Friday, January 07, 2000
Ban smoking? Hamilton debate heated
BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
HAMILTON — Some members of a committee discussing possible smoking regulations in public places here found themselves on opposite sides Thursday. Health advocates were pushing for an outright ban, while some restaurant owners urged a more cautious approach.
The committee of restaurateurs, health organizations, and city officials is developing a recommendation on whether smoking should be banned in public places in Hamilton, including restaurants. The report will be sent to City Council.
Some of the concerns prompting the review include the effect of second-hand smoke on nonsmokers, particularly restaurant employees, and what can be done to protect them. The committee will study the economic impact a smoking ban would have on restaurants, and survey restaurant operators on the issue, said Dr. William Karwisch, who directs Hamilton's health department.
It also will review no-smoking laws from other cities.
“The biggest obstacle you're going to have are the rights of nonsmokers and the rights of smokers,” said David Ganim, director of advocacy and health communication for the American Heart Association in Cincinnati. “Your presentation has to be in a noncontroversial way.”
Amid some lively discussion, most committee members agreed that the topic will be a hot button, no matter what the group recommends.
“We would like to see a smoking-ban regulation, if the health department is appropriate in doing that,” Mr. Ganim said. “We're trying to educate the public.”
But Bill Roe, who owns three restaurants in Butler County, said such a ban could hurt his business. He advocates working to implement better barriers between smoking and nonsmoking sections, and introducing more fresh air into restaurants through ventilation systems.
“Help the restaurants facilitate accommodating the smoking and nonsmoking,” he said. “We can't just pass legislation. We have to help them.”
Dr. Karwish countered that for years smoking has been prohibited in such places as grocery and department stores, with negligible effects on their business.
“You don't see people walking around in stores (smoking),” he said. “I don't think people have been avoiding gro cery stores.”
Middletown City Commissioner David Shiavone, whose family also owns a full-service, nonsmoking restaurant, said a smoking ban in Hamilton could take root in other parts of the county. He expects Middletown to also review the issue.
“After the report comes to council, I will steer an ordinance based on the report,” Hamilton Councilman Richard Holzberger said.
The committee will meet later this month to review its findings and try to reach a consensus.
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