An appeals court has upheld a ban on smoking in federally subsidized public housing. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals said the Housing Department properly enacted a rule requiring a ban of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes inside public housing units and indoor common areas, and outside within 25 feet of those spaces. A smokers’ rights […]
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Appeals court upholds public housing smoking ban
An appeals court has upheld a ban on smoking in federally subsidized public housing. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals said the Housing Department properly enacted a rule requiring a ban of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes inside public housing units and indoor common areas, and outside within 25 feet of those spaces. A smokers’ rights group challenged the ban, claiming it improperly invaded their privacy. But the chief judge pointed to “considerable” evidence that the rule helped protect residents against the health risks of secondhand smoke, prevent fires, and reduce property maintenance costs.