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| People Ban: IL Highland Park Posted on Friday, April 15 @ 08:37:37 EDT by samantha |
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 Highland Park UpdateThey're back!! Highland Park beat this initiative last year. Here we go again. Colleen McShane, president of the IL Restaurant Association, was also instrumental in fighting the recently defeated smoking ban in Oak Park. "Colleen McShane... spoke on behalf of seven local restaurant owners who asked her to appear. She said she had asked the city for information about complaints received about smoking and found that none had been filed. "Is this a solution looking for a problem?" she said. McShane argued that owners should be permitted to set policies for their customers, especially in a community where about 90 percent of the restaurants have chosen to be smoke-free. To impose the new law will hurt their business." ______________________________ |
Council poised to pass smoking ban
April 14, 2005
BY KENNETH L R. PATCHEN
STAFF WRITER
Smoking in all public spaces of Highland Park -- restaurants and office buildings included -- could be banned if the Highland Park City Council approves a proposed ordinance April 25.
Almost two dozen residents testified at Monday night's Highland Park City Council meeting in favor of a ban. A baker's dozen argued against adoption.
"This kind of ban is just too oppressive," said Fred London, of Highland Park, a local resident speaking against smoking prohibition.
Elm Place Middle School students Otis Heyman, Genevra Higginson and Karly Brint testified about the impact cigarette smoke has on their ability to enjoy restaurants or public areas.
Dr. Mark Hill, a surgeon who lives in Highland Park, favors a ban.
"I have seen too many things we can not prevent," Dr. Hill said. He urged the council to protect public health from the impact of cigarette smoke. Disease from smoking is one thing people can choose to prevent, he said.
A proposal for Highland Park to join a small number of Illinois communities that do not allow smoking has been working its way through the city council for many years, said Council Member Steven Mandel. Hearings on the proposal have been held by the Business and Economic Development Commission, which then recommended the city not adopt a ban. The Healthy Highland Park Task Force, however, recommended a ban be adopted.
The city currently bans smoking but allows it in designated areas.
The council listened to testimony from more than 30 people for about 90 minutes Monday and then voted unanimously to consider adoption of a ban at their April 25 council meeting.
"I want a complete smoking ban in public places," said Council member Scott Levenfeld. Jim Kirsch, Michael Brenner, Mayor Michael D. Belsky and Mandel agreed. Only four votes will be needed to pass the ban.
"I'm quite torn on this issue," said Mari Barnes, a business owner and liaison to the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce.
She asked for further consideration to allow late-night smoking in restaurants. Council colleague Larry Silberman also urged consideration of a ban that would permit late night smoking rather than adoption of a total ban that would place businesses in jeopardy.
There was no support for the incremental ban.
"We are the stewards of the community," said Brenner. "Health has to come first."
Resident Paul Rubenstein, a smoker for 27 years who had cancer surgery three years ago, said he could not understand how business owners could argue in favor of smoking given the health risks.
"The fact is, smoking bans increase business," Rubenstein said.
Resident Marliss Levin, who is allergic to smoke, praised Timbers Charhouse Restaurant, 295 Route 41, for becoming smoke-free.
The lingering effect of smoke is dangerous too, said resident Mortimer Gross, even if smoking is allowed only part of the time.
"If you can smell smoke," he said, "you are breathing it."
Kathryn Govas, owner of the Metropolitan Café, 1791 St. Johns Ave., said she had to switch her policies to allow late night smoking in order to compete with other restaurants that allow it.
"Unless this is a state mandate, this is something that should be left to the business owner," she said.
Colleen McShane, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, spoke on behalf of seven local restaurant owners who asked her to appear. She said she had asked the city for information about complaints received about smoking and found that none had been filed.
"Is this a solution looking for a problem?" she said.
McShane argued that owners should be permitted to set policies for their customers, especially in a community where about 90 percent of the restaurants have chosen to be smoke-free. To impose the new law will hurt their business.
Bluegrass Restaurant owner Jim Lederer said he has a late night clientele who want to smoke.
"We attract people from all over," he said about his Old Deerfield Road location. "There is an opportunity for a late-night menu."
He asked the council not to eliminate the opportunity for some area restaurants to meet the needs of the late-night dining community.
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/