Thursday, July 27 2006
OTTAWA, IL - The idea of enacting a smoking ban in Streator eateries was discussed but quickly dismissed Wednesday after a majority of City Council members said they wouldn't support it.
Last month the City Council unanimously rejected a proposed ordinance banning smoking in all public places, but passed a law making it illegal for people under age 18 from possessing smoking materials.
The idea of a smoking ban in restaurants was discussed during Wednesday's committee of the whole session at the request of Councilman Willy Williamson, who said he would support a smoking ban in eateries where food is the main source of income. Taverns that serve food would not be affected, he said.
The difference, he said, is that one type of place caters solely to adults while the other often has children inside.
"There are folks who have children, young ones who go with their parents because they have no choice but to go and eat there," Williamson said.
The irony of that statement, Councilman Jimmie Lansford said, is the people whose children Williamson seeks to protect from secondhand smoke might not appreciate the council's help.
"I think those people who take those kids in there probably will say, 'Who are you to tell me where I can take my kids to eat,' " Lansford said.
Mayor Ray Schmitt opposes any smoking ban.
"My feeling is I'm not going to tell any business owner how he's going to run his business," Schmitt said.
Council members Ed Benner and Siobhan Elias also said they oppose any smoking ban.
The council agreed the issue is dead after a majority of members stated opposition to it.
Source: MyWebTimes.com, as reported by Craig Wieczorkiewicz
Published: July 27, 2006
