IL: Smoke ban begins

Daily Herald ^ | 6-3-05 | Sara Faiwell

[SheLion]

Highland Park enacted Lake County’s first smoking ban Wednesday, a move local health officials say is something they hope all municipalities will soon consider.

It means all indoor public areas, including restaurants, taxis and places of work, in the city are off limits to smokers. The ordinance was approved by the city council in April.

“The second-hand smoke issue is becoming really big,” said Bill Mays, the county health department’s director of community health services. “Highland Park’s leadership in this regard is an important precedent.”

Health department officials say the action is the most sweeping they’ve seen. That’s due, in part, because Highland Park is one of 20 communities in Illinois that can legally enact smoking bans tougher than state standards.

All that is poised to change if Gov. Rod Blagojevich signs off on a plan that would allow individual municipalities to snuff smoking on their own turf. The plan, in the works for more than a decade, was recently approved by the state legislature and awaits approval from the governor.

However, Highland Park’s smoking ban is not without opposition.

Richard Holleb, owner of Norton’s Restaurant on Sheridan Road, said he had 350 customers sign a petition against the ordinance before it was passed. His restaurants turn into bars at night, where he used to permit smoking once the kitchen closed.

“My guess is that I will lose business,” Holleb said.

For local residents like Simon Pestell, who walked through downtown Highland Park Wednesday with a cigarette in hand, the ban foreshadows what’s to come over time in most cities.

“Personally, I think it’s stupid because restaurants have good ventilation systems now,” he said.

At Rosebud restaurant, general manager John Folinazzo said he knows non-smokers will be happy cigarette and cigar fumes won’t be coming from the bar area anymore.

“In the summer, people can come and sit on the patio to smoke, but the winter is a whole other story,” he said

Highland Park officials were not available for comment.

Mays said he hopes other communities follow Highland Park’s example if the governor enables them to do so.

“It’s an important public health principle,” he said.

[The Foolkiller]

I don't trash you at all!!! Look at my posts!!! I thank you EVER so much for paying taxes so I don't have to!!!

Smoke on!!!

---

Wake up.



I really don't give a s^*t where you grew up or lived. The only thing I've referred to here is the fact that you got wise-ass (see above) toward smokers, not once, not twice, but oh, let's see...you made that cocky statement about... 8-10 times, didn't you? And then wondered why people took offense, and started whining about how you were true-blue collar & all that tripe. WHERE you are born or raised has little to do with anything-it's WHO you really are, and what you make of your life, and how you can empathize with other people, and never to think you're better than anyone else. You're not, and neither am I. But then, I'm not the one acting like a crybaby & trying to defend myself. Everything I post on a thread, I belive firmly in my gut & heart. And while I occasionally engage in wit or sarcasm, I never make fun of someone unless they get to the point where I feel they deserve it. But usually, before that happens, I'll just quit responding, as I hate to see intelligent or light discussions turn into flame wars. Please take my advice, and just drop it-now.

[SheLion]

SheLion...I don't know why I should have to defend my family...but I can't let this nasty-ass have his way. You can see he takes delight in hurting people.

Paulet, you don't have to explain anything to me.  I have no idea what is going on here, but honest!  You don't have to explain anything to me as far as your personal life goes.

[Hot Tabasco]

In all fairness to you Paulat, the least I can do is offer you the info I was relying on which certainly is contradictory to the mapquest info you provided.

Nagle St..org

Why that is I do not know. That being the case, I would rather accept your information as gospel and let this whole situation die rather than hold an eternal grudge. After all, you and I are both conservatives and we have other dragons to fight rather than each other.

So Please accept my apology!

[paulat]

You might not understand this, but I was more upset and sad than angry.

I didn't help matters by misspelling "Nagel." I had to call my Mom to get verification and the house number. I was young when we moved.

I accept your gracious apology, and want to note, for the record, that I didn't seem to help matters myself.

I was spewing out family facts without you knowing the context.

Thanks.