As in some other cities and counties in North Carolina, Greensboro is debating whether or not to ban smoking in its parks. According to the News & Record:

The Cone Health Foundation has asked the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Commission to ban smoking in all 175 city parks, recreational facilities, greenways and trails. If enacted as requested, Greensboro’s ban would follow similar policies in Asheville, Boone and Buncombe County. And it would be tougher and more comprehensive than a policy in Raleigh that takes effect this summer. The Raleigh ban, passed in February, excludes two downtown parks as well as the parking lots of parks and recreation facilities. It also allows smokeless tobacco use.

Are there any aspects of human behavior that will be left unregulated by government? On a recent trip, my wife and I were sitting at a picnic table in a small park behind a McDonald’s when an employee came out and sat at the next table. After a brief greeting, she lit up and then noticed the smoke blowing in our direction. She asked if it bothered us and when we politely said yes, she moved to a table at a greater distance. That is how civilized society handles this problem, not by passing more and more laws.