Scott’s Blog Experience

PEORIA - The City Council on Tuesday defeated a proposal for a citywide smoking ban. A referendum that was on the ballet in last weeks election was clear, voters said 2-1 that they support a statewide ban…rest of the story But the Council had no real obligation to vote yes anyway, especially when the State of Illinois is going to do it for them. I believe as Chef Kevin does, a City wide ban, and not a State Wide Ban, would put bars/restaurants in jeperody. People would just go across town to a smoking bar/restaurant. The Council knows that, not sure why Grayab doesn’t.

There is much argument that a smoking ban would violate personal choice in a public domain. That Government should not legislate freedom of choice, and that smoking in a bar/restaurant would somehow violate that personal choice.

My argument is, what about the persons personal choice not to get cancer from second hand smoke? You can’t masturbate in public, why? Because it’s a violation of others rights and it’s a sex crime. It’s legislation to protect others. Public urination, against the law, why? It protects others from disease and it’s pretty nasty. But blowing poisonous smoke in the air while others breathe it in is ok? We need more outside patio’s in Peoria anyway. Let the smokers go outside have their cancer stick, and come back in and party. I’m all for personal choice and a smokers right to smoke. Just not in a closed environment while others rights take a backseat.

Technorati Tags: State Wide Smoking Ban Illinois, City of Peoria, Chuck Grayab