Question: Do you have any updates to your previous columns about banning smoking in condos?
Answer: Banning smoking in condos is probably the most popular topic I’ve written about and it has given me visibility into how many communities have tried, are trying, or want to ban smoking in units and common areas.
Multiple Buildings Have Banned Smoking
As of 2019, only 12% of Arlingtonians smoke so it’s not surprising so many condo residents are interested in eliminating it from their buildings. Over the last few years, multiple condo buildings in Arlington have successfully amended their by-laws to ban smoking in units and on private balconies (common areas are relatively simple).
Hosting Info Session for Residents/Board Members
This fall, I’m organizing a meeting/info session for all interested condo communities (residents and/or Board members) to discuss strategies and lessons learned on banning smoking, misinformation surrounding smoking bans, and other topics I’ve gotten questions on over the years.
We’ll have guests who were heavily involved in the smoking bans in their communities, including an attorney who led the charge in his building, and who has helped other communities get their process started.
Let Me Know If You’re Interested
If you’d like to be included, send me an email at [email protected] with your name, condo building, whether you’re a Board/Committee member or resident, and if your building has already tried or currently trying to ban smoking.
I’m targeting a September meeting and hope to set a date and time by early August. Don’t worry, you won’t get signed up for a bunch of junk marketing emails from me if you reach out.
I hope everybody has a great July 4!
