The city of Boise has recently placed a ban on public smoking. The two-part ordinance looks like it will pass in full, although the first is the only one to pass so far.
In the first ordinance, the list of places, conditions, and circumstances where smoking is banned is impressive in length, including “bars and private clubs, near bus stops or other transit areas, on outdoor commercial patios accessible to children or on public property, at the Grove Plaza, on 8th Street from Bannock to Main streets, within 20 feet of a City of Boise-owned building, in outdoor ticket and service lines, and in other public locations.”
The second part of the ordinance will ban smoking in “all public parks, including within 20 feet of the Boise Greenbelt except in designated areas within Ann Morrison and Julia Davis parks and the Warm Springs Golf Course.”
Clearly, smoking is not welcome in Boise, Idaho.
Reasons for Ban
Several council members who were responsible for passing this new city ordinance have said that it’s a public health issue. Second-hand smoke, they say, is a concern that no citizen should have to worry about.
This decision follows the decision of Idaho State University to become a completely smoke-free campus.
Citizens’ Reactions
Many people are pleased with the ban, saying that those who want to smoke can go outside, while others can stay inside, bring their kids to parks, and generally enjoy the city without the smell of smoke in their lungs.
Others, such as the owner Quinn’s Restaurant and Lounge, Gary Sullivan, insist that the government is infringing on their individual rights. It’s an extremely controversial issue, to be sure. Gary Sullivan says that he plans to file a lawsuit against the city.
The effect on business certainly hasn’t been positive, and it’s certain that some bars have experienced negative effects from legislation. Up to 20-70% loss in revenue has been claimed by bars owners overall. Employees, too, have been hurting. Some bartenders are saying the decreased sales on night shifts are threatening to break their finances.
Conclusion
Perhaps a revised version of the bill would be acceptable, one that protects public spaces while allowing bar owners to make a personal business choice? Public health, and even personal health, should be of primary importance to everyone involved. But individual freedoms should, perhaps, be given more consideration.
Of course, that’s just one perspective on a highly debatable issue. Leave your comments if you care to join in!
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