By JIM NICHOLS, Evening News
jnichols@news-tribune.net
JEFFERSONVILLE — A smoking ban for most indoor public places in Jeffersonville moved a step closer to reality Monday night.
In a 4-3 vote, the Jeffersonville City Council passed an proposed ordinance aimed to end smoking in restaurants and other businesses. The vote came after more than an hour of public comments for and against the proposal.
“I think it’s the best thing this council could have possibly done,” said Council Vice President Barbara Wilson, sponsor of the ordinance.
Three amendments were made to the ordinance, the most significant of which was eliminating any penalty for smoking outdoors near a business entrance. Other changes included limiting penalties to fines and eliminating duplicate language defining a bar.
Proponents of both sides of the ordinance packed council chambers, many with “No ban” signs or “Smoke free Jeff ‘Yes!’ “ stickers on their lapels. Business owners, physicians, youth and non-residents each had three minutes to share their views. Many did, often with emotion.
“I am opposed to any kind of smoking ban ordinance,” said Jeffersonville merchant Conrad Storz, a non-smoker. “Just because other cities have passed this type of ordinance doesn’t make it right.”
Diane Curry, president of Jeffersonville’s Downtown Merchants Association, said of 22 merchants surveyed, 16 were against the ban. Curry suggested having the city vote on a referendum so more people can have a say.
“”Our very country is founded on freedom of choice,” she said.
The issue caused Charlestown physician Adam French to attend his first city council meeting. French, a Jeffersonville resident, said the detrimental effects of second-hand smoke cannot be denied and urged the council to pass the ban.
“When I think of the effects on my wife, my children and myself, it saddens me,” he said.
Sarah Gallegos, a 14-year-old member of the Jeffersonville Youth Coalition, said nothing can be done to prevent smoke from reaching non-smokers in restaurants. “I cannot tell you how many times I have gone to a restaurant and left smelling like an ash tray,” she said.
After the vote, Councilman Ed Zastawny said the proposal troubles him.
“I think it’s wrong on many levels,” he said. “There’s exceptions all over the place. We’re picking winners and losers.”
Zastawny and Councilwoman Connie Sellers both said they were bothered by a provision that excludes private clubs from a smoking ban. “If they’re going to do it, they should ban it everywhere,” Sellers said.
Zastawny also questioned the speed of approval so far.
“I think the council acted way too quickly on this,” he said. “What happened to the process?”
Councilman John Perkins, whose downtown district includes many of the merchants opposed to the ban, said he’s comfortable supporting the measure.
“I believe that the right to breathe clean air supersedes the right for someone to smoke,” he said.