Kenton County Smoking Ban (2008)
From Sunshine Review
The Kenton County Smoking Ban is a smoking ban that was proposed for Kenton County in 2008 which would ban smoking in all public areas including some work environments.
Contents |
[edit] Sponsors of the ban
Northern Kentucky Action, a joint effort of the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Northern Kentucky Health Department, St. Luke Hospital and [[St. Elizabeth Hospital, is sponsoring the measure.
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce also supports the smoking ban. It also promoted a statewide smoking ban during the last session of the General Assembly.[1] It commissioned polling data being relied upon by the judge executives.
[edit] Opposition to the ban
Several local leaders have indicated they do not support the smoking ban. Republican Kenton County Commissioner Sara Voelker, Republican Boone County Commissioner Cathy Flaig, and Republican Mark Hayden, Campbell County Commissioner have publicly and privately indicated they do not support the ban as an intrusion on property rights.
The Covington City Commission, the governing board of Northern Kentucky's largest city recently passed a resolution calling upon the Kenton County Fiscal Court to hold a public hearing in their jurisdiction prior to a vote. Democrat Mayor Butch Callery, Democrat Vice Mayor Jerry Bamberger, and Republican Commissioner Steve Megerle do not support a ban.[2]
Covington leaders' reasoning for their opposition included stealthy activity of the Kenton County Fiscal Court which holds one of its bi-montly meetings at 9 AM with little public attendance. Covington and Newport have two distinct and popular entertainment districts which have been positively affected by the recent passage of the Ohio statewide smoking ban.
[edit] Lack of city input
City concerns with the smoking ban have not been addressed adequately. The fiscal courts have not sought input or direction from local communities who rely on tax revenue generated from restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. One suburb, Lakeside Park, has only one business within its city limits, Barleycorns, which allows smoking in its newly renovated indoor restaurant area.
Matt Coleman, a senior health educator with the Northern Kentucky Health District, is a spokesman for the ban saying,
"It built a lot of roads, built a lot of buildings and put a lot of people through school. But times have changed, and it's time to do something that is good for the community to make it healthier and to improve the quality of life."[3]
The three republican Judge Executives in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties, Gary Moore, Steven Pendery, and Ralph Drees support the ban. Republican Kenton County Commissioner Kris Knochleman also supports the ban. Democrat Covington City Commissioner Jerry Stricker has strongly advocated for the ban on the basis of reducing the effects of second hand smoke.
[edit] Supporting arguments
- Lexington, located in the heart of the burley tobacco belt, last year became the first city in Kentucky to pass a smoking ban in all public buildings. The law took effect April. 27[4]
Polling conducted by the the Northern Kentucky Health District show many residents support a smoking ban. The sampling have not been on a large segment of the general public.[5]
Several proponents cite the adverse effects of second hand smoke and workplace safety of individuals working in the hospitality industry.
[edit] References
- ↑ [http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071203/NEWS01/712030438 "Louisville Courier Journal", Statewide ban on smoking urged, December 3, 2007[
- ↑ "Covington calls for hearing on smoking ban, "Cincinnati Enquirer," June 18, 2008
- ↑ The Enquirer, Smoking ban fight ignites, June 20, 2008
- ↑ The Enquirer, Smoking ban fight ignites, June 20, 2008
- ↑ "Survey USA Poll Results"
