Elkhart turning up the heat on smoking ban

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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The Elkhart City Council is again considering banning smoking in any enclosed public place, like workplaces, restaurants and some businesses. (WSBT file photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Mar 3, 2008 at 2:31 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 10, 2008 at 6:14 PM EST

ELKHART — After months on the backburner, the Elkhart City Council is turning up the heat on a smoking ban for the city. It's similar to what other cities have done.

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The ordinance would ban smoking in any enclosed public place, like workplaces, restaurants and some businesses.

The only exceptions would be outdoor work areas, clubs, hotel smoking areas, and tobacco shops.

At least one local restaurant has already banned smoking in anticipation of the city's plan.

"We want everyone to eat in a healthy environment,” said Cathy Kelley.

Kelley owns the Boardwalk Cafe, and this week, she decided it was time to go smoke free.

“I just felt now was the time for a change,” she said. “I have a lot of smokers, but I also have a lot of non-smoking customers. They had asked me to go smoke-free and I mainly did it for the children that come in."

Overall the decision to go smoke-free has received positive reaction from regulars including some who smoke.

"It was pretty smoky in here and I'd go home and my clothes would smell like smoke,” said nonsmoker Barb Ross. “So now, I'm looking forward to coming here and eating and going home and not smelling like a cigarette."

“People have the right, their right to do their own thing,” said smoker Tom Mason. “But if it's offensive to a lot of other people, like people with health issues, I have no problem with it. I can respect another person's right."

“Well I believe people should have the right to smoke, but also don't feel that they should infringe upon my rights, I’ve never smoked,” said Ben Daugherty. “As far as I'm concerned they should have place, and if there is a place, I don't go there."

"I don't see I lost any business,” said Kelley. “As a matter of fact I've picked up some customers."

The city of Goshen started its smoking ban last fall. It;s similar to the proposal in Elkhart.

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