Ad Hoc Smoking Ban Committee Meets

The Monona ad hoc Smoking Ban Committee met for the first time last night. A civil and productive discussion was had and much progress was made.

Two members stated their clear preference for a smoking ban (Mary Possin and Alder Bob Miller), two members stated their clear opposition (bar owners Mitch Marks of the Silver Eagle and Greg Meyers of BW3). Alder Kathy Thomas stated she thought a local ban was inevitable and that a referendum drive is likely to occur if the committee does not produce a reasonable and timely recommendation to the council. Member Harold Polzer (absent due to a longstanding other commitment) has previously stated his support for a smoking ban. In other words, it looks very likely that the committee will recommend a broad indoor smoking ban.

In the audience were a reporter from the Herald Independent, a rep from the American Cancer Society, Ryan Sheahan of Tobacco Free Dane County (Welcome to Tobacco Free Dane County Coalition, Inc.) and yours truly.

All members, including the two tavern keepers stated their support and preference for a statewide ban. Hear that, Tavern League?

The discussion then turned to 'assuming that there will be a smoking ban ordinance, what should it look like?' Interestingly, Greg Meyers said he would not want any exceptions, such as Fitchburg has for small taverns and the bowling center that get an extra two or three years. Others thought that a tobacco bar, like the Monona Tasting Room should be exempted.

The implementation date remains the biggest issue left the most unresolved. Some argued that implementation should not occur before the end of the first phase of Monona drive reconstruction - late 2010....

Hanging around in the background, of course, is the possibility of a binding referendum or direct legislation. See section 9.20 Stats. http://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0009.pdf

The next meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on May 1, location TBD. I take the early meeting date as another good sign that the committee will produce a recommendation to the council sooner rather than later.

The committee decided to specifically invite restaurant and tavern owners to the next meeting for their input as to what a smoking ban ordinance should contain. My knee-jerk reaction was I didn't like this approach. I changed my mind when I recalled that as Chair of the License Review Committee I had directed staff to do the same thing when we were discussing our unusual 'cover up the beer' after 9 PM law. Why? Those are the folks most directly impacted. The difference here is that the smoking ban is an issue with great public interest. I emphasize, however, that the license holders are being invited to talk about the details of smoking ban ordinance and not to state their opposition to such a ban.

Anyone is free to attend and speak, of course. If you do choose to come, just remember the committee wants to hear what the ordinance should look like and not whether you support or oppose the ban.