By Jim Stinson/Post-Tribune staff writer
VALPARAISO — In what could be an evolving anti-smoking approach, the Valparaiso City Council voted to ban smoking in 10 downtown restaurants that will benefit from newly granted liquor licenses.
The council voted 6-to-1 in favor of Resolution 15, which establishes objectives and criteria for the downtown restaurants which will receive the state-granted licenses, devised to help the downtown attract or keep new, locally owned eateries.
Anti-smoking advocates worked behind the scenes to lobby for the regulation, which found a sympathetic ally in Mayor Jon Costas, a proponent of Valparaiso’s “Fit City” program.
But Russ Adams, owner of Strongbow Inn and a member of the state restaurant lobby, sees a citywide smoking ban developing in the future.
“I would think ... it’s the first step,” said Adams after the meeting.
Even opponents of a smoking ban want to call the question to the floor once and for all.
Councilman Ed Howe, R-District 1, who spoke against the ban at the last meeting, called for a city commission to study the citywide ban. Howe said he had concerns the 10 restaurants were being singled out.
“I don’t think we need to start creating islands of special policies within our community,” said Howe.
During the meeting, Adams criticized the resolution’s anti-smoking requirement, briefly mentioned on its third page.
Adams said restaurant owners and customers were left out of the debate.
“What’s wrong with choice?” said Adams.
Council President Al Eisenmenger, R-2nd, spoke against compromise language that would allow smoking areas, or separated rooms.
“It’s like having a peeing area in the (swimming) pool,” said Eisenmenger. “Everybody’s going to swim through it.”
Councilman Chuck Williams, R-at large, said he had concerns about the ban, but noted the state created the legislation to attract downtown restaurants — not bars and taverns.
Ironically, it was the new location of Bistro 157 which may have swung the argument, getting even Howe’s vote for the anti-smoking side on the vote.
The owner, Nicole Bissonnette, has expressed her desire to have a smoking area or lobby.
Charlie McGill, Valparaiso economic development director, said Bistro 157 was looking for guidance on the issue, as the company is beginning work at its new location in the old Sears building along Lafayette Street.
Council members agreed that allowing smoking rooms now, then banning them after a study, would cost the businesses needless expenditures.
Councilman Joey Larr, R-District 3, was the sole vote against the ban.