Following yesterday’s reminiscence of the California lifestyle, I have another memory to bring up for discussion. This has been on my radar for some time now, but it looks like the Plain Dealer is giving it a little more attention.
Lakewood- Lakewood will likely become the first community in Northeast Ohio to ban smoking in restaurants.But, there's a catch.
The ban probably will apply only to restaurants, like fast-food joints and pancake houses, that do not have a liquor license.
And, one more catch. Puffing might be banned only at dinner time.
Council leaders expect by year's end to pass a ban of some sort, though they have yet to agree on the details. But they have agreed to reject a ban on all smoking at restaurants and bars.
Councilman Denis Dunn, who in January persuaded council to create a "Clean Indoor Air Commission," said colleagues are capitulating to appease bars and restaurants.
Last week, lawyers for the city were asked to draft a ban that would apply between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. Public records show some council members are discussing a no-smoking proposal for 3 to 9 p.m.
As discussed in public meetings, the ban also would apply to most child-care establishments, parks and recreation centers.
Really, what’s the point? Why even bother to make such a weak rule? While living in California, I experienced the no-smoking-in-public reality. It was truly a refreshing occurrence. The only downside was the smell of smoke was not there to hide the stench wafting around the bars in Pacific Beach.
However I do feel about a city-wide smoking ban, the impact on Lakewood would be dire.
Councilman Patrick Corrigan told council that the city's restaurants and bars would be economically devastated by a total ban, which was proposed by the clean-air commission. And businesses should be allowed to exercise property rights by allowing smoking, he said.Patrons can choose whether to go into smoky environments, he said. Because children cannot choose, smoking should be prohibited in child-care facilities, parks and restaurants at dinner hour, said Corrigan.
This is true. This is not something that needs to be solved at the local level, but at the state level instead. I truly believe that the day will come soon where Ohio voters will choose to ban smoking in public spaces. That day, however, is still on the horizon. Until then, we’ll all have to deal with the smoke by choice.