Bartlett considers smoking ban

09/05/06

BARTLETT — Village officials have a decision to make: Take no action and allow Cook County's Clean Indoor Air Ordinance that bans smoking in public places to take effect in March, or draft an alternate ordinance.

The village will seek input on the smoking ban from local businesses and residents at its economic development commission meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11. The meeting will be held at village hall, 228 S. Main St.

Bartlett could draft an ordinance that is either more or less restrictive and applies across all three counties within the village's borders, village officials said. Bartlett falls within Cook, Kane and DuPage counties.

The Cook County ordinance prohibits smoking in all public places and places of employment to reduce public health risks from exposure to secondhand smoke.

However, most of the public discussion about this and similar bans across the country has focused on restaurants and bars becoming smoke-free and the impact this has on their business.

Bartlett has 30 restaurants and bars, 17 in Cook County and 13 in DuPage County.

In their decision-making process, village trustees will look at all sides of the issue. They will consider not only the opinions of Bartlett businesses and their clientele, but also what neighboring communities are saying about the smoking ban and how other areas have fared economically after going smoke-free.

Village President Catherine Melchert said the ball is beginning to roll in the direction of smoking bans, probably all across Illinois. The trend adds to the importance of the village board getting the facts and gauging the opinion of the community before choosing the direction it will take.
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