Legislature considers statewide smoking ban

A game of pool at Smokehouse Billiards in downtown Florence just wouldn't be the same to David Turpen without the occasional pull on a cigarette.

"It keeps me calm when I play," he said.

Turpen, of Florence, prefers spending his free time at places where he can enjoy a cigarette.

Appropriately named, the Smokehouse is one of many local businesses that allow smoking.

That may not always be the case.

Numerous municipalities and 28 states across the nation have passed bans on smoking in the workplace. Nothing is concrete for the entire state of Alabama yet, but a smoke-free workplace law may not be far away.

During the legislative session that began Feb. 5, a bill was introduced to prohibit smoking in all workplaces and public places, exempting hotels and motels, private clubs with no employees, outdoor workplaces, tobacco retail stores and cigar bars.

The bill, HB663, was sent to the Government Operations Committee in the House on March 6 where it awaits action.

The bill is being supported by the Alabama chapter of the American Cancer Society.

The cancer society released a January study, conducted by Little Rock-based Opinion Research Associates, that noted of 500 registered Alabama voters who participated, 78 percent responded in favor of a law making all Alabama workplaces smoke-free.

It is the organization's hope that the legislation passes, said Ginny Campbell, government relations director for the American Cancer Society's Alabama chapter.

"It's a comprehensive bill that includes eliminating smoking in restaurants, bars and the workplace," she said. "There might be some businesses that are opposed to it, but there are many people who are in favor of eliminating secondhand smoke."

The Smokehouse and Old Town Tavern, in Sheffield, are among local businesses that oppose the ban. Both venues allow smoking and are often popular spots for music fans to enjoy bands throughout the week.

Jack Wadkins, owner of Old Town Tavern, said although he doesn't personally smoke, his employees do and so do most of his patrons.

"I'm opposed to going to state-mandated control. I think it should be left up to the business as to whether or not they allow smoking," Wadkins said.

James Jennings, general manager of Smokehouse Billiards, said he, too, is against any law that would ban smoking in the business.

"I'm not opposed to it personally because I'm not a smoker, but I'm against it because of my business," he said.

The majority of people who come to the restaurant and bar choose to smoke. The ability to smoke becomes a big part of the atmos-

phere and draw for his customers who want to have a drink, play pool, smoke a cigarette, cigar or pipe tobacco and relax, he said.

A ban would affect business as a whole, Jennings said.

"Our sales are rocky as they are anyway because we're a small business. I don't want to have to turn away customers because they can't smoke," he said. "It would hurt the whole aspect of this place. People like to come and smoke in here."

Eileen Gingrass, of Killen, prefers being able to smoke indoors to stay out of the elements.

"It wouldn't bother me to go outside, but it's nicer to just sit inside where it's warm," she said.

Cindy and Jim Clark, owners of Mug.Com in Muscle Shoals, said that although they both smoke outdoors when they're at work, they choose not to allow smoking inside the cafe.

"It's not fair to expose people to secondhand smoke," Cindy Clark said.

"This is a laid-back atmos-

phere, so it's not a big deal for someone to go outside and smoke."

Local musician Kerry Gilbert said he appreciates being able to play at venues and restaurants that are smoke-free.

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of whether or not to smoke, but I think others, whether its customers or workers or, in my case, a musician playing a restaurant, shouldn't have to be subjected to smoke," Gilbert said.

"It's very rare to find a restaurant to hear a live band in a smoke-free environment."

His musical group, the Kerry Gilbert Band, often performs at Jonathan's Steakhouse in Russellville - a restaurant that doesn't allow smoking.

"It's nice to go hear (the band) and be able to be in an environment with no smoking," said Lisa Waldrep, of Russellville.

Campbell said secondhand smoke is a serious issue - more serious than some people think.

"When you really start looking at the effects that secondhand smoke has on someone's body, you have to realize this is a dangerous situation we're allowing to happen," she said.

According to American Cancer Society statistics, secondhand smoke is ranked the third most preventable cause of death in the United States, responsible for 35,000 to 45,000 deaths each year from heart disease and 3,000 deaths from lung cancer.

"We're not trying to keep people from smoking with this campaign," Campbell said. "We're trying to protect the public that doesn't smoke."

Campbell said she is confident of the possibility of having smoke-free workplaces, restaurants and bars in Alabama as early as the fall.

"The chances are really good that we'll pass something. I don't know what level it will be, but I think the chances are very good," she said.