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 ForestTinley ParkOrland ParkPlease let them know that everybody, even nervous Bears fans and their diligent waiters, waitresses and bartenders, deserve to breathe safe air.
The Smoke-Free Movement