The third-floor assembly room of the City/County Building was packed like cigarettes in a box Monday, with residents and organizers gathering to discuss a public smoking ban for New Albany.
The stage was set for the typical smoking-ban argument, with one side declaring the health benefits of a restrictive ordinance while the other claiming the rights of business owners and pointing to a potential loss of revenue.
While the City Council took no action on a possible ban, they listened to 75 minutes of testimony with a near equal showing from both sides of the issue.
“I think it’s time for the New Albany City Council to step up and take the lead (on a smoking ban), “ said Amy Adams, who is pregnant and added she could not imagine working in a place where smoking was allowed.
Several business owners — mainly bar and restaurant proprietors — said a smoking ban would hurt their establishments, resulting in them having to fire employees.
“I have a lot of business that comes over here from Louisville,” said Trish Meyer, owner of Studio’s Restaurant and Pub, located at 207 E. Main St.
Louisville has banned public smoking, as has Jeffersonville, except in bars.
Felicia Essing, coordinator for Floyd County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation, said a study in Fort Wayne showed sales were not hurt by a smoking ban.
Members of the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation (ITPC) pointed to a recent survey conducted by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, which found 49 percent of Floyd County residents polled would continue to eat out as much as they do now if a smoking ban were passed for New Albany.
The survey — which polled 605 Floyd County residents — found 39 percent of participants would eat out more with 12 percent saying they would eat out less.
But some business owners predict they would lose up to 30 percent of their business if a smoking ban went into effect.
“It does affect our business,” said Sam Anderson, manager of Sam’s Restaurant.
He said there are “enough laws on the books right now” regulating businesses.
Tom Kaiser — owner of Kaiser’s Tobacco Store — said owners of each establishment should have the right to decide if a legal activity would be permitted inside their doors.
“I think we have a competitive advantage over surrounding areas,” he said. “What’s wrong with a free market and each of us complementing one another?”
Yet those in favor of the smoking ban said employees are being unfairly subjugated to second-hand smoke, which was ruled as a serious threat in a 2006 Surgeon General’s report.
“Whether we’re talking about bars, manufacturing plants or restaurants, when you protect the worker, you provide protection to everyone who comes in the door,” said Karla Sneegas, executive director of ITPC.
ITPC members pointed to another survey completed in conjunction with the University of Kentucky, that showed indoor air pollution levels were 11 times higher in New Albany than Louisville in 10 establishments that were tested.
Council President Jeff Gahan thanked the audience for their participation at the end of the public hearing, saying the input would help as the body wrestles with a decision over the coming months.
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