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New smoking ban proposed in Marion County
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A new ordinance, expected to be introduced at the City-County Council meeting Monday would eliminate current smoking-ban restrictions and give Indianapolis a comprehensive ban on smoking in public.
Democrat Councilor Angela Mansfield and Republican Ben Hunter are sponsoring the changes to the ordinance which currently prohibits lighting up in Indianapolis restaurants and public spaces.
“Overwhelmingly, my constituents want this,” Mansfield said. “It is about making our community a better place to live.”
Mansfield and Hunter’s proposal will call for a ban on smoking in bars, bowling alleys and nightclubs. Currently, 11 other Indiana cities or counties and 26 states have restrictions on smoking in all public places.
“We are way behind on [this type of ban],” said Missy Lewis, chairwoman of Smoke Free Indy, whose group lobbied for the existing ban. Lewis believes a tougher smoking policy would make for healthier workplaces for employees.
But opponents to the proposal argue that the restriction would hurt their business. Others, even some nonsmokers, argue the government is overstepping its authority and should not interfere with anyone’s right to smoke.
Since Indianapolis passed the current ordinance in 2005, comparable partial bans have been adopted in several communities surrounding Indianapolis, including Avon, Carmel and Greenwood. In addition, Franklin and Zionsville have passed comprehensive bans akin to the proposal the council will soon debate.
Other proposals have been met with a lot of resistance in the past. A bill banning smoking in most Indiana workplaces was watered down before it failed earlier this year in the Statehouse. Westfield passed a workplace ban just last month that exempted bars because of protests from local business owners.
Proponents of the proposal argue that tougher laws in other states have not hurt bars.
Phil Denton, owner of Greg’s, said there has been little effect on business since the local nightclub banned smoking August 1. Denton did admit the real test will be this winter when the patio used by smokers will be closed.
This is sure to be a lengthy debate and a vote on the measure may be a while in the future. The proposal will be introduced Monday then be discussed in a committee meeting October 14.
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