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Smoke-free in Maryville?
stjoenews.net
10/27/2009
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Two sides of a proposed expansion of Maryville’s smoking ban aired their opinions before City Council members Monday night.
The proposal seeks to enact a workplace smoking ban, prohibiting smoking in public places and places of employment. Mayor Chad Jackson said the council sought public opinion as a means of gauging interest in the issue.
Those who favored an ordinance spoke first, led by Teri Harr, health education coordinator and patient advocate at St. Francis Hospital & Health Services.
Ms. Harr, part of a group dubbed Breathe Easy, urged city officials to take action to prevent exposure to secondhand smoke. She said the language would expand an ordinance the council approved in 2003 to ban smoking in restaurants.
“I feel like every worker in Maryville, you should be protected,” she said. “It was a cutting-edge decision,” she said of the council’s 2003 action.
Others in the packed council meeting room spoke on behalf of the proposal, including ex-smoker Eunice Jackson.
“I quit cold turkey 23 years ago,” she said.
Ms. Jackson said she enjoys bowling but would rather refrain from the pastime due to the heavy amount of smoke at the lanes.
Beau Dooley, wellness director at Northwest Missouri State University, said evidence links secondhand smoke to health risks. Mr. Dooley said he feels limited from recreational opportunities due to the prevalence of smokers at many locations in the city.
Opponents included the local American Legion post, which helped organize a petition against the proposed ordinance — collecting nearly 900 signatures.
Local barber Bryan Lemons told the council he opposes the proposed ordinance, although he doesn't allow smoking in his business.
“It’s my decision,” he said. “It’s a legal activity. It’s my business ... my choice.”
Several other opponents said the Bearcat Lanes bowling alley could close off an area specifically to serve smokers. Extending the smoking ban would harm business and damage Maryville’s economy, they added.
Sandy Wilmes asked council members how the new law would be enforced.
“As a business owner, we’re losing more of our rights all the time,” she said.
A second opportunity to express opinions is set for Nov. 9 at City Hall, Mr. Jackson said. The council has not filed an ordinance seeking to expand the anti-smoking law in Maryville.
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