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Editorial: Let city tackle smoking ban
Op-Ed · March 12, 2008
Smoking is a bad habit. No one argues with that. The health risks have been sufficiently documented and the public has been sufficiently educated about the risks that come with tobacco use.
And yet, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, etc. are still legal, whether you’re a two-pack-a-day smoker or just like a stogie now and then.
The Iowa House recently passed a bill that would ban smoking in all public places, like restaurants and bars, but exempt casinos. The Iowa Senate is considering a ban that would include casinos.
But another option is local control. The state could clarify that local governments have the right to regulate where and when tobacco use is allowed.
Banning smoking in privately run establishments is going too far. Business owners have to decide whether they feel that allowing smoking is best for business or the best way to attract the customers they want to target.
Customers also have the power to choose. If they want to smoke a cigarette with their meal while enjoying dinner out, they should have that right if there’s a place that allows it. If they don’t smoke and don’t want to be around smoking, they have the right to go somewhere else.
And the city council, which knows its residents and businesses better than the state legislature, ought to have a say in smoking regulation. The West Branch City Council should consider taking up the issue. Certainly, if the state legislature considers this issue important, so should our city. Residents, community leaders and business owners could then discuss whether there are certain places in town that ought to ban smoking, like public parks, and if there are any places that ought to be protected for smokers. Those passionate about the issue could come forth and make their arguments.
Let’s have local control, but let’s not make that an excuse to sidestep the issue — let’s also have a local discussion about it.
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