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K.C. smoking ban ballot issue
Public health should be considered
COLUMN
By By Mark Johnson
Kansas City voters will have the opportunity to approve a no-smoking measure in the upcoming election on Tuesday, April 8.
The measure, which would ban smoking in nearly all public areas except the gaming floors of Kansas City casinos and outdoor concourses of the Truman Sports Complex, deserves serious consideration as it is holds the strong potential to improve the community’s overall health and was initiated through the petition process.
Those two factors are significant considering the cost everyone pays for smoking-related illnesses, including heart and lung diseases, and the fact that it took this measure being initiated by the public for the city to take any action on the issue.
The measure also provides protection for children who otherwise may be placed in harmful environments where there is significant risk of secondhand smoke.
This fact cannot be overlooked as the ordinance currently in effect falls short of providing adequate protection for children just as attempts did to provide protection from secondhand smoke with smoking and nonsmoking areas in established restaurants.
Making the assumption that children will not be in eating establishments that also serve alcohol after 9 p.m. is just not realistic.
All one needs to do is go into one of the popular neighborhood restaurants on a weekend night.
Families with young children will be there.
Those who would assume the measure would lead to many drinking establishments being forced to close their doors if the proposal is approved are also being unrealistic, based on experiences in communities across the state line and in other areas where there have been no wholesale closings of bars despite the dire warnings.
In fact, as more communities consider and implement non-smoking measures, with the current state of strong public support for nonsmoking measures, the playing field is only going to grow more level and provide benefits for the region, not just the city.
The measure on the April 8 ballot should be approved.
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By By Mark Johnson
Kansas City voters will have the opportunity to approve a no-smoking measure in the upcoming election on Tuesday, April 8.
The measure, which would ban smoking in nearly all public areas except the gaming floors of Kansas City casinos and outdoor concourses of the Truman Sports Complex, deserves serious consideration as it is holds the strong potential to improve the community’s overall health and was initiated through the petition process.
Those two factors are significant considering the cost everyone pays for smoking-related illnesses, including heart and lung diseases, and the fact that it took this measure being initiated by the public for the city to take any action on the issue.
The measure also provides protection for children who otherwise may be placed in harmful environments where there is significant risk of secondhand smoke.
This fact cannot be overlooked as the ordinance currently in effect falls short of providing adequate protection for children just as attempts did to provide protection from secondhand smoke with smoking and nonsmoking areas in established restaurants.
Making the assumption that children will not be in eating establishments that also serve alcohol after 9 p.m. is just not realistic.
All one needs to do is go into one of the popular neighborhood restaurants on a weekend night.
Families with young children will be there.
Those who would assume the measure would lead to many drinking establishments being forced to close their doors if the proposal is approved are also being unrealistic, based on experiences in communities across the state line and in other areas where there have been no wholesale closings of bars despite the dire warnings.
In fact, as more communities consider and implement non-smoking measures, with the current state of strong public support for nonsmoking measures, the playing field is only going to grow more level and provide benefits for the region, not just the city.
The measure on the April 8 ballot should be approved.
Comments on "K.C. smoking ban ballot issue"
Comments are limited to 200 words or less.Rational wrote on Mar 28, 2008 3:34 PM:
" Bill Hannegan:
'The best research shows that strict bar and restaurant smoking bans do not decrease the overall smoke exposure of nonsmokers and actually increase the smoke exposure of small children.'
Easily one of the most ludicrous declarations I've ever seen. Smoking should be banned in ALL enclosed public venues. Period. "
'The best research shows that strict bar and restaurant smoking bans do not decrease the overall smoke exposure of nonsmokers and actually increase the smoke exposure of small children.'
Easily one of the most ludicrous declarations I've ever seen. Smoking should be banned in ALL enclosed public venues. Period. "
John Adams wrote on Mar 28, 2008 9:39 AM:
" I don't understand how this is a public health issue of sufficient imminence that trampling property rights is justified.
No one is forced to frequent locations where the property owner chooses to allow smoking.
If the marketplace demands smoke-free venues, they will flourish. Mandating smoke-free venues through popular manipulation is un-American.
If this was such a good idea, why didn't the petitioners petition their own favorite places to go smoke-free instead of attempting to enforce their wishes on everyone? "
No one is forced to frequent locations where the property owner chooses to allow smoking.
If the marketplace demands smoke-free venues, they will flourish. Mandating smoke-free venues through popular manipulation is un-American.
If this was such a good idea, why didn't the petitioners petition their own favorite places to go smoke-free instead of attempting to enforce their wishes on everyone? "
Phil wrote on Mar 27, 2008 5:49 PM:
" Yes, let's all get out and vote for the same type of public smoking ban that most of the rest of the country already enjoys! It's not that difficult for smokers to step outside for their smoke breaks. The vast majority do not smoke, and they deserve clean indoor air to protect their health. "
Genny Wright wrote on Mar 27, 2008 3:04 PM:
" This is wonderful. I have been so ashamed when I see so many cities in other states doing something about their citizen's health. Nobody should have to put up with secondhand smoke in places that are open to the public.
People who can't or won't give up smoking can still do so in their own homes and vehicles. Hopefully, there are no children around when they do so. "
People who can't or won't give up smoking can still do so in their own homes and vehicles. Hopefully, there are no children around when they do so. "
Bill Hannegan wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:50 AM:
" The best research shows that strict bar and restaurant smoking bans do not decrease the overall smoke exposure of nonsmokers and actually increase the smoke exposure of small children.
http://www.ifs.org.uk/publications.php?publication_id=3523
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http://www.ifs.org.uk/publications.php?publication_id=3523
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