Smoking at a town square

[Garywt]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.

[Aces4]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.

You had a bad day and it’s almost full moon. I hope you have a better tomorrow.:beer3:

[kcrazorbackfan]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.

Well, that little tirade probably got him to quit, didn’t it?

[manaboutown]

Smokers are drug addicts. They do not care how their addiction affects others.

[dewilson58]

"I turned to him and yelled at him."

That probably was effective.

:loco::loco:

[JMintzer]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.

I was wrong... Your day got worse...

But you might want to work on your anger issues... Some people don't take too kindly to being berated... You know, flies and honey?

[Kenswing]

Wouldn’t it have just been easier to have one of the ushers tell him to put it out or step to the designated smoking area? Instead you lost your cool and gave him the power to ruin your night.

[Bilyclub]

Can't understand why you wouldn't point this ignorant person out to the entertainment staff, who would have gladly tossed the guy out.

[ThirdOfFive]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.
I guess I'm lucky. I actually enjoy the smell of cigar smoke. Even cigarette smoke (which I quit puffing on several decades back) doesn't bother me as it does a lot of ex-smokers. My wife on the other hand has a nose like a bloodhound and can smell the smoke when a neighbor is smoking inside.

I agree that people should be considerate enough not to light up in a crowd, particularly when the odds were that the gentleman in question knew the rules very well. However unloading on him before getting up to leave probably didn't do much good. Perhaps a friendly reminder that he was doing something against the rules, coupled with a comment that you find cigar smoke annoying, may have been enough to settle the issue.

[JSR22]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.

He won and you lost!

[Spalumbos62]

I was wrong... Your day got worse...

But you might want to work on your anger issues... Some people don't take too kindly to being berated... You know, flies and honey?

Now that's funny.

[JGibson]

He was probably sitting next to someone with an oxygen tank.
I actually thought they should have to cross the street to smoke as it just blows back onto the sitting and dancing area.

But yeah after I put him on blast I would've got community watch.

[VApeople]

One time I was listening to the music at Spanish Springs and a guy started smoking.

I walked over to him and said smoking is not allowed.

He stopped smoking.

End of my exciting story.

[Laker14]

There is law enforcement on premises. You should have informed the LEO of this offender and let the law deal with it. Not as dramatic of course, but more effective.

[Michael G.]

Smokers are drug addicts. They do not care how their addiction affects others.

Yep, like cycles riders with loud pipes.

[dewilson58]

There is law enforcement on premises. You should have informed the LEO of this offender and let the law deal with it. Not as dramatic of course, but more effective.

Isn't private property??

Isn't a policy, not a law??

[Michael G.]

One time I was listening to the music at Spanish Springs and a guy started smoking.

I walked over to him and said smoking is not allowed.

He stopped smoking.

End of my exciting story.


But your also 6' 8" and 380 lbs. :1rotfl:

[Garywt]

I was wrong... Your day got worse...

But you might want to work on your anger issues... Some people don't take too kindly to being berated... You know, flies and honey?

I am generally a very laid back person but on occasion I do react to things.

[JohnN]

get a TV staff person, and watch out for concealed carry types, it's a crazy world

[Number 10 GI]

I'm a former smoker, many years ago, and don't like the smell of tobacco smoke. As a former smoker I know that sometimes you will light one up absentmindedly from habit not realizing you really did it. As one poster stated they politely reminded an individual that was smoking it was not allowed and the violator quit smoking. No harm no drama. Getting up in another person's face and yelling is immature, entitled and could be "hazardous to your health" as the label tells you. That smoker might be offended or worried by your aggressive attitude that you might harm them and punch your lights out. It's better to try and defuse an incident instead of inflame it.

[Laker14]

Isn't private property??

Isn't a policy, not a law??

good question..I don't know.

[Rango]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.

Decaf Gary, Decaf

[JMintzer]

One time I was listening to the music at Spanish Springs and a guy started smoking.

I walked over to him and said smoking is not allowed.

He stopped smoking.

End of my exciting story.

I gotta' tell you... I was enthralled! :beer3:

[JMintzer]

But your also 6' 8" and 380 lbs. :1rotfl:

"Mind if we dance with your dates?"

[JMintzer]

I am generally a very laid back person but on occasion I do react to things.

And in this case...

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/66/8d/75/668d7522fbdc65bd5870b158b8c907c0.png

[billlaur]

the square is private property, its a policy he can be tresspassed since its private, if you smoke go to the sidewalk outter edge thats public rite of way...

[Garywt]

I'm a former smoker, many years ago, and don't like the smell of tobacco smoke. As a former smoker I know that sometimes you will light one up absentmindedly from habit not realizing you really did it. As one poster stated they politely reminded an individual that was smoking it was not allowed and the violator quit smoking. No harm no drama. Getting up in another person's face and yelling is immature, entitled and could be "hazardous to your health" as the label tells you. That smoker might be offended or worried by your aggressive attitude that you might harm them and punch your lights out. It's better to try and defuse an incident instead of inflame it.

I do not believe I am entitled although I have earned to right to be. There was no threat of harm and there was no way he could have punched my lights out. It happened and it is over but I would do it again in the right situation.

[Garywt]

And in this case...

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/66/8d/75/668d7522fbdc65bd5870b158b8c907c0.png

I do not feel I chose poorly, I believe he did by not following the rules. Most of this time I am a big teddy bear but don’t get me mad, I have been through too much.

[jparsoneau@aol.com]

I find it very unlikely that anybody was inside the Square and smoking a cigar. Which is not allowed, which I believe many people would’ve complained about if he was inside the square. Now I do believe he was probably outside the square on the sidewalk, which is where they tell you to go smoke. And yeah, smoking a cigar can be more obnoxious and smoking a cigarette. But they have the legal right to do it on the sidewalk. They even announce it four times a night they just can’t smoke inside the square. So if he was in the Square, you should’ve told the staff if he wasn’t in the Square he was in his right, and you were in the wrong .

[ithos]

The guy who lit up a cigar was a complete jerk. Not the people who were justifiably offended by it.

[Sandy and Ed]

So let me get this straight. First you don’t get your prime rib but did get a free beer to nurse on for 45 minutes THEN some one lights up a cigar in the square so you had to leave the square instead of staying to enjoy the music and simply reporting it to the attendant. Sounds like a lousy night overall. Sorry to hear it. Keep the faith - it can only get better.

[me4vt]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.
I promise it was me, I was at home enjoying my cigar listening to Charlie Pride ;)

[kingext]

These first world problems seem to bother some more than others. Who knows why. It would'nt surprise me if tirade man went home and smoked a joint to calm down. Irony abounds!

[GaryKoca]

Maybe you could have reminded him first that there is no smoking inside the squares, just outside. Then gone and told the LEO if he refused to stop.

[Worldseries27]

smokers are drug addicts. They do not care how their addiction affects others.
generalized statement yet i've known people like that for years

[dewilson58]

Then gone and told the LEO if he refused to stop.

Private Property.

No Law.

[rodneyrail]

Yep, like cycles riders with loud pipes.

loud pipes save lives

[Worldseries27]

"i turned to him and yelled at him."

that probably was effective.

:loco::loco:
slowly i turned, step by step, inch by inch at brownwood

[Chi-Town]

So let me get this straight. First you don’t get your prime rib but did get a free beer to nurse on for 45 minutes THEN some one lights up a cigar in the square so you had to leave the square instead of staying to enjoy the music and simply reporting it to the attendant. Sounds like a lousy night overall. Sorry to hear it. Keep the faith - it can only get better.

Good catch that it was the same poster.

[MrFlorida]

If he was inside the square, why not just report him to an attendant, after your remind him that smoking inside the square is not allowed ?

[skippy05]

Why not have a little tolerance? You can move around outdoors away from him. I do not smoke. I know there are outdoor rules for this in some places. It seems too damn much when you stop and think about it. Use your feet and move about and let people have the smallest of freedoms even if they do annoy you.

[Johnsocat]

get a TV staff person, and watch out for concealed carry types, it's a crazy world
Exactly what is a "concealed carry type" ?

[Regorp]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.
Another annoying thing about smoking is being in a store and the person standing next to you smells like a cigarette. Yuke, time to walk away. Stench!!

[GATORBILL66]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.

I wish they would ban smoking anywhere in the town squares and all restaurants in the villages. It is such a dirty habit and ruins the evening for people that have to be anywhere need it.

[psych2002]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.
One of my fondest childhood memories is crawling up on my fathers lap and smelling the cigars in his breast pocket. When I smell cigars I am flooded with warm and loving memories of him.

[JMintzer]

I do not feel I chose poorly, I believe he did by not following the rules. Most of this time I am a big teddy bear but don’t get me mad, I have been through too much.

One day, your temper might get you in trouble...

As I get older, I find my attitude it quite the opposite of yours.

I don't feel entitled to anything. If someone cuts me off? Who cares?

If my meal is late? I'll ask to speak to the manager. They are the only one who can fix the problem.

I would NEVER get in anyone's face and "call them a jerk" for having a cigar. It's just not that important.

That said, if someone gets in MY face, and starts verbally assaulting me, we're going to have a problem...

[JMintzer]

Exactly what is a "concealed carry type" ?

Oh, you know...

The type that will shoot you, just as soon as look at you... The type that doesn't exist in the real world...

Personally, I've become much calmer in the 15+ years I've had my CCW. The LAST thing I want to do is get into an altercation...

[JMintzer]

One of my fondest childhood memories is crawling up on my fathers lap and smelling the cigars in his breast pocket. When I smell cigars I am flooded with warm and loving memories of him.

My daughters say the same thing about their Grandpa...

[Number 10 GI]

One thing I learned real quick in my life, no matter how bad you are or think you are there is always someone who is badder. I had a young Sergeant in my platoon that had a personality clash with one of his squad mates. The Sergeant invited the other guy behind the barracks to settle their differences. Now this Sergeant was a pretty good sized guy, claims to have boxed in Golden Gloves matches and thought he was real bad. Guess who came back from behind the barracks, not the Sergeant. He was on the ground out cold. Wasn't as bad as he thought he was.

[Marmaduke]

My wise ole' dad always said~

"Don't cut your nose off to spite your face."

Boy, I miss him, but have all the wonderful lessons and memories.
How lucky I am.

Ironically, he was a cigar smoker and real easy-going.
Lived until 97, in fabulous health too.

[Veiragirl]

Yep, like cycles riders with loud pipes.
How about getting stuck in your golfcart behind
a hugh bunch of "cyclists" who ride in the middle of the path and don't pull over. If what is behind you is bigger than you...pull over.

[rickaslin]

you should have left the square and had dinner at Augustines, oh wait you won't eat there anymore!!

[bark4me]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.
You should of told o e of the Village staff that monitors the crowd

[justjim]

Private Property.

No Law.

Your property - your rules.

[justjim]

My wise ole' dad always said~

"Don't cut your nose off to spite your face."

Boy, I miss him, but have all the wonderful lessons and memories.
How lucky I am.

Ironically, he was a cigar smoker and real easy-going.
Lived until 97, in fabulous health too.

Can’t remember my Grandpa when he wasn’t smoking a cigar or his corn cob pipe. Lived to almost 90. My Dad died at 71. Smoked cigarettes a pack or two a day. Go figure.

[lawgolfer]

Hmm! But are they lives that should be saved?

[dewilson58]

Your property - your rules.

Absolutely...................my response was to "go tell the cops and have him arrested"

breaking "your rules" on smoking will not result in an arrest.

[jimjamuser]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.
The selfish entitlement of the Older White Male (the OWM) clan strikes again. They THINK that they own the world. They Think that they can buy a new HOT convertible car and it makes them younger and more virile. They THINK that they can drive 40 MPH in a 25 MPH residential neighborhood.
.........Sometimes there are Police walking around the squares. Maybe the smoker should get a ticket or a warning ticket. It seems like only older people are dumb enough to smoke and screw up their lungs. They will regret it when put on a respirator.

[jimjamuser]

I guess I'm lucky. I actually enjoy the smell of cigar smoke. Even cigarette smoke (which I quit puffing on several decades back) doesn't bother me as it does a lot of ex-smokers. My wife on the other hand has a nose like a bloodhound and can smell the smoke when a neighbor is smoking inside.

I agree that people should be considerate enough not to light up in a crowd, particularly when the odds were that the gentleman in question knew the rules very well. However unloading on him before getting up to leave probably didn't do much good. Perhaps a friendly reminder that he was doing something against the rules, coupled with a comment that you find cigar smoke annoying, may have been enough to settle the issue.
Different people have different tolerances to air pollution or smoke or exhaust in the air. Personally, I would walk away from an area in which some clown was smoking a cigar. To me, that would especially bother me more than most people. Actually, I even smell and am disgusted by even an older gasoline Golf Carts when they pass by in the street in front of my house if the wind is from the street to me. And yes, I am more sensitive to that than most. I even am bothered by LOUD noise - like I even mute the louder TV commercials. And I wish that I could push a MUTE button on some of the LOUD talking men and women at the swimming pool. And a lot of the older Golf Carts should have been built with more advanced mufflers like the newer Yamaha Quiet Tech.
........And I will admit that I WISH that I had a higher tolerance for such air and noise pollutants.

[jimjamuser]

get a TV staff person, and watch out for concealed carry types, it's a crazy world
You know........you are on to something. I know one concealed-carry person that IS NOT a mellow type, but more of an in-your-face type. He seems to have some anger issues and is VERY stubborn about being a "my way or the highway) type person. And I think it could be worse as he ages.
........I mean .....probably 99 % of the types like him will just age out into a rest home and/or die without ever using that pistol, but WE don't know who that 1% that might GO OFF would be. 1 % vs 99 %........like Russian roulette (pun intended ,I suppose).

[jimjamuser]

loud pipes save lives
Loud pipes ANNOY neighbors and pedestrians and do NOT accomplish anything because since about 1975 most all cars drive around with their windows up and A/C or Heat on. Prior to 1975 loud pipes DID save lives but NOW NOT SO MUCH. Also, in this area (the retirement bubble) the older people tend to be deaf and a motorcycle rider has to worry about driving so defensively that it is NOT enjoyable to ride anymore.
.......Lots of motorcyclists here end up enjoying their retirement as a cripple or a vegetable. But, don't blame me, I am just a messenger.

[jimjamuser]

slowly i turned, step by step, inch by inch at brownwood
Strange.

[Kenswing]

The selfish entitlement of the Older White Male (the OWM) clan strikes again. They THINK that they own the world. They Think that they can buy a new HOT convertible car and it makes them younger and more virile. They THINK that they can drive 40 MPH in a 25 MPH residential neighborhood.
.........Sometimes there are Police walking around the squares. Maybe the smoker should get a ticket or a warning ticket. It seems like only older people are dumb enough to smoke and screw up their lungs. They will regret it when put on a respirator.

Have you ever met a tangent that you didn’t like? :1rotfl:
The smoker may have just been clueless. If the OP would have just mentioned to the guy that smoking wasn’t allowed in the square he may have very well put out the cigar and apologized. But the OP instead chose to lose his mind and yell at the guy while storming off. We’ll never know.
Then in predictable fashion you come along with your “privileged white male” garbage.
You continually accuse people on this forum of being close minded. But I have NEVER seen you change your tune on a single topic. Maybe some self reflection is in order. I know when one gets older it’s harder to change their beliefs. And you seem older than most.

[jimjamuser]

Have you ever met a tangent that you didn’t like? :1rotfl:
The smoker may have just been clueless. If the OP would have just mentioned to the guy that smoking wasn’t allowed in the square he may have very well put out the cigar and apologized. But the OP instead chose to lose his mind and yell at the guy while storming off. We’ll never know.
Then in predictable fashion you come along with your “privileged white male” garbage.
You continually accuse people on this forum of being close minded. But I have NEVER seen you change your tune on a single topic. Maybe some self reflection is in order. I know when one gets older it’s harder to change their beliefs. And you seem older than most.
I am sorry that you believe that it was a tangent. I SINCERELY felt that it was RELEVANT to the discussion and was valuable. Yes, sometimes I do NOT take a laser-like focus on a single subject. I see life as having wider perspectives maybe than some others. So, if I am supposed to apologize for being me, then I do.
........I am NOT really trying to purposely alienate anyone ! I only have some different viewpoints than the average TV Land resident.

[Worldseries27]

strange.
that's why i included the photos to use a classic comedy routine to demonstrate the poor choice of angry words as a solution. I can also draw maps upon request

[larbud]

Cigar smokers are rude

[dewilson58]

Cigar smokers are rude

Blah, Blah, Blah.

[JMintzer]

that's why i included the photos to use a classic comedy routine to demonstrate the poor choice of angry words as a solution. I can also draw maps upon request

"Niagara Falls..."

Don't worry, your point was on target...

[jimmy o]

Yelling at the guy merely puts you in the same bad light as him. You could have just reminded him of the rule and most likely that would have solved it. Or…… if you wanted to really make an impression you could have jumped on him face forward, knocking him backward out of his chair and onto the ground, with you on top of him and your knees pinning down his arms. Then take the cigar out of his mouth and crush it out against his forehead. That would have made an impression on him and he would think twice about lighting up again.

[Garywt]

you should have left the square and had dinner at Augustines, oh wait you won't eat there anymore!!

That is correct, I had just left there.

[Garywt]

These first world problems seem to bother some more than others. Who knows why. It would'nt surprise me if tirade man went home and smoked a joint to calm down. Irony abounds!

Am I tirade man? If so I promise you I did not smoke a joint, I have never even tried any non prescribed drugs. Have never smoked either.

[Garywt]

If he was inside the square, why not just report him to an attendant, after your remind him that smoking inside the square is not allowed ?

Many have said this but frankly I have never paid attention that their are attendants at the squares.

[Garywt]

Why not have a little tolerance? You can move around outdoors away from him. I do not smoke. I know there are outdoor rules for this in some places. It seems too damn much when you stop and think about it. Use your feet and move about and let people have the smallest of freedoms even if they do annoy you.

Just had a bad night all around.

[Garywt]

One of my fondest childhood memories is crawling up on my fathers lap and smelling the cigars in his breast pocket. When I smell cigars I am flooded with warm and loving memories of him.

Yes but was he puffing in your face.

[Garywt]

I find it very unlikely that anybody was inside the Square and smoking a cigar. Which is not allowed, which I believe many people would’ve complained about if he was inside the square. Now I do believe he was probably outside the square on the sidewalk, which is where they tell you to go smoke. And yeah, smoking a cigar can be more obnoxious and smoking a cigarette. But they have the legal right to do it on the sidewalk. They even announce it four times a night they just can’t smoke inside the square. So if he was in the Square, you should’ve told the staff if he wasn’t in the Square he was in his right, and you were in the wrong .

OK so now I don’t know what a sidewalk is or what the rules are. We were not on the sidewalk. Maybe no one else was bothered, I don’t know, I didn’t take a poll. Would even know where the staff is. It was just an in the moment situation.

[Garywt]

One day, your temper might get you in trouble...

As I get older, I find my attitude it quite the opposite of yours.

I don't feel entitled to anything. If someone cuts me off? Who cares?

If my meal is late? I'll ask to speak to the manager. They are the only one who can fix the problem.

I would NEVER get in anyone's face and "call them a jerk" for having a cigar. It's just not that important.

That said, if someone gets in MY face, and starts verbally assaulting me, we're going to have a problem...

You are so scary that someone is going to be in trouble. I thought you didn’t care about such things. At the time, on that day it was the thing to do. On another day it probably would not have been an issue. I don’t carry, never have and have never owned anything to carry. I have never had a reason or a need to.

Life goes on for now.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.

I'm an agreeable and reasonable person. You approach me gently and kindly "remind" me of the no-smoking policy or politely point me to the smoking area, I will likely comply.

You approach me in manner you described, I'm likely to tell you to F-off, write me a ticket (which you cannot), pound sand, kick rocks, and blow cigar smoke more aggressively in your direction. Then I will remember you for any future occasion that we come across each others path and I will be less than friendly and perhaps even downright hostile.

No apologies, that's just how I am. You might reconsider sticking your nose into other people's business. At the very least, you might reconsider your approach if you insist on being the Karen With A Clipboard type of person.

[ThirdOfFive]

I'm an agreeable and reasonable person. You approach me gently and kindly "remind" me of the no-smoking policy or politely point me to the smoking area, I will likely comply.

You approach me in manner you described, I'm likely to tell you to F-off, write me a ticket (which you cannot), pound sand, kick rocks, and blow cigar smoke more aggressively in your direction. Then I will remember you for any future occasion that we come across each others path and I will be less than friendly and perhaps even downright hostile.

No apologies, that's just how I am. You might reconsider sticking your nose into other people's business. At the very least, you might reconsider your approach if you insist on being the Karen With A Clipboard type of person.
Yep.

You catch more flies than a skunk is welcome at a picnic...

[JMintzer]

You are so scary that someone is going to be in trouble. I thought you didn’t care about such things. At the time, on that day it was the thing to do. On another day it probably would not have been an issue. I don’t carry, never have and have never owned anything to carry. I have never had a reason or a need to.

Life goes on for now.

Read IS fundamental...

All the things I said I don't care about don't include a threat to me. Someone "getting in my face" IS a threat...

The fact that you can't see the difference is quite interesting...

[Bilyclub]

I'm an agreeable and reasonable person. You approach me gently and kindly "remind" me of the no-smoking policy or politely point me to the smoking area, I will likely comply.

You approach me in manner you described, I'm likely to tell you to F-off, write me a ticket (which you cannot), pound sand, kick rocks, and blow cigar smoke more aggressively in your direction. Then I will remember you for any future occasion that we come across each others path and I will be less than friendly and perhaps even downright hostile.

No apologies, that's just how I am. You might reconsider sticking your nose into other people's business. At the very least, you might reconsider your approach if you insist on being the Karen With A Clipboard type of person.

He or she can be the complainant/witness on a ticket, depending on the Officer assigned to the disturbance,

[Number 10 GI]

My understanding of the law is: If there is no state, county or city law/ordinance prohibiting smoking in public places, the police have no authority to write a ticket or make an arrest of an individual who is smoking. My understanding is that the entertainment area is private property, outside that area is public property. A business owner or the owner of the entertainment area can put up signs prohibiting smoking on their property. This prohibition is not a law or ordinance. If someone is smoking in the entertainment area, then the owner or representative of the owner can demand the smoker to cease smoking or leave the establishment. If the individual refuses to do as asked, the police then can be called to order the person to leave or be charged with trespassing, but only if the owner demands the person be charged.
The Villages cannot enact laws or ordinances as it is not a government entity. Brownwood falls within the jurisdiction of Wildwood, and those city ordinances apply to Brownwood. I don't know if Sumpter Landing or Spanish Springs are within any city's jurisdiction but definitely are within the jurisdiction of Sumter County.

[Garywt]

Read IS fundamental...

All the things I said I don't care about don't include a threat to me. Someone "getting in my face" IS a threat...

The fact that you can't see the difference is quite interesting...

Read is fundamental, what does that mean?

My thought was just that in your old age you let everything slide by without an issue but that you do carry and no one should get in your face. It doesn’t add up.

[JMintzer]

Read is fundamental, what does that mean?

My thought was just that in your old age you let everything slide by without an issue but that you do carry and no one should get in your face. It doesn’t add up.

It means that you didn't actually read what I wrote...

Your "thought" (and I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt) couldn't be more wrong.

I never said I let "everything" slide. You actually think I'd stand there and let an assault, a robbery, a carjacking "slide"?

I carry to protect myself and my loved ones. Not to get into altercations with people who have "anger issues". Or people who snap at others in public places for smoking a cigar...

I've found that carrying makes me calmer. The last thing I want to do is deal with the aftermath of actually having to use my weapon. That is why I let the little things "slide"...

You should try it. It'll be good for your blood pressure...


P.S. Old age? I'm probably younger than you...

[karostay]

Anyone who has gone to listen to music has heard 4 times every night that there is no smoking at the squares. They ask that you go out to the sidewalk, away from people to smoke. After my bad restaurant experience I am sitting trying to enjoy some music when the guy sitting next to me lights up his cigar. With the smell every time he took a puff I got very annoyed. Finally I got up to leave but first I turned to him and yelled at him. I told him he sucked and that he needed to be out on the sidewalk. I then left the square missing out on the music.

Should have said Excuse me
Your cigar smoke is most annoying not to mention not permitted.
I 'll just take it that your currently an entitled moment due to your addiction

[Number 10 GI]

It means that you didn't actually read what I wrote...

Your "thought" (and I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt) couldn't be more wrong.

I never said I let "everything" slide. You actually think I'd stand there and let an assault, a robbery, a carjacking "slide"?

I carry to protect myself and my loved ones. Not to get into altercations with people who have "anger issues". Or people who snap at others in public places for smoking a cigar...

I've found that carrying makes me calmer. The last thing I want to do is deal with the aftermath of actually having to use my weapon. That is why I let the little things "slide"...

You should try it. It'll be good for your blood pressure...


P.S. Old age? I'm probably younger than you...

I think we have more to worry about Garywt carrying. Bit too short of a temper.

[Garywt]

It means that you didn't actually read what I wrote...

Your "thought" (and I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt) couldn't be more wrong.

I never said I let "everything" slide. You actually think I'd stand there and let an assault, a robbery, a carjacking "slide"?

I carry to protect myself and my loved ones. Not to get into altercations with people who have "anger issues". Or people who snap at others in public places for smoking a cigar...

I've found that carrying makes me calmer. The last thing I want to do is deal with the aftermath of actually having to use my weapon. That is why I let the little things "slide"...

You should try it. It'll be good for your blood pressure...


P.S. Old age? I'm probably younger than you...

Let’s just leave it as I read too much into what you said. As for my age, I turned 59 in December, retired just after my 55th birthday due to my cancer and have been battling my incurable disease sine 7/31/13.

[Garywt]

I think we have more to worry about Garywt carrying. Bit too short of a temper.

Not to worry, I have never had a desire to own or carry a gun so I never will.

[Number 10 GI]

Not to worry, I have never had a desire to own or carry a gun so I never will.

Just yanking your chain. :laugh:

[JMintzer]

I think we have more to worry about Garywt carrying. Bit too short of a temper.

I was talking about "letting the little things slide", but you might be right.

Not everyone has the temperament to carry a weapon...

[JMintzer]

Let’s just leave it as I read too much into what you said. As for my age, I turned 59 in December, retired just after my 55th birthday due to my cancer and have been battling my incurable disease sine 7/31/13.

Well, I'll admit it when I'm wrong... You got me by a few years...

[ElDiabloJoe]

He or she can be the complainant/witness on a ticket, depending on the Officer assigned to the disturbance,

Yes, they can, but as I understand Florida law any crime misdemeanor and below MUST be committed in that officer's presence. Aside from the typical exceptions such as DV, DUI, violation of restraining order and usually about 7 others. Otherwise, RP (Reporting Party) will be conducing a private person's arrest and the local agency will handle the custody / citation as a courtesy.

Keeping in mind, that now the RP has to show up to every court date or else it gets completely dropped. There's a reason defense attorneys drag things out forever with continuance after continuance after pre-trial motions, etc.

Ohhh, and another big factor, the RP is now on the hook for false arrest if that turns out to be the case - there is no qualified immunity for an unlawful arrest for non-sworn. My case gets dropped because the RP failed to show up to court for the 7th of 30 appearances, and I'm suing for false arrest.

RP really want to go through all that wasted time and effort, court parking fees, and the civil litigation risk of a possibly unlawful arrest? You unlawfully arrest me and I'm going to end up with your house and your car. Maybe your wife.

There's a big difference, huge in fact, between talking the talk (i.e. I'll have you arrested!!!) and walking the walk (what really happens that they don't show you on all those cop shows you have been watching for 40 years).

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Why not have a little tolerance? You can move around outdoors away from him. I do not smoke. I know there are outdoor rules for this in some places. It seems too damn much when you stop and think about it. Use your feet and move about and let people have the smallest of freedoms even if they do annoy you.

The "freedom" to enjoy music in a place where their rule (not law) is "no smoking in this space" IS the "smallest of freedoms." If you have to walk away, because someone else is breaking the rules and their actions are bothering you, then THEY have just taken YOUR "smallest of freedoms" away.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Am I tirade man? If so I promise you I did not smoke a joint, I have never even tried any non prescribed drugs. Have never smoked either.

I thought you said you had a free beer? Alcohol is a drug. And it's not prescribed.

I mean if you're going to go the "holier than thou" route, you probably should make sure that it's not easy for the rest of us to call you out on it.

[Garywt]

I thought you said you had a free beer? Alcohol is a drug. And it's not prescribed.

I mean if you're going to go the "holier than thou" route, you probably should make sure that it's not easy for the rest of us to call you out on it.

Alcohol is not a drug and it is not illegal so it can’t be called an illegal drug. I am not holier than thou.

[JMintzer]

Alcohol is not a drug and it is not illegal so it can’t be called an illegal drug. I am not holier than thou.

Per the NIH, Alcohol is most certainly a drug...

"Alcohol is among the most used drugs, plays a large role in many societies and cultures around the world, and greatly impacts public health..."

Alcohol | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/alcohol)

And no one mentioned "illegal drugs" until you did...

[Garywt]

Per the NIH, Alcohol is most certainly a drug...

"Alcohol is among the most used drugs, plays a large role in many societies and cultures around the world, and greatly impacts public health..."

Alcohol | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/alcohol)

And no one mentioned "illegal drugs" until you did...

Well I wasn’t taking aspirin. I do believe I said prescription drugs so I guess I should have said over the counter and prescription as all others are illegal drugs. People can call alcohol a drug if they want but I have never considered it one. I might as well say I have never been drunk either.

[JGibson]

Per the NIH, Alcohol is most certainly a drug...

"Alcohol is among the most used drugs, plays a large role in many societies and cultures around the world, and greatly impacts public health..."

Alcohol | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/alcohol)

And no one mentioned "illegal drugs" until you did...

You quoted NIDA which deals with drug abuse. It's saying it can be an addicted drug for certain people. Not everyone.

Just about everything these days can be viewed as a drug like shopping , eating, social media, gaming, etc. but we don't call them a drug until they become abused and act like a drug.

So therefore alcohol is not a drug and only about 8% of the population use it as a drug.

Cigarettes have certain chemicals in them that make them addictive just like potato chips, scientists add addictive chemicals so you want more.
Oxycontin and Fentanyl are highly addictive drugs. I can remember when the FDA said Oxycontin was non addictive, we know how that turned out.

We have gone off topic but as a ex smoker I do wish they would incorporate Hospital standards when it comes to smoking near a hospital. Which is basically you can't smoke on the property at all.
The square is privately owned and if they wanted to the could ban smoking. At the very least you should have to go across the street.
We have people with oxygen tanks sitting in the square.

[JMintzer]

Well I wasn’t taking aspirin. I do believe I said prescription drugs so I guess I should have said over the counter and prescription as all others are illegal drugs. People can call alcohol a drug if they want but I have never considered it one. I might as well say I have never been drunk either.

The fact that YOU never considered alcohol a drug matters not.

The NIH (and all other medical professionals) most certainly DO consider it a drug.

Being drunk is irrelevant to the conversation...

[JMintzer]

You quoted NIDA which deals with drug abuse. It's saying it can be an addicted drug for certain people. Not everyone.

The NIDA is part of the NIH... Did you even bother to look at the link?

Just about everything these days can be viewed as a drug like shopping , eating, social media, gaming, etc. but we don't call them a drug until they become abused and act like a drug.

Incorrect...

So therefore alcohol is not a drug and only about 8% of the population use it as a drug.

Also incorrect...

Cigarettes have certain chemicals in them that make them addictive just like potato chips, scientists add addictive chemicals so you want more.

And? Irrelevant to the topic at hand...

Oxycontin and Fentanyl are highly addictive drugs. I can remember when the FDA said Oxycontin was non addictive, we know how that turned out.

Also irrelevant to the topic at hand...

We have gone off topic but as a ex smoker I do wish they would incorporate Hospital standards when it comes to smoking near a hospital. Which is basically you can't smoke on the property at all.
The square is privately owned and if they wanted to the could ban smoking. At the very least you should have to go across the street.
We have people with oxygen tanks sitting in the square.

The squares are not hospitals. There are people with oxygen tanks sitting outside the squares, as well... Your point is invalid...


P.S. I'm not , nor have I ever been a cigarette smoker. I do enjoy an occasional cigar in the privacy of my home, or when out. But I do my best to not infringe on others...

I also don't lose my mind when others smoke nearby...

[JGibson]

The NIDA is part of the NIH... Did you even bother to look at the link?



Incorrect...



Also incorrect...



And? Irrelevant to the topic at hand...



Also irrelevant to the topic at hand...



The squares are not hospitals. There are people with oxygen tanks sitting outside the squares, as well... Your point is invalid...


P.S. I'm not , nor have I ever been a cigarette smoker. I do enjoy an occasional cigar in the privacy of my home, or when out. But I do my best to not infringe on others...

I also don't lose my mind when others smoke nearby...

FDA- definition.

A. Statutory Definitions

1. Drug

Section 201(g) of the FD&C Act (21 USC 321(g)) provides that the term "drug" means:

(A) articles recognized in the official United States Pharmacopoeia, official Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or official National Formulary, or any supplement to any of them; and (B) articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or other animals; and (C) articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals; and (D) articles intended for use as a component of any articles specified in clause (A), (B), or (C). . .

I think I will go with the FDA definition and agree to disagree with you on other points.

[JMintzer]

FDA- definition.

A. Statutory Definitions

1. Drug

Section 201(g) of the FD&C Act (21 USC 321(g)) provides that the term "drug" means:

(A) articles recognized in the official United States Pharmacopoeia, official Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or official National Formulary, or any supplement to any of them; and (B) articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or other animals; and (C) articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals; and (D) articles intended for use as a component of any articles specified in clause (A), (B), or (C). . .

I think I will go with the FDA definition and agree to disagree with you on other points.

"Is Alcohol Classified As A Drug? Alcohol is a drug. It is classified as a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant, which means that drinking alcohol slows down brain functioning, neural activity, and further reduces the functioning of various vital functions in the body..."

does the fda consider alcohol a drug - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=does+the+fda+consider+alcohol+a+drug&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS873US874&sxsrf=AJOqlzV4cRd62TPZLHwlWNy9LRCW_RoYVw%3A1675809 729415&ei=wdPiY8_2GN6tiLMPj5OjyA4&oq=fda+alcohol+a+drug&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQARgAMgsIABAFEAcQHhDxBDI GCAAQCBAeMgUIABCGAzIFCAAQhgMyBQgAEIYDMgUIABCGAzoIC AAQhgMQsAM6BwgjELACECc6CwgAEAgQBxAeEPEEOggIABAIEAc QHkoECEEYAUoECEYYAFCuA1i8CmCjHGgBcAB4AIABYogB9wGSA QEzmAEAoAEByAEBwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#ip=1)