Theocratic Tendencies

"Health watchdogs are to collect the smoking devices from eating and drinking places under a sweeping purge of tobacco products signed into law....."

Is this an old story about Wilmette?

No, it's "enlightened" Iran:

.....by the president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The move means an end here to a pastime that is popular across the Middle East but which for long has been viewed as a decadent indulgence by the Islamic authorities in Iran.....

There have been previous attempts at crackdowns. Two years ago some establishments forbade women from smoking on the grounds it encouraged public flirting and mingling between the sexes.

However the latest ban is likely have greater force after being approved by the powerful guardian's council, a body of clerics and judges charged with assessing the religious and moral suitability of legislation. The government is setting up enforcement measures in a broad package that also bans smoking in all public buildings and workplaces and on public transport, and outlaws selling cigarettes to under-18s. People found smoking at work face being docked a month's salary.

Who knew Wilmette had such theocratic tendencies? Perhaps they will follow the dictator's lead on their next measures to improve us.