New smoking ban proposal, similar debate in Elkhart

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Smoking ban in Elkhart

Members of the Public Health and Safety Committee will decide in the next week whether to recommend a revised smoking ban for the city of Elkhart. (WSBT photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Mar 10, 2008 at 8:21 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 16, 2008 at 7:40 PM EST

ELKHART — Where to allow smoking is a burning issue in Elkhart. The city revised a proposed smoking ban to keep people from lighting up inside restaurants and workplaces. These latest changes are being met with the same criticism.

The changes clarified a gray area by including day cares and health care providers in the definition of a business.

Smoking would be allowed in outside dining areas.

But many smokers and non-smokers say where they dine and work is their choice.

Tonya Bleiler opened her coffee shop 13 years ago without any ashtrays.

People were like, 'Are you kidding'?" she said.

A few years later, a woman suffering from cystic fibrosis asked the city to go smoke free. Now her mother is pushing the cause for her.

"I'm speaking for Katie because she can't be here. She died," said Marianne McColugh. "She said, 'Mom I have to go. I have to tell them how sick I get around second-hand smoke.'"

Getting rid of that second-hand smoke failed nine years ago, but it may not be a choice much longer.

This latest proposal would ban smoking inside all restaurants, workplaces, and businesses — with the exception of bars and some hotels.

"It's not a health issue for me; it's a rights issue. I have a right to make a choice about my business. It's my business," said business owner Ron Diller, who doesn't support the ban.

"Me choosing not to smoke is a decision I make, but it's not hurting anyone," said Dean Coleman, who supports the ban.

Just like in other area cities, even the health risks from second-hand smoke are being debated.

"She suffered throat and other related cancers like a smoker would," said Verne Searer of his friend Marcia Bell.

He says she got cancer and lost part of her tongue from exposure to second-hand smoke.

"I would not like to see anyone go through what I've gone through," said Bell.

"I would challenge all of them to come to the podium to show me a death certificate that says 'Cause of death: second-hand smoke.' They can't do it," said another resident who is against the ban.

Members of the Public Health and Safety Committee have a week to take the comments into consideration. They will vote and pass a favorable or unfavorable recommendation to the council Monday night.

If the ban passes, it could be put in place this spring.

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