Carmel council bans smoking in restaurants
Vote is 4 to 3; ordinance takes effect March 1
By Lesley Rogers Barrett
CARMEL, Ind. -- Smokers can still light up in most taverns, but Carmel restaurants will go smoke-free under restrictions narrowly approved Monday by the City Council.
With a vote of 4 to 3, Carmel became the first Hamilton County community to approve a smoking ban. The Indianapolis City-County Council passed a similar smoking ban in May, and last month the city of Greenfield approved a ban. All three ordinances will take effect March 1.
SMOKING ORDINANCE
Beginning March 1, smoking will be banned at most Carmel restaurants, at some taverns and at places such as shopping malls, health-care facilities, child-care centers, common areas of residential buildings and laundromats.Cigar bars and taverns that don't allow customers under 21 and don't employ anyone under 21 are exempt. Some family-owned and -operated businesses are exempt, as are private clubs.The fine is $50 for first-time offenders of the ordinance. Subsequent violations carry fines between $75 and $500.
Anti-smoking advocates praised the ordinance, saying it will improve the health of employees and patrons. Robert Lubitz, a doctor at St. Vincent Hospital, said secondhand smoke is the third-leading cause of preventable death.
"Smoking causes deadly diseases, and it robs the health of our community," Lubitz said.
Several Carmel tavern owners spoke at the meeting, offering a range of opinions. Kevin Rider, owner of Woody's Library Restaurant, 40 E. Main St., will have to go smoke-free under the ordinance because he allows patrons under 21 in the restaurant portion of his establishment.
However, taverns like Mickey's Irish Pub, 13644 N. Meridian St., and Old Town Tavern, 29 W. Main St., can continue to allow smoking.
There was a push to include all taverns in the ordinance, but the council ended up exempting establishments that don't allow patrons or employees under the age of 21.
Rider said he's disappointed in the ordinance, which he said creates an uneven playing field. But he said he expects his restaurant business to increase.
"I'll find ways to exploit the no smoking," Rider said.
Mickey's owner Bill Adkins said if the council approved a ban to include all taverns, he would immediately sell his 11-year-old business.
He said he tried a "smokeless Thursdays" promotion last year, but ended up losing money. "The nonsmokers did not come," Adkins said.
But Carmel resident Emily Walesky said she would go out to taverns and restaurants more -- and spend more money -- if they were smoke-free.
"I have asthma," Walesky said. "I cannot breath when other people around me choose to smoke."
Lynn Resinger, Indianapolis, called the ordinance a "forced compliance law" and said it takes away the rights of Americans.
"People have become so complacent with their freedom . . . they are giving it away to the government," Resinger said.
Fines begin at $50 for a first-time violation, and the ordinance will be enforced by the Department of Community Services and the Carmel Fire Marshal. Police officers will not enforce the ordinance.
Voting in favor of the ordinance were council members Brian Mayo, Fred Glaser, Ron Carter and Mark Rattermann. Council president Kevin Kirby and members Rick Sharp and Joe Griffiths voted against the measure.
Vote is 4 to 3; ordinance takes effect March 1
By Lesley Rogers Barrett
CARMEL, Ind. -- Smokers can still light up in most taverns, but Carmel restaurants will go smoke-free under restrictions narrowly approved Monday by the City Council.
With a vote of 4 to 3, Carmel became the first Hamilton County community to approve a smoking ban. The Indianapolis City-County Council passed a similar smoking ban in May, and last month the city of Greenfield approved a ban. All three ordinances will take effect March 1.
SMOKING ORDINANCE
Beginning March 1, smoking will be banned at most Carmel restaurants, at some taverns and at places such as shopping malls, health-care facilities, child-care centers, common areas of residential buildings and laundromats.Cigar bars and taverns that don't allow customers under 21 and don't employ anyone under 21 are exempt. Some family-owned and -operated businesses are exempt, as are private clubs.The fine is $50 for first-time offenders of the ordinance. Subsequent violations carry fines between $75 and $500.
Anti-smoking advocates praised the ordinance, saying it will improve the health of employees and patrons. Robert Lubitz, a doctor at St. Vincent Hospital, said secondhand smoke is the third-leading cause of preventable death.
"Smoking causes deadly diseases, and it robs the health of our community," Lubitz said.
Several Carmel tavern owners spoke at the meeting, offering a range of opinions. Kevin Rider, owner of Woody's Library Restaurant, 40 E. Main St., will have to go smoke-free under the ordinance because he allows patrons under 21 in the restaurant portion of his establishment.
However, taverns like Mickey's Irish Pub, 13644 N. Meridian St., and Old Town Tavern, 29 W. Main St., can continue to allow smoking.
There was a push to include all taverns in the ordinance, but the council ended up exempting establishments that don't allow patrons or employees under the age of 21.
Rider said he's disappointed in the ordinance, which he said creates an uneven playing field. But he said he expects his restaurant business to increase.
"I'll find ways to exploit the no smoking," Rider said.
Mickey's owner Bill Adkins said if the council approved a ban to include all taverns, he would immediately sell his 11-year-old business.
He said he tried a "smokeless Thursdays" promotion last year, but ended up losing money. "The nonsmokers did not come," Adkins said.
But Carmel resident Emily Walesky said she would go out to taverns and restaurants more -- and spend more money -- if they were smoke-free.
"I have asthma," Walesky said. "I cannot breath when other people around me choose to smoke."
Lynn Resinger, Indianapolis, called the ordinance a "forced compliance law" and said it takes away the rights of Americans.
"People have become so complacent with their freedom . . . they are giving it away to the government," Resinger said.
Fines begin at $50 for a first-time violation, and the ordinance will be enforced by the Department of Community Services and the Carmel Fire Marshal. Police officers will not enforce the ordinance.
Voting in favor of the ordinance were council members Brian Mayo, Fred Glaser, Ron Carter and Mark Rattermann. Council president Kevin Kirby and members Rick Sharp and Joe Griffiths voted against the measure.
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