By Ian Perrotta
Review Staffwriter
Though it’s just a few weeks away from becoming official, there are still some questions surrounding the statewide smoking ban beginning May 1.
According to the bill, the ban will restrict smoking in public places as well as at public meetings and government agencies. Bars and restaurants will be most notably affected by the law, but because of the legislation’s language, other than a few exceptions even businesses with only one employee are subject to the ban.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the new law relates to its enforcement. Though the bill indicates that a local health department may be authorized to enforce the ban, it does not detail specific enforcement actions or how they would be funded. Hamtramck Police Chief Mark Kalinowski says that at this time there aren’t any enforcement guidelines in place for the city and that it is likely the city’s attorney will need to get involved.
“We’re going to have to watch, wait, and see,” he said.
For employees working in business affected by the ban, they will have to watch, wait and act. The bill states that “a state or local governmental agency or the person who owns, operates, manages, or is in control of a public place shall make a reasonable effort to prohibit individuals from smoking in a public place,” which essentially means that private citizens will be the primary enforcers.
The law requires businesses to conspicuously post no smoking signs at its entrances and in areas that smoking is prohibited, and it mandates that all ashtrays and other smoking paraphernalia be removed from the premises. Employees are expected to inform individuals who are smoking that they are violating the law, and if applicable refuse them service. If they do not comply, they are then obligated to ask them to leave. It is only after a customer refuses the last request that the police can be called for back-up.
Penalties for breaking the law vary based on prior violations. First time offenders can receive a fine of up to $100, with subsequent violations subject to fines of up to $500. In both cases, the charges would be civil and not criminal. And in instances where the ban is not enforced, responsibility lies with the person in charge of the establishment.
For her part, Virginia Szymanski, owner of Jean’s Bar on Jos. Campau, is willing to comply with the law. While she is concerned that there may be a drop-off in business, she says she has no other choice.
“Bar owners are already the target of enough enforcement,” she said. “I don’t want any trouble, so we’ll do what we have to do.”
But not everyone agrees. The owner of Paycheck’s – known by just his nickname, Paycheck – says he thinks the law is unconstitutional.
“It’s a violation of people’s rights,” he says. “People come to the bar for a few hours to enjoy themselves. They should be able to do what they want.”
Jerry Tomberline, 61, agrees with Paycheck. Despite being a non-smoker himself, he is also against the ban.
“It sucks. People should be able to smoke. It’s a personal privilege. Why should the government control our lives?”
Connie
April 11, 2010 at 8:43 am
I have two words … electronic “cigarettes”.
Detropia
April 12, 2010 at 9:58 am
I grew up in a household where both my parents smoked heavily. I spent much of my childhood with bronchitis and ear infections. Despite this I smoked, when I went out with my friends to bars and clubs, through my early 20s. Ironically actually smoking didn’t seem to effect me as much as second hand smoke.
Now, I can’t be in an area where someone is smoking without having an allergic reaction to the second hand smoke. If I have to spend extensive time around smokers I usually end up with bronchitis for a few weeks.
Despite all of this I don’t begrudge smokers their right to smoke. I just think it should be limited to bars and clubs where patrons must all be over 18. The only public places I think that smoking should be banned is Restaurants and stores. I have lived in Massachusetts most of my life and when they finally banned smoking from Restaurants I was able to patronize many places where I couldn’t before. So for some businesses a smoking ban will increase the amount of customers.
People who have to work in establishments that allow smoking should all be given respirators to wear. Maybe smokers will understand ho toxic their habit is and maybe think about giving it up.
Roger
April 12, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Doubt it.