Legislature considers statewide smoking ban
Last Modified: Friday, March 21, 2008 at 11:17 p.m.
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.
Of 500 registered Alabama voters who participated:
"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.
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Comments
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March 22, 2008 6:59:38 am
RE: http://timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080322/NEWS/803220327/1011
Thank God, our Legislature is willing to do what our pathetic City Council was not willing to do, address a serious public health problem and move toward improving the quality of life for thousands in our State and to move our State forward in the eyes of industry that considers locating here.
March 22, 2008 7:51:05 am
I really don't think industry cares whether or not you can have a cigarette at the Smokehouse.
If the health aspect of smoking bothers you, then don't. And don't frequent the Smokehouse, either.
Where will it end? No skateboards or sharp knives? Helmets when driving?
This used to be the Land of the Free.
DF
March 22, 2008 7:59:05 am
It looks as if there is no end in sight.
it used to be land of the free now its the land of the banning. Its just people on a power trip that like to tell people how to live their lives. JMHO. What happened to people making their own choices and decisions? I guess were not allowed to make them anymore
March 22, 2008 8:10:24 am
Skateboards do not harm non-users. Knives are regulated. Driving with or with not helmets does not harm others.
This has never been the Land of the Free, it is a democracy and a majority think you do not have a right to smoke in public and harm others with your "rights" and "freedoms."
March 22, 2008 8:20:37 am
I believe if they have a right to make cigarettes I have the right to smoke them. What gets me is some of you people think all smokers are rude, I for one am not, I have respect for people that dont. If they dont smoke I dont smoke around them. Its just a bit ridiculous to try to ban people from smoking outside like at Helen Keller. They complain about people smoking indoors now they complain about smoking outdoors, What gives? If they want people to quit smoking they should stop making the things for people to smoke. But as long as they make them people will smoke them!
March 22, 2008 8:48:34 am
You're a bit confused as to how a "democracy" works.
All democracies are systems in which citizens freely make political decisions by majority rule. But rule by the majority is not necessarily democratic: No one, for example, would call a system fair or just that permitted 51 percent of the population to oppress the remaining 49 percent in the name of the majority. In a democratic society, majority rule must be coupled with guarantees of individual human rights that, in turn, serve to protect the rights of minorities--whether ethnic, religious, or political, or simply the losers in the debate over a piece of controversial legislation.The rights of minorities do not depend upon the goodwill of the majority and cannot be eliminated by majority vote.The rights of minorities are protected because democratic laws and institutions protect the rights of all citizens.
March 22, 2008 9:27:20 am
I don't think most nonsmokers give a rip about smokers rights, me included. Took a trip to Ohio last year where smoking is banned and it was wonderful.
If you think back to all the laws that have been enacted, from the seatbelt requirement to raising the legal drinking age, I don't believe it has been detrimental to our freedoms.
I applaud our legislation for looking into this problem.
March 22, 2008 10:36:15 am
How refreshing to finally read a few posts by SMOKERS that stand up for themselves. I am a smoker, have been for 45 years, and I try to be respectful around non-smokers, but they are not respectful around me. They insinuate that I am of a lower-class sub-species, and somehow lacking in all things inteligent. I tell you non-smokers, get over yourselves. Your lives are no more meaningful than mine, and if I choose to defile my body with harmful things, that's my decision, not yours. None of you want to come in and live my life for me, in respect to feeding me, paying my bills, nor handle the trials and tribulations that infect my life, so don't tell me not to smoke. Oh, and by the way, while you're out there worrying about breathing "second hand smoke" have you ever checked into the other crap you breathe every day? According to national air quality statistics, Alabama has some of the worst air quality in the nation!! Why don't you try to ban vehicle ehaust, or the stuff coming out of the stacks at the Colbert Steam plant? All those things emit more polution in a day, than I do in a year of smoking. In parting I just want you to GET OVER YOURSELVES, and leave me alone!
March 22, 2008 12:41:44 pm
Maybe you can get a group of (non-smoking, of course) friends together and take a yearly "hunting" trip up there utilizing their 1-800 "Report Violators" number....
In fact....you can just cruise the interstates and "bag" truckers you see smoking in their workplace.
March 22, 2008 6:51:25 pm
Aww shux, I hurt the little smoker's feelings. How bout you hop on your little motorcicle and head on up to Ohio yourself. They don't require helmets, sounds right up your alley.
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