Citizens react to proposed smoking ban

Citizens react to proposed smoking ban

By MATTHEW STOFF
The Daily Sentinel

Debates across the city have some people fuming and others breathing sighs of relief over a proposed ordinance that would prohibit smoking in local restaurants, bars and other public places.

"I think it (stinks)," said one man who declined to give his name. A two-pack-a-day smoker, he said restaurants and bars are some of the few locations left where smokers could still light up away from home.

Judy Kell supports the ordinance, which she says would make her outings more pleasurable.

"I was a smoker and I have quit. It is nice to be able to go in a place and not smell it," she said.

Fredrick Grahm doesn't smoke, but had strong opinions about keeping the rights of those who do intact.

"I think it's unfair to create such restrictions on people that are hooked on nicotine," he said. "Nicotine is a drug. It's like booze and alcohol. People go in for a beer, and we don't say they should be a certain distance from fumes from alcohol, so why fumes from nicotine? It's crazy. I think it's totally unfair."

Inversely, David Smith said he supports the ordinance because he supports the rights of non-smokers.

"Smoking should be banned in all public places. It should be banned in restaurants as well, and if smokers want to go outside that's fine. But inside, where non-smokers are, smokers' rights end where a non-smoker's nose begins."

The city commissioners, who will vote on the ordinance at their meeting tonight, have fielded a similar range of comments from citizens, opining and inquiring about the issue.

Mayor Roger Van Horn said he's heard only a few remarks against the smoking ban, mostly coming from nightclub and restaurant owners.

"I think by and large, I have heard many more for it than against," he said. Of particular concern to them, Van Horn said, were measures preventing smoking on outdoor patios and seating areas.

Southwest Ward Commissioner Billy Huddleston Jr. said although most of the input he's heard has come from non-smokers supporting the ban, he's also heard criticism of the no outdoor smoking provision. Huddleston said "there's a good possibility" he would make a motion to amend the ordinance to exclude the outdoor areas from the ordinance.

"I hope that we can come up with something so that these kinds of establishments can be allowed to build outdoor facilities," he said. "I'm trying to look out for the non-smoker, the smoker and the businessman."

Travis Morris, representing the Southeast Ward, said he hasn't received any calls from people opposed to the rule.

Northwest Ward Commissioner Don Partin said he's gotten pressure to delay the vote to allow for more debate, but would probably not make such a motion. Other's have merely "voiced concern," he said.

Northeast Ward Commissioner Randy Johnson said he supports the smoking ban, even though he's fielded plenty of calls opposed to it.

"I know the concerns of the people in the restaurant business and the nightclub business. Their concerns are valid — they don't know what's going to happen. (But) There are statistics to prove it does not have an adverse effect on your business," he said. "I can't see this being a bad thing. I'm not changing."

Citizens who have not contacted their elected official will still have an opportunity to be heard. Although Tuesday night's commission agenda does not call for a formal public hearing, Van Horn said he will solicit public comments because "it's the right thing to do."

"We will be listening to as many people — within reason — that want to talk on either side," he said. "One way or another I'd like to see it get decided."
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