Indiana

Smoke Free Is Good, But Compromise Is Better

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

The good folks over at Smoke Free Indy have proved something I have maintained for quite a while, the current smoking ban, which was the result of a compromise, is working and smoking should still be allowed in bars and restaurants that don’t allow anyone under the age of 18.

According to a survey released today of more than 600 Marion County residents, nearly 70 percent would support an ordinance that bans smoking in all workplaces, but nearly 81 percent support the current anti-smoking ordinance that bans smoking in most public places, but exempts certain bars, restaurants and bowling alleys.

The poll also shows what is pretty much common sense; most people who work indoors work in a smoke-free environment and most people are aware of the dangers of secondhand smoke.

However, I think a fair interpretation of the poll is that most people think there should be places where adults can go and enjoy a perfectly legal product.  And that consumers, workers and businesses can all make the choice of whether to patronize or work in a smoking or non-smoking workplace.

You can download a copy of the Executive Report below. 

Smoke Free Indy Survey

And before I forget, you can forget about any smoking ban in Marion County.  The votes are not there, so any proposal won’t be surfacing any time soon.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on May 12, 2009 (boomark / email).