Village delays vote on smoking ban

Rebecca Little
October 11, 2006

MORTON GROVE -- Village officials postponed a decision this week on whether to prohibit smoking in restaurants and bars.

Mayor Richard Krier initially proposed the ordinance as a response to reports of the dangers of secondhand smoke.

The only exceptions to the smoking ban would be hotels and motels, private clubs, residences not used as businesses, retail tobacco establishments, and nursing homes and mental-health facilities.

Bar owners and some trustees were concerned about the economic impact.

"Forty percent of people who come in are smokers," said Jim Reinke, owner of Trackside Tap. "And customers that generate sales tax revenue are not all Morton Grove residents. What's going to keep them in a small place like mine?"

Mike Cummings, owner of Bringer Inn, said customers would find somewhere else to go. "They could go right around the corner to Skokie," Cummings said. Skokie allows smoking in bars.

Morton Grove, which has home rule, does not have to revert to the county ban that takes effect in January, prohibiting smoking in bars, restaurants and all other indoor workplaces. The village has had an ordinance since 1985 that prohibits smoking in workplaces, municipal facilities and elevators.

The issue will be discussed Jan. 2. Some trustees were wary of a total ban.

"I think it's draconian and messes with civil liberties," Trustee Dale Senensky said. "I want to bring tax dollars into town, not drive them away."

Trustee Dan Staackman said: "Everybody wants more restaurants, and this would discourage restaurateurs."

Trustee Roy Kogstad spoke in favor of a total ban as did a few residents. "Pass a meaningful ordinance to prohibit smoking," said resident Pat Kansoer. "If you're going to ban smoking, ban smoking. If not, don't use the justification that what you're doing protects the health and well-being of the residents."
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