The Republican president of the City-County Council in Indianapolis says his party plans to introduce an expanded smoking
ban that would take effect before the Super Bowl.
Council President Ryan Vaughn told Fox59-TV that the proposal being introduced early next month would add bars, bowling alleys
and hotel rooms to Marion County's existing smoking ban. It would exempt cigar and hookah bars, retail tobacco stores
and not-for-profit fraternal groups.
Vaughn says the proposal, if passed by Dec. 19, would have time to be properly advertised before taking effect before Super
Bowl activities begin in Indianapolis in late January. He proposed a similar bill two years ago.
Vaughn said Republican Mayor Greg Ballard supports the proposal.
Democrats assumed control of the council Jan. 1 by a 16-13 margin. They've been planning their own expansion of the smoking
ban.
Democrat council member Angela Mansfield told Fox59 she is planning to propose a ban that includes just one exemption.
"It will exempt only retail tobacco shops that sell 85 percent or more tobacco products," Mansfield told Fox59.
Vaughn's proposal will go before the council Dec. 5 and be eligible for final passage Dec. 19. If passed, the new ordinance
could take effect Jan. 22, two weeks before the Super Bowl.
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What's sad is when people start playing slippery slope; e.g., it's not just about smoking & health, what about weight/diet/exercise/whatever?
The discussion is smoking, not other health issues.
That slope is nothing but a deflection of the topic at hand.
As far as businesses losing business, the only time there will be a loss is easy access to locations which tolerate smoking. If Indiana were to abolish smoking, it would be those who wish to drive to a place over the state border which would divert $$$.
Early on, some people might stay away to try & prove a point, but are they going to stop socializing altogether? I think not. If bars were to go out of business before the economy rights itself, I'm sure there are plenty of people who will claim it's because of the smoking ban. There are plenty of bars which will go out of business without the smoking ban.
Besides, they're estimating smoking will be outlawed in all fifty states by 2020. Isn't 400 years long enough?
I love sophistry.
How about Mitch fussing over business taxes and inventory taxes etc trying to make the state of IN "lean and mean" for new growth. . .??? Well as a small business owner I can assure you taxes are the LEAST of my worries, health insurance premiums will make or break a business and if I'm going to a state it better have a COMPREHENSIVE work place smoking ban- period, because smokers cost me more on my skyrocketing health costs - period.
Liberals and Democrats prefer smoking weed.
First of all I am a non-smoker and I believe in the "freedom of rights" for all Americans.
Why can't anyone see the writing on the wall. This is not going to STOP with the smoking issue. These groups or individuals that are pushing a "smoking issue" proclaim that cigarette smoke is going to kill you and the unknown money behind this issue has done a successful job of scaring the public. Now this same money has added trans fat, wine, fast food chains,dark chocolate, coffee and now salt to their cause to create FEAR. It is not going to stop until they control our lives and freedom as American citizens.
This is what does not make sense. Lets see, they will exempt cigar bars, hookah bars,
(these are smoking enviroment as well)then why not exempt cigarette bars and private clubs. To me, this is discrimination. Vaughn and Ballard, why would you knock down a business owner and put them out of business with the economy as it is today. Mr. Mayor and Mr. Vaughn, how insane to have businesses close their doors and lets show the thousands of visitors that come into Indy the boarded up businesses for the Super Bowl
Ballard and Vaughn - I am dissapointed to hear that you are going along with this proposal. I am so sorry I volunteered my time and voice to get you both elected into office.
All democrats that smoke or don't smoke, they are trying to take credit for what we have spent years fighting for. Enough is enough, we have control of the council now.