Barbecues and Christmas Trees Banned

(Olympia, Washington) Effective July 1st, new laws in the state of Washington will prohibit open-flame gas or charcoal barbecues around balconies unless there is a sprinkler overhead. Also prohibited unless there is an overhead sprinkler system will be cut Christmas trees in apartments, meeting halls, stores, jails, schools, hospitals, day care centers, and churches.

Some people have expressed concern about the ability of the state to enforce the new laws. I agree. For one thing, how would the Barbecue and Christmas Tree Police even know when someone was grilling a couple burgers on his hibachi on an upper floor of his apartment building? And what in the world will be done to assure that all Christmas trees are in compliance?

It seems to me that the Washington Legislature passed a "wouldn't-it-be-nice" law that is impossible to enforce, other than capriciously. However, this action is not out of character for the Pacific Northwest where politicians have a particular affinity for utopianism.