Posted on 12/13/2002 6:04:16 PM PST by SheLion
Concerned that banning smoking in bars and restaurants will hurt local businesses, city councilors want the Boston Public Health Commission to back off its proposal.
``We have economic concerns,'' said Councilor at Large Stephen J. Murphy, chairman of the council's Committee on Public Health that drafted a report opposing the ban.
``We're kind of concerned about what's going to happen to our establishments in (the city's) border areas,'' he said, explaining that he didn't want his local Hyde Park bars and restaurants to lose business to spots in Dedham, where smoking is allowed.
Similarly, Dorchester residents could go to pubs in smoker-friendly Quincy and folks in the Back Bay and Brighton could hop across the river to Cambridge, he said.
The Public Health Commission is scheduled to vote tomorrow on whether to ban smoking in all places of ``public accommodation,'' including bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
The City Council has no formal role in the decision, but councilors have been outspoken about their concerns for local businesses. They will officially vote on the report tomorrow just hours before the health commission makes its final decision.
The draft report recommends phasing-in the ban by exempting current bar and restaurant owners. If only new owners - about 60 establishments change hands every year - are required to comply with the total ban, about half the city's bars and restaurants would be smoke-free in five years, Murphy said.
The council committee would also exempt large nightclubs like Avalon and Axis so that patrons didn't have to stand in long lines after stepping outside for a smoke.
The report also recommends allowing establishments to meet air quality standards by using filtration systems, an idea already rejected by Public Health Commission Executive Director John M. Auerbach.
``Up to now, the City Council's been very helpful,'' said Auerbach's spokeswoman, Kristin O'Connor, who had not seen the report last night.
O'Connor said the council report would be presented to the health commission before their vote.
It's horrible, Joe, how 10-12 sitting on a Board sets down laws that WE have to live by. Who the hell appointed these bigots. I just can't understand it. I am forever keeping my eye on OUR City Council and Board of Health. They are horrible people. Sneaky, too. Got to watch them every minute.
Yep! The liars tell the business owners that their business will actually increase. All the non-smokers will now be able to come out and enjoy life without having smoke forced upon them.
However, this is bogus. Non-smokers that go out, will continue to do so. But the business's will not pick up anymore business just because they have gone smoke-free. In fact, it's been proven time and time again, that they will lose revenue, because the smokers, who make up 25-30% of the revenue, will no longer be there.
They just will not spend money in a place of recreation that does not accomodate them. And that's a fact. The business owners need to wake up and realize this. The smoking bans only hurt! Not help.
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