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Assembly Mulls Indoor Smoking ExemptionHearing postponed until May 22 meetingUPDATE: At the May 8 Anchorage Assembly meeting, Chugiak/Eagle River Assemblyman Bill Starr announced he wanted to revise his proposal, and the public hearing was rescheduled for the May 22 assembly meeting. ANCHORAGE – While sponsors call it a “narrow exemption,” opponents of an ordinance allowing indoor smoking in some establishments said it’s a major step backwards for local air quality. The measure, up for public hearing at Tuesday’s Anchorage Assembly meeting, is sponsored by Eagle River lawmakers Debbie Ossiander and Bill Starr and would allow certain private clubs to designate separate, indoor smoking facilities. Ossiander said the ordinance was introduced after repeated requests from the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Chugiak. After the international, members-only charity organization asked Starr and Ossiander for an exemption to the 2007 municipal ban on smoking in bars and restaurants, Ossiander said her constituent drafted an ordinance allowing limited smoking in private clubs established prior to July 1, 2007. The exception, similar to the one granted to hotels, would allow small smoking areas if the room was properly ventilated and private. “What they wanted was to have the ability to have a separate room off the club where people could leave the main part of the club and smoke, and not necessarily have to stand outdoors,” said Ossiander, who added the non-profit group had struggled to accommodate the five-year-old smoking ban. Since its approval by nearly 75 percent of Anchorage voters, Ossiander said the ban had gained widespread acceptance and generated a slew of positive feedback. While she said she didn’t know if the limited exception up for debate Tuesday could garner enough votes to pass, she said it was worth a try for the sake of the established, community-friendly club in her district. Assemblyman Dick Traini said it wasn’t. “It’s a bad backwards step in how we’re trying to eliminate secondhand smoke in Anchorage,” he said. The Midtown lawmaker said he’s heard nothing but opposition to the ordinance, and believed even a minor exemption to the citywide ban would put Anchorage on a fast track to undoing the work of the past few years. “Right now it’s the Eagles, then it will be the VFW and then it will be bars saying ‘It’s not fair.’” Traini said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a private club: If it’s a private suicide club, does that make it ok?” He said he’s already been in contact with at least half-a-dozen constituents who planned on testifying against the ordinance Tuesday, and heard from several others who asked the public testimony be pushed back in order to accommodate their schedules. While Traini said the results of the 2007 vote sent him a clear message, he said his decision was rooted in science. “Read the Surgeon Generals report,” he said. “Obviously Bill Starr hasn’t.” Starr could not be reached for comment Saturday. |
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Nate said on Thursday, May 10 at 12:55 PM
The American Cancer Society and similar groups are laudable organizations that do a lot of good for our community, BUT DO NOT LET THEM STOMP ON OUR RIGHTS. Remember, because of the federal tobacco settlement monies, there are millions of tax payer dollars being poured into our local community through these special interest lobbying groups. These groups have no vested interest in balancing our rights with their stated goals. That is our lawmaker’s job! The public consciousness of our lawmakers and the community has been hijacked by these organizations and as a result, the community has been persuaded to set aside some of our most cherished rights in order to discourage smoking in public. But Why? , What costs will this protection cost us? The Surgeon General has said that there is no safe level of poly unsaturated fats, next we will be shutting down the fast -food places or instituting fat taxes. Private clubs are neither public places nor are they private places open to the public.
90391506Robo said on Wednesday, May 9 at 2:25 PM
Sorry, no government over-sight. It is a private club, those that join no their policies before then join...if they do not object, then what right does government have too object. We have surrendered too much of our freedoms to a select few, that think or feel they know better than the individual...stay out of my business. Next they will ban smoking in homes that have children...just wait.
90282516Mandy Gershon said on Tuesday, May 8 at 1:11 PM
If they were really worried about people's health, they wouldn't force smokers outside in the cold to smoke, especially after so many businesses had spent an exorbitant amount of money to provide indoor ventilation and isolated rooms just for smokers. And I agree with State, a lot of idiots have moved up here to Alaska and are ruining our state.
90134866Gail Davidson said on Tuesday, May 8 at 11:11 AM
I also support the right for private clubs to choose, Chapter 16.65.005 SECONDHAND SMOKE CONTROL, the definition of “Employee”, includes paid or unpaid volunteers, WELL Our Volunteer men and women, most of whom have served our country in the Armed Forces, have and continue to smoke, and the option of standing outside in cold temperatures is not viable. Winter as well as cold wet summer days cause these fine people pain. Additionally, many of our members who smoke stop in and leave because they too have no warm place to smoke.
90121726Harley Barker said on Tuesday, May 8 at 10:20 AM
When a law is just so wrong -- When 75% of the population doesn't smoke then it would be an abomination to put such a policy to a vote by the people. enacted on the whim of the biased with the power to do so who cannot be reasoned with -- there can be only the last resort in order to effect change: civil disobedience.
90115765James Stewart said on Tuesday, May 8 at 7:45 AM
This is not an issue about the good or bad of smoking, it is about control, Fellow American citizens like Dick, have decided that they know what is best for all other American citizens, and if allowed to continue, Dick will remove our freedoms to (FILL IN THIS BLANK) because he will write ordinances that are nonsensical. The ordiannce calls Volunteers Employees? The SOA dept of labor disagrees. Dick states that now it is the Eagles, next the VFW and such. Hotels and non profits that dont serve alcohol have been allowed smoking for 5 YEARS!!! My name is James Stewart, I am the Treasurer of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4174, (Peters Creek Eagles), we have been devestated by the ordinance. Please know that tobacco is a legal product that we as a business can sell to our members, of which the municipality receives much tax revenue. When we allow our ability for choise to be removed, we ultimately set the stage for the removal of our freedoms, liberties, and Constitutional Rights
90097436Randy McCain said on Monday, May 7 at 7:56 PM
ANCH Municipal Code(AMC 16.65)is a law that regulates, but does not prohibit smoking in all public places. I support the proposed amendment which would allow PRIVATE clubs to decide for themselves if they would like to smoke behind shut locked doors. Repetition has very little to do with the truth & we are repeatedly told that there is no safe level of second hand smoke. OSHA BEGS TO DIFFER... OSHA has established PELs(Permissible Exposure Levels)for all chemicals found in a cigarette, including the 40 measurable carcinogens in second hand smoke. PELs are levels of exposure for an 8 hour workday from which according to OSHA,no harm will result. OSHA has stated "Field studies of environmental tobacco smoke indicate that under normal conditions, the components in tobacco smoke are diluted below permissible exposure levels as referenced in the Air Contaminant Standard (29 CFR 1910.1000 It would be very rare to find a workplace with so much smoking that any PEL would be exceeded"
90055073Mike said on Monday, May 7 at 9:54 AM
The taxes on tobbaco are outrageous. All pushed through under the gise of curbing the use of tobbaco. Lets be clear here Folk, they collect BILLIONS of dollars every year in tobbaco taxes, this never was about people being healty, it was and is about a tax revenue. Personaly my feeling is when Im paying an extra 40 to 50 dollars a carton to the city and state for tobbaco I should be able to use it ANY WHERE I please, Havent I paid enough for the RIGHT to do so ?
90002135JB said on Monday, May 7 at 1:47 AM
@Bulldog Taxing junk food is a good idea actually, as it would help curb unnecessary calories. Since the Government thinks in terms of money, why not tackle inflation of the waist line with money, too? Dohohohoho~ Really though, a tax on junk food would produce results.
89963556shelley said on Sunday, May 6 at 11:36 PM
i smoke but more people are killed by DRUNK drivers thab my cigarette smoke so do something about taxing those people who do it in public....i dont mind smoking outside but you have to learn that we are all human beings with rights and responsabilities to ourselves and the earth
89960326Yah said on Sunday, May 6 at 11:13 PM
More non smokers die every year than smokers. Fact. More should smoke and live longer.
89959806State said on Sunday, May 6 at 11:10 PM
State went to hell when the libs started coming here and slowly stealing our freedoms. The libs ruin one state and move on like locust. Run them out of here, let them take Lisa and Marky with them. I think smoking sucks, but if a bussiness wants to allow smoking, and you don't like it don't go. Frick, this is about pvt clubs wanting to do what they want to get away from minority control.
89959705Bulldog said on Sunday, May 6 at 10:42 PM
Cooljulie - interesting comments regarding your opinion of global warming. Now if you could please inform me of some examples of facts, NOT FICTION, regarding first-hand evidence of global warming here in Alaska it would be most enlightening. I'm hoping your IQ is larger than your shoe size when it comes to first-hand evidence.
89958905James said on Sunday, May 6 at 10:25 PM
To Smokers Suck- If you can tell me the exact chemical in cigarettes that causes cancer let me know untill then keep your mouth shut.
89958215sunset said on Sunday, May 6 at 10:09 PM
to smokers suck- a few things are worse than a stinky smoker- uneducated, and unwilling to be educated voters! It is a shame that stupid people breed and then vote. They do not want to learn. and they believe EVERYTHING the liberal bunny hugger media tells them- like leming-
89957776Smokers Suck said on Sunday, May 6 at 9:27 PM
Some will say say we arre taking away their right to smoke. What about our right to be smoke and cancer free. There are few things that are nastier than a stinky smoker....
89956556sunset said on Sunday, May 6 at 8:25 PM
To cooljulie and anonymous- I have lived in Ak all my life(65 yrs you johnny come lately!). You think you know it all! It was in the news that the scientists had "tampered" with the results to make it appear that there WAS global warming as requested by the green donors who financed the research. I have not seen Al Gore since this came out. FOLLOW THE MONEY!AND I know people that have smoked for many decoades and no cancer... on the other hand people that don't smoke and haven't been around it that have died of cancer. They are not sure what causes cancer but the AMA has a ton of money invested and they won't let a cure be found yet. Ask yourself this, why did the medical industry cut the radiation level in HALF several years ago? It wasn't safe and we were in a 50 year test. Feel like a lab rat?? Thanks government! The AMA has been conducting a test on radiation levels and has us passing skittles and burping rainbows but the government is doing what is best for us.
89954466Bulldog said on Sunday, May 6 at 8:21 PM
I have a suggestion for the discussion of smoking exemption in a PRIVATE club and the taxation revenue from cigarettes. How about all you warm and fuzzies have a tax levied on all the soda/carbonated beverages that you purchase. And while we're at it regarding health issues, how about we tax all the FAT people per pound overweight. That ought to give the state a windfall of revenue and then you'll have something to fretter about. Let's give it a try and see what happens.
89954296cooljulie said on Sunday, May 6 at 7:32 PM
Isn't it funny how someone in Alaska, of all places, would contest global warming, when we have first hand evidence right here in our state. Obviousy sunset and others are clouded by more than just smoke from their cigs.
89951924Anonymous said on Sunday, May 6 at 7:28 PM
Sunset- I don't believe everything in the papers, good luck with that. Science has NOT reversed it's position on Global Warming. They have, in fact, stated it is happpening faster than they thought. Ever heard of Google? Do some research pal!
89951745JB said on Sunday, May 6 at 3:14 PM
But, a theory. Cigarettes produce revenue > Produces business for Medical Field > Keeps population in check by not prolonging retiree lifespan. I mean, why else would the US Government allow something that generally kills its user? Can one smoke in moderation and not suffer some form of cancer or lung disease? Really, can a person smoke in moderation, and not suffer for it?
89935935Dustin said on Sunday, May 6 at 12:14 PM
@David You can get free help all you need for free nicotine gum or patches in our great state from the web site alaskaquitline.com "Everyone in Alaska has access to free telephone support to quit tobacco. Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line offers eight weeks of free patches, gum or lozenges if you enroll in the multiple-call program. This service is available even if you are uninsured or without coverage from your health plan." call them if anyoone wants help to quit
89925216non smoker said on Sunday, May 6 at 11:45 AM
wow what a bunch of haters in the anchorage area. if they are allowed to put in a 'smoking area' that would be great. the non smokers don't have to go in there. but still they will complain and the biggest of the complainers are the ex-smokers. since when to you have"right" to clean air? is there an amendment to the constitution or the bill of rights and if so please post it so i can read it...
89923243sunset said on Sunday, May 6 at 11:16 AM
to Anoymous- Dream on! Do you think Jerry Prevo will allow gambling in this State? WEven the indian Corps can't get that passed. Global warming has been reversed-0 can't you read the papers? You are in yuppie lala land.
89921646Anonymous said on Sunday, May 6 at 11:07 AM
Neither the surgeon general's warning nor global warming have been reversed. Stick your head in the sand (or in a cloud of smoke) if you wish but all the lame excuses in the world can't justify a wrong action or poisonous habit. As to where will the tax money come from if we outlaw smoking- we bring in state run lotteries just like all the other states did. People who smoke gamble with their health/life, they'll surely gamble with a paycheck.
89921026sunset said on Sunday, May 6 at 10:42 AM
We have become a warm and fuzzy and so politically correct that we are killing our selves. Earnie doesn't live in the bar and smoke smell on a person is something he does not like. I don't like colonge. Noone told him about the fugitive emmisions in wood smoke. That is his warm and fuzzy. David needs to know that his taxes will go way up if they outlaw tobacco! The problems is we have a few that are VERY vocal and the majority of smokers that are not. The politicians will listen to those that "raise a stink" that is not necessarily what the majority wants. I say majority because they are raking in the taxes on the cigarettes... that is from all the smokers and closet smokers. They will not go without the money so when the tobacco taxes taper off, what are they going to tax next. You warm and fuzzy need to think about this... while you are at it, do your homework and do your own research too. Think for yourself. So much of what the govt puts out has been reversed....
89919516David said on Sunday, May 6 at 9:59 AM
Simply provide Nicotine Gum at cost or for free. ie no State or local taxes on the gum. Really the only fair laws is to simply outlaw tobacco. No exemptions.
89916584Susan Nielsen said on Sunday, May 6 at 9:01 AM
I am not a smoker let me say that first, but what the assembly is not taking into consideration is that smokers are TAX PAYING citizens and as such have equal rights with the non smoking populace, the assembly has become quite sanctimonious, and is easily swayed by the possibility of displeasing a certain sect. The Anchorage Assembly needs a complete overhaul, and we Alaskans need another News paper so all sides can be heard.
89912676Anonymous said on Sunday, May 6 at 8:06 AM
Anybody hear of DISCRIMINATION? That is what smoker's are living with. I respect other people's rights whether they are smoker's or not. I wish all you oh so perfect non-smoker's would treat us the same way. You sure like to use out tax money for all kinds of wasteful spending under the guise of "using it for schools". Yeah, RIGHT!! Keeep on raiaing our taxes and stomping on us. I go to the valley for my smokess AND ecreatuion.At least weare treatedwith respect out there.
89908896Bill said on Sunday, May 6 at 8:02 AM
My, this state sure is going to the crapper. wish we could have put a ban on idiot's being able to enter, 50 years ago!!
89908616Jeff said on Sunday, May 6 at 7:59 AM
Just let the business owner decide. A sign on the front door that says "we accommodate smokers" is all that is needed. Then you will know before you enter a business,and the non-smoking folks can choose to enter or not. No one is FORCED to patronize an establishment,we make a choice to. And the non-smokers would have a choice not to go in. By the way, for those of you who scream employees right to clean air, they are not FORCED to work in a smoking envirement...FORCED labor is Slavery,and slavery was abolished long ago
89908424Ernie said on Sunday, May 6 at 12:09 AM
To those who try to equate the breathing of secondhand smoke to sitting by an open campfire outside. Where did you learn your logic? Being indoors with a cigarette smoker is not comparable to sniffing a little wood smoke. The cigarette smoke is off the scale more toxic than campfire. Not to mention that a smoker indoors pollutes in your living space where you breathe it full time. And can you tell me you like the smell of cigarette smoke on someone's breath, in their hair, on clothing and the smell in the air itself. Most don't. Campfire smoke gives MOST a warm, fuzzy feeling and smells of comfort.
89886445Jim said on Saturday, May 5 at 11:24 PM
If you truly want to stop pollution because you cannot breathe... indoors or out, a single v-8 motor will put out more pollution in 1 hour than a smoker will in their entire life. Something for you warm and fuzzy democrats that keep insisting on injecting your preference into my lifestyle, then shut off your car, quit eating grilled foods or smoked foods including salmon and no more fireplaces. AND if you really want to stop pollution, shut off the train, trucks, ships and barges.... just totally stop commerce. If you are going to be warm and fuzzy, then walk the walk instead of talking the talk.
89885326John said on Saturday, May 5 at 11:09 PM
how many of you that complain about 2nd hand smoke have a fireplace in your home or sit by an open fire while camping ?
89885055Bulldog said on Saturday, May 5 at 10:47 PM
It was interesting to read Mr. Traini's take on smoking versus non-smoking for private clubs. Now that we know Mr. Traini's true colors my vote will go elsewhere. If he could answer my question of where the transportation money for government comes from I would appreciate it. Just for his information it comes from alcohol and tobacco taxes. As well as 8% of tobacco taxes are by statute designated for school repairs and maintenance, et cetera. Why push million dollar bonds for same if it's supposed to be taken from tobacco taxes? Where is that tax money going? Response would be most appreciate, that way one can stay informed.
89884376John said on Saturday, May 5 at 10:45 PM
how about Balance I can respect your right not to smoke and well not force it on you if you well respect my right to smoke . Going outside at 20 below in the winter is not fair to me ether but i can agree to a smoking room not to infringe on your rights . there are places i well not go or do business with now because if the time i have to stand outside in the winter
89884316sunsetarab said on Saturday, May 5 at 9:45 PM
Traini- As a smoker, I pay taxes too. Since there is no longer a smoking section in the Anchorage restaurants, I now go to the Valley to go out to dinner(saves me money as I don't go out as often) but I get to have a cigarette after my meal. AND they have put out reports that smoking is not as bad for you as obesity is. Please remenber that ANYTHING that you can smell is pollution.... this includes your perfume, colonge and passing gas which is offensive to others but I have not tried to ban you either. That's what private clubs are for... their members. Remeber the surgeon general is a bureaucrat.... bureaucrats also claimed global warming, and that has been revised now. I can appreciate that some people don't like smoke, so let the business owners decide if they want to cater to the smoking crowd or the cry wolf that has no idea what he is talking about.
89882213Dave said on Saturday, May 5 at 9:37 PM
Anybody remember Get Smart? The bubble would come down over the table and fill with all their cigarrette smoke? Maybe that's what these people need. With NO ventilation, since it's so harmless.
89881885Anonymous said on Saturday, May 5 at 9:32 PM
Bill your analogy is a joke. Unlike driving (and I agree car exhaust is a major polluter) smoking serves NO PURPOSE.
89881783cooljulie said on Saturday, May 5 at 9:30 PM
Bill- Why should anyone care about what is 'fair' to someone creating toxic fumes???
89881714Too funny said on Saturday, May 5 at 7:26 PM
"is it FAIR that we force the Earth and Nature to take the burden of cigarrette smoke?"
89876266Bill said on Saturday, May 5 at 6:40 PM
I beleive in the rights of non-smokers, however they should also believe in my rights. If a seperate section is established for smokers and they have to get their own food or drinks and take them to that area and workers are not required to go into the section, What is wrong with it??? It has gotten to the point that smokers have to go outside or off the property to smoke. Is this fair? Mybe the next step is to prohibit driving in the city because of the exhaust.
89873976cooljulie said on Saturday, May 5 at 6:26 PM
Steve- Smokers as people have the right to be warm and dry, as well as anyone else who doesn't pollute the warm dry place. Once you light up, you lose those rights, just as would someone firing up a chainsaw inside. Nobody is discriminating against smokers, just the foul pollution they cause.
89873285JB said on Saturday, May 5 at 3:55 PM
@Steve Is the fresh air poisonous to smokers? Smoking indoors isn't fair to those who can't get away from it, IE, employees who don't want to smoke. They can't just up and leave because someone decided to engage in a smoke break. If smokers truly cannot handle being outside, then any room designated for smoking MUST have ventilation leading directly outside, and not back into the building. But, is it FAIR that we force the Earth and Nature to take the burden of cigarrette smoke? Maybe people should smoke indoors, it'll kill humanity faster.
89864954steve said on Saturday, May 5 at 3:23 PM
I still think the Question is should all smokers have to smoke outside in the cold, rain and snow or should they have the right to be warm and dry like everyone else in America. Why is it ok to discreminate against smokers but anything else however sick is ok ?
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