking a
teacher, or even a kangaroo.cigarette and forced to pay a fine of 25 dollars, as
well as trial costs. We're not sure what happened
New Orleans, Louisiana: In a city known for guiltywhen the monkey, recently out of work, wasn't able to
pleasures - home to everything from Mardi Gras tocome up with the money. Perhaps, he was prohibited
extravagant casinos - cigar and cigarette smoking arefrom partaking in any form of Evolution.
a bit tamed. New Orleans possesses a law that
prohibits anyone participating in a carnival or parade toNewport, Rhode Island: Resting on the East Coast,
use tobacco products while doing so. In addition to this,Newport has a law that prohibits people from smoking
a "No Smoking" sign must be visibly attached to alla pipe after sunset. Any other time is fine, but once the
parade floats, not that any onlookers, with troves ofsun sets, this is one law the avid tobacco lover can not
nearby women attempting to get beads, are reallyput in his pipe and smoke.
paying attention.
Marceline, Missouri: In this Missouri town, minors are
Zion, Illinois: Just when you think you've heard it all inallowed to purchase rolling papers and tobacco, but
regards to rules, there is a law in Zion that prohibitsthey aren't allowed to purchase lighters.
owners from giving a lit cigar to any of their