City council will decide Monday whether or not to snuff out the smoking culture from Eugene businesses.
The three ordinances going before the council would prohibit smoking in enclosed public places — such as bars, restaurants and office buildings — and would tighten laws pertaining to tobacco sales.
A change in smoking regulation is widely expected, though details are still up in the air. One possible outcome would be a smoking ban that would designate all businesses as smoke-free. Other outcomes would exempt bars and bingo parlors completely. The least controversial ordinance would license retailers who vend tobacco products and prohibit all self-service tobacco sales in areas where minors are allowed.
“I’m sure we’ll pass the no smoking in most public places,” Councilor Betty Taylor said. “The one about bars I’m not sure. There is a lot of pressure to exempt [bars and Bingo parlors].”
Some councilors said they would consider an exemption for taverns if they make an effort to reduce second-hand smoke.
“I think eventually we should ban smoking in bars and bingo halls, but if they could prove they have separate smoking rooms, or great ventilation systems, I would support allowing them to continue if it was advertised and employees weren’t forced to work there,” Councilor David Kelly said.
At a public forum on the issue earlier this month, bar and bingo parlor owners pleaded for an exemption from the ordinance. More than 70 people spoke, with 41 people opposing a ban in all businesses — including bars and bingo parlors — and 31 supporting such a ban.
“It’s going to hurt my business, there’s no question,” said Dick Stafford, owner of Stafford’s Hop House. “I’m not a smoker and I don’t think anyone should be, but I think the ban on smoking should be a personal choice.”
Stafford also singled out an issue several other bar owners addressed — the cost already sunk into maintaining a smoking environment geared towards both smokers and non-smokers.
“I have equipment that purifies the air,” Stafford said. “It’s not fair to us who have spent the money on the equipment to force us to lock out our smoking customers.”
However, recent research presented at the forum contradicted the fears of bar owners regarding a smoking ban’s negative effect on business.
One study of a similar smoke-free ordinance in Corvallis found the economic fall out was negligible, though video poker revenues were significantly cut.
“As a whole, Corvallis didn’t show a decrease in alcohol sales as compared to Albany” (where there is no smoking ban), the study’s author, Jack Dresser said. “I didn’t see any evidence of economic effect other than video poker.”
Despite the research, smoking establishment owners believe that a smoking ban for all work places would cripple business for bars, taverns, and Bingo parlors, which claim smoking is part of their culture.
“Our business is going to close if this law passes and we’re not exempted,” said Carolyn Dorchak, an employee of Bingomania.
Bar representatives emphasize the idea of choice — that patrons can choose to frequent bars with non-smoking areas.
Also, both opponents and supporters of the smoking ban have expressed concern that it would drive customers out of Eugene and into Springfield bars and restaurants.
“I’m a non-smoker and I work here because I choose to work here,” said Michael Drury, an employee of the Black Forest Tavern. “If they pass [the ordinance] here, we’ve got Springfield right across the river and they’ll get rich.”
Mentioning efforts in Springfield to enact a smoking ban, Kelly said, “I think we need to give Lane County something to level the playing field.”
Supporters of a smoking ban, however, maintain that the hazards of second-hand smoke warrant action.
“Second-hand smoke is a public health hazard,” said Munir Katul, a retired physician. “There are occupational health and safety regulations regarding other hazards. This is no different than any other safety measures employers are forced to abide by. Imagine a place advertising unhealthy working environment standards. Society wouldn’t accept this. Second-hand smoke is no different.”
The vote is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. in city council chambers.
City Council will consider smoking ordinance options
Daily Emerald
September 24, 2000
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