Village passes own no-smoking rules

Janice Neumann
March 7, 2007

EVERGREEN PARK -- Opting out of Cook County's pending ban on smoking, Evergreen Park trustees this week narrowly passed an ordinance they say is fair to businesses and residents.

The law allows smoking in restaurants but only in designated areas. It is also legal to light up in taverns, bars and combo restaurant/bars within 20 feet of where alcohol is served and sold.

Smoking is prohibited outside any property, except single-family residences, unless the owner designates an area at least 50 feet from the entrance and 50 feet from a public right of way.

"After several meetings with local businesses ... watching what some of our neighbors have done with such ordinances ... we believe we have come up with a fair and equitable way to have smoking or not have smoking here in Evergreen Park," Mayor Jim Sexton said before the 3-2 vote.

Not all trustees were satisfied with the ordinance, although all agreed that public health is paramount.

At issue were clauses that would restrict smoking in public parks, on sidewalks, parkways, streets and in parking lots.

"I just think some of it is a little too restrictive," said Trustee Mark Phelan, who, along with Trustee Mark Marzullo, voted against the ordinance.

Sexton criticized Cook County officials for interfering in suburban business and creating a ban on smoking in all public buildings but allowing an unfair playing field by letting municipalities create their own laws.

The county ban takes effect March 15.

"They just don't need to meddle in suburban business when they have all the problems they have.

"They can't even balance their budget," said Sexton, who added that he hopes legislators will pass a statewide law.
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