The Smoke-Free Movement
Bars Preventing Bears Fans From Breathing Easy
On the same day that the Tribune ran a pro smoke-free editorial, the Trib also featured a cover story about some South Suburban bars that are trying to get a reprieve from their towns' smoke-free laws just in time for the Bears game. The first line of this article reads:
Did local officials seriously think Bears fans could quit smoking in public NOW--while watching Robbie Gould line up for a 49-yard field goad and Rex Grossman throw deep off his back foot into double coverage?
My answer to this question: Yes, we do think (and we're serious) that Bears fans should enjoy the game in a smoke-free environment regardless of where they choose to watch the game. Bars and restaurants are surely going to have to staff more employees for Sunday's game and it would be a grave disservice to all of them to put them right back into the carcinogenic smoke clouds that these laws are meant to protect them from. A Bears game, a playoff game no less, should be a great opportunity to pick up tips, but not at the expense of personal health. Working an 8 hour shift in a smoke-filled environment is actually the same as smoking 16 cigarettes.
The suburbs in question in this article are Oak Forest, Tinley Park, and Orland Park, all of which passed smoke-free laws within the last 3 months. Orland Park's ordinance has only been in effect since 1/2/07, do they really believe that 3 weeks is enough time to judge the success of an ordinance?
What are your thoughts on this issue?
Here are the contact info pages for each of these towns' city councils:
Oak Forest
Tinley Park
Orland Park
Please let them know that everybody, even nervous Bears fans and their diligent waiters, waitresses and bartenders, deserve to breathe safe air.
Did local officials seriously think Bears fans could quit smoking in public NOW--while watching Robbie Gould line up for a 49-yard field goad and Rex Grossman throw deep off his back foot into double coverage?
My answer to this question: Yes, we do think (and we're serious) that Bears fans should enjoy the game in a smoke-free environment regardless of where they choose to watch the game. Bars and restaurants are surely going to have to staff more employees for Sunday's game and it would be a grave disservice to all of them to put them right back into the carcinogenic smoke clouds that these laws are meant to protect them from. A Bears game, a playoff game no less, should be a great opportunity to pick up tips, but not at the expense of personal health. Working an 8 hour shift in a smoke-filled environment is actually the same as smoking 16 cigarettes.
The suburbs in question in this article are Oak Forest, Tinley Park, and Orland Park, all of which passed smoke-free laws within the last 3 months. Orland Park's ordinance has only been in effect since 1/2/07, do they really believe that 3 weeks is enough time to judge the success of an ordinance?
What are your thoughts on this issue?
Here are the contact info pages for each of these towns' city councils:
Oak Forest
Tinley Park
Orland Park
Please let them know that everybody, even nervous Bears fans and their diligent waiters, waitresses and bartenders, deserve to breathe safe air.
How STUPID we are actually debating this issue b/c, god forbid, smokers have to go outside and smoke their disgusting Marlboro. The state and cities should be ashamed for continuing to hash this out like there is EVEN a question about what's the right thing to do. BAN SMOKING EVERYWHERE INCLUDING THE WHOLE STATE! IT IS A NO-BRAINER PEOPLE!!!
Posted by Jeff | 3:52 AM
This issue centers around the Green, money that is. In this situation, bar owners really don't care about their patrons, they care about their bottom lines. A price tag cannot be put on a person's health. This ban should not be lifted for any reason. The whole state should be smoke free. HELP THOSE WHO DON'T CARE ENOUGH OR HAVE THE STRENGTH TO HELP THEMSELVES.
Posted by Bridgette | 8:15 AM
These bar and resturant owners must have paid the officials of our community pretty good for them to change their oppinion all of a sudden that they will allow smoking again just because the BEARS ARE IN THE SUPER BOWL. What would of happened if they did'nt make it?. They are just out for the money,piss on the health issue. I hope that a ban is state wide so all will be equal and not just a chosen few communities.
Posted by M.Jacy | 9:09 AM
There are many bars and restaurants that I totally avoid because I can't breathe while in them. Restaurant owners are only kidding themselves if they don't realize this. No one has the right to pollute everyone else's air space while supporting their stinking habits. Cigar smokers are particularly offensive. BAN smoking statewide NOW!
Posted by Anonymous | 9:53 AM