Some weariness wafts over smoking ban issue

March 27, 2007
By Edward Husar, Herald-Whig Staff Writer

The smoking issue once again took center stage at Monday's City Council meeting, with a local bar owner and a spokesman for the American Heart Association both making impassioned pleas to aldermen.

The bar owner, Jim Perry of Instant Replay, also submitted petitions bearing 1,500 signatures in opposition to a proposed smoking ban. Meanwhile, Amy Shirey of the Coalition for a Smoke Free Quincy turned in petitions signed by 2,800 people in support of smoking restrictions.

Some aldermen appeared to be growing weary of the ongoing smoking debate that has surfaced repeatedly at council meetings in recent weeks.

Alderman Steve Duesterhaus, D-2, declared he will no longer support opening the floor to public comments on the smoking issue.

"The comments are redundant at this point, and there is no new information being introduced," Duesterhaus said. "With the advent of the forums that are planned, that is the proper venue to present your opinion on this."

The coalition is planning its first public forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Quincy Public Library's meeting room. Some aldermen may not be able to attend because of a previously scheduled hearing at 7 p.m. on a proposal to expand the Quincy/Adams County Enterprise Zone.

Mayor John Spring said the smoking debate is far from over. "I'm very happy that the coalition will have this first forum, and I would hope they would have additional forums if needed," Spring said.

He said despite Duesterhaus' proclamation, the council as a whole has not shut off debate.

"I would never say that we wouldn't listen to anyone that wanted to speak to the City Council," Spring said. "I am certain that the aldermen, after a number of weeks, feel as though they've heard most of the comments on the issue. But that can change. It's been a very civil discussion so far."

Monday's discussion featured Katie Neisen, community advocacy director for the American Heart Association's Chicago office. Neisen said she comes to Quincy frequently to visit relatives and friends and urged aldermen to take steps to restrict smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants.

"You can protect the lives of the 70 percent of the general public who are nonsmokers," she said.

"This is your opportunity. Please don't punt to the state. Please be the leader that Quincy always is and protect the public health of citizens by doing what's right."

Perry argued against a citywide smoking ban, saying it would usurp the rights of business owners to decide for themselves how to run their businesses.

"Although the other side has attempted to cloud this issue under the guise that they are looking out for those not smart enough to make the right choices on their own, it's my position that the majority of neither want nor need their help in running our lives," Perry said.

"We are quite capable of making our own informed decisions, no matter what the risks involved."

Perry said smoking bans in other cities have led to sharp drops in patronage and real estate values for bars. So for him, the issue is a monetary concern.

"My suggestion to everyone who feels that a smoking environment is too much of a risk for them to take, do not come in. This is your choice," he said. "But please do not dictate a policy to me that may cause me to lose a large part of my life savings."
Contact Staff Writer Edward Husar at ehusar@whig.com or (217) 221-3378
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Senate panel backs smoking ban

February 05, 2007
Rajah Maples

QUINCY, IL -- To smoke or not to smoke used to be the question. But the effects of second-hand smoke have created a whole new dilemma for cities across the country.

The Coalition for a Smoke Free Quincy wants the city to prohibit smoking in all public establishments, which would include restaurants and taverns.

The Quincy City Council heard from residents on both sides of the issue. Those against the proposal say it would put some restaurants and bars out of business. But others say the health of innocent children and employees of those businesses need to be protected.

Twenty eight cities in Illinois have a smoking ban of some sort right now.

Mayor John Spring says there's no formal ordinance facing the city council right now. But alderman might not have to make a decision on the issue.

That's because state lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban smoking from all public facilities.
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