City officials consider smoking ordinance

BY PAUL CZAPKOWICZ
March 29, 2006
CALUMET CITY | Smoke 'em if you got 'em. At least while you still can.

The City Council met Monday to discuss a new smoking ordinance in response to the Cook County Board's recent action in banning smoking in most public places, starting in 2007.

If Calumet City adopts an ordinance that is in compliance with the Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act, it will not have to follow the county's stricter ordinance.

The council directed City Attorney Mark Sterk to draft an ordinance similar to one used by the village of Summit that prohibits smoking in such public places as schools, health care facilities, polling places, public transportation, shopping malls and grocery stores. It does not call for a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.

"What they (the council) seem to be leaning towards somewhat is smoking in bar areas, providing that there's proper ventilation, and providing smoking in restaurants because they have the option of having no-smoking sections," Mayor Michelle Markiewicz Qualkinbush said. "So you'll still have the opportunity to get away from the secondhand smoke, and then having the proper ventilation systems as well."

The mayor said the new ordinance would have to be clear on the exact type of ventilation system that would be required of businesses. The city already has an ordinance on the books that prohibits smoking in City Hall.

Qualkinbush said she would need to view the ordinance before deciding if she is for or against smoking in bars and restaurants.

"I want to be mindful of how it's going to affect our businesses and still allow patrons an opportunity not to have to be subjected to secondhand smoke," she said. "We're gonna have to try to find a balance with that." 

Sixth Ward Alderman Nick Manousopoulos has a special interest in the ordinance since he is also co-owner of Tom's Family Restaurant on Burnham Avenue. He said his restaurant already has a ventilation system and a nonsmoking section, and that a smoking ban could hurt local businesses by sending customers elsewhere.

"We're so close to state line, Lansing, and surrounding communities that do allow smoking, so far," Manousopoulos said. "This is going to have to be looked at very carefully."

Fifth Ward Alderman Gerald Tarka said prohibiting smoking in bars and restaurants is really unnecessary.

"If a facility that serves food or certain beverages doesn't ventilate adequately, they're going to go out of business anyway," Tarka said.

First Ward Alderman Edward Gonzalez called for exploring the possibility of adopting an ordinance that allows more than the allotted 12 months for businesses to conform to the yet-to-be-determined ventilation system.

Qualkinbush was doubtful the ordinance would be on the agenda for the next City Council meeting on April 12.