City Council Minutes 2002 07 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Louisville City Council Meeting July 16, 2002 Page 5 80% believe all areas of public buildings should be smoke free · 72% prefer smoke-free restaurants · 38% avoid restaurants that allow smoking anyxvhere · 85% believe children should not be exposed to cigarette smoke in public places Bob Doyle, Director of Tobacco Control of the American Lung Association of Colorado, 1600 Race Street, Denver, CO, reported on scientific evidence that second hand smoke is a health hazard. He stated that bar and restaurant workers are most exposed to second hand smoke and must be protected. He stressed that the local economy will not be hurt and thanked Council for addressing the smoking issue. Doug Grinsberg, 503 W. Sycamore Circle, Louisville, CO, voiced his support of a 100% smoke free ordinance and stated that he boycotts local establishments that allow smoking. He suggested a no-smoking buffer around businesses to protect people entering and exiting businesses and referred to Santa Barbara, California, which has a 20-foot smoke- free buffer around commercial buildings and Nova Scotia, Canada, which prohibits smoking in buildings, offices, schools, and other public places. Tom Cave, 426 Lois Drive, Louisville, CO, stated that, although he does not smoke, he opposes a smoke-free ordinance and stated that the wrong message is being sent. He voiced his belief that Louisville has been targeted by the coalition to adopt a smoke-free ordinance. He stated that individual rights should be honored and suggested that the area's free-market be allowed to choose. He suggested addressing public education rather than legislation and questioned where this type of legislation would stop. He stated that the best intentions of the coalition have been misdirected. Ty Gee, 253 Hoover Court, Louisville, CO, addressed the comments made by the previous speaker and agreed that this is an issue of choice, however, when it concerns the health of its citizens, the choice should be made by the City. He explained that the Mayor appointed the Task Force 1 ½ years before the formation of the Louisville Coalition for Clean Indoor Air. He agreed that smokers have rights, as long as they do not endanger public health. He stated that the Council has advanced legislation to protect the public. He stated he does not frequent smoking establishments and voiced his support for a 100% smoke free Louisville. Pete Meersman, President, Colorado Restaurants Association, 430 E. 7th Avenue, Denver, CO, stated that he represents approximately 4,500 restaurants throughout Colorado. He noted that Tom Flanagan, of Outback Steakhouse, asked him to address the smoking issue. He explained that restaurants are in competition for customers and there are ways to entice customers. He stated that 60% of the restaurants in Louisville are smoke free, however, customers choose restaurants where they can smoke. He voiced his belief that smoking in public places should be governed by state and not the city. He asked that the ordinance be amended to delete the exemption for a tavern licenses. He stated that the Colorado Restaurants Association is opposed to both drafts of the ordinance, but given a