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Palmer Weighs Smoking Ban in Businesses, Public PlacesOpponents argue patrons have choicesPALMER - For the chair of Smoke-Free Palmer, David Cheezem, Proposition Three, which would ban smoking in businesses and public places in Palmer, is a “common sense” initiative. But others, like Mary Lou Coddington, owner of the Palmer Bar, disagree. “People have a choice,” said Coddington. “They don’t have to come here to drink, they can go up the street.” The fight for clean air in Palmer is a hot debate as the city prepares for its October 2 election. Proposition Three could ban smoking in public places and places of employment. “Well, the proposition gives people the freedom to go in public and not be impacted by smoke,” said Cheezem, owner of Fireside Books in Palmer. “What we all want to do is create a level playing field for employers, so that they feel comfortable in a situation where their employees and their staff and their customers aren’t going to be impacted by the dangers of second-hand smoke.” The local bookstore owner, just down the street from several bars which could be impacted if the initiative passes, said that in these tough economic times, most people don’t have unlimited employment options. |
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ilinoisconservative said on Monday, Sep 10 at 9:30 AM
Our 5 year old State wide Comprehensive Smoking Ban is working well here in Illinois, as other Smoking Bans in the 37 other States that have them is also working fine. The vast majority of citizens, including most smokers, support smoke free laws.
101512135Ex smoker/Ex Bartender said on Sunday, Sep 9 at 11:48 AM
Sadly, it should be the people's choice, however history tells us that not enough people will make the right choice i.e. parents not protecting their children in cars, or people drinking to much and killing other people, for goodness sake we have to remind people not to use a hair dryer in the bath tub or shake their child to death. Folks don't do the right thing and more often than not it is at the cost of others or Gvnmnt health care picks up the tab. Now that we know the risks and we DO KNOW the risks, not smoking in public, plain and simple is the right thing to do, and it's very very sad that given this knowledge, business owners, parents etc. don't voluntarily do the right thing and force the local or federal authorities to make these decisions for them-When we became aware of the dangers of lead based paint, asbestos etc, Government had to ban it because the someone was worried about their bottom line and not the human condition!
101443016Robo said on Friday, Sep 7 at 10:41 PM
Just how many Californians moved up here anyways...too much oversight by elected officials...just how many complaints have been filed or proof of harm caused by "smoking" in establishments? Need to stop electing "mothers" to political office. I'm old enough to make my own choices regarding my health choices...
101344306horsein said on Friday, Sep 7 at 6:27 PM
Here comes agenda 21 to Palmer. Your reps are now your Dr., Your reps are will be telling you what you can do with your property, what light bulb you can use, what you can an can not say. Read about UN Agenda21 people and stop telling your neighbor what they can do. Geez.
101332886Don said on Friday, Sep 7 at 5:01 PM
Tom....If you Don't Like It.... Don't Go There....What is with You... If The Employes don't mind why should you..... Your too FAT.... No More Food for You!! Your Not Allowed in any Restaurants.. go out side to EAT Pig!!
101328651TOM Fazzini said on Friday, Sep 7 at 1:18 PM
Smoking is an addiction and a choice, and is not a “Right”. Has nothing to do with America or its Freedom. Why is it a smokers “Right” ride around smoking in their cars while their child is in the back seat? Why is this only the smokers “Right” and not a Childs “Right” for clean air? A person has the “Right” to a safe working environment and be protected by laws. if a person has the skills to fit the duties of a job, they should be able to apply for that job. However, this is not the case if people are allowed to smoke in a business or public places. It means anyone with a respiratory illness like Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, or Allergies, can not apply for the job, or attend a public event or eat or drink at those business. Tens of thousands have fought and died for your “Right” to vote and your “Right” to own a gun. I think there would be a very short line of those willing to fight and die for someone’s “Right” to smoke. And for those who are trying to stop smoking- You can do it.
101312775Great job said on Friday, Sep 7 at 11:35 AM
I thought it was a well rounded story. The change is happening in Palmer... so interviewing an Anchorage bar is pointless.
101304291Palmer Resident said on Friday, Sep 7 at 9:04 AM
What a one sided report. You could have easily interviewed the current employees of bars that have gone Smoke Free to get a more balanced report or even some Anchorage bars that worried it would hurt business to see how they are doing ie:Club Paris or Peanut Farm. Instead you pick the angry bar facing the change, What a disappointment. Do better
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