Ban the Smoking Ban
Following a disturbing trend among local governments, the St. Joseph County
Council is considering a proposed ban on smoking in "public places" - namely
private establishments such as restaurants and bars. Not only is this type of
legislation misguided, we believe it exemplifies the worst of petty
dictatorships that are currently slithering across the United States.
The argument that banning smoking saves lives is misleading. In 2004, over
42,000 people died from driving on American highways. Every two hours, a person
is killed by fire. However, we have yet to hear of any local overnment
initiatives to ban either driving or fire. This is true because such initiatives
would be absurd, and the proposed smoking ban is no different.
The issue is not a health issue. It is an issue of the government vs. the
property rights of business owners.
Smoking is a personal choice; it is true that second-hand smoke can have
negative effects on people who are continually exposed for long periods of time.
From that same reasoning, however, working in a bar or restaurant that allows
smoking is also a personal choice. In fact, despite what the St. Joseph County
Council would have us believe, there are over 130 local restaurants that have
already opted to be "smoke-free." These restaurants, easily found online in the
"Healthy Community Smoke-Free Dining Guide," have freely chosen to disallow
tobacco smoke without the coercion of an overzealous County Council.
The authority to ban unhealthy behavior on private property is a dangerous power
to grant any government, especially a local government. First, smoking is
illegal in bars. Next, it is illegal in parks - outside. Soon, police may be
knocking on our doors to make sure we do not smoke at all. Is that the future we
want for America?
Contrary to popular belief, there are alternative methods of encouraging
smoke-free establishments. Offering incentives, such as tax breaks or a
streamlined licensing process, is a viable option that is more conducive to
promoting smoke-free businesses while simultaneously preserving the liberties of
business owners. Reducing restrictive bureaucracy and lowering tax barriers
would encourage major economic development in the area, which in turn would lead
to more jobs and opportunities - in short, a healthier community.
Therefore, we the believe that the people of St. Joseph County and members of
the St. Joseph County Council should oppose this legislation. St. Joseph County
needs more economic growth, not more laws.
Public Debate with the College Democrats and College Republicans
Details to be announced soon...
Read the Bills Act
For more details on how you can get involved, visit: http://www.downsizedc.org/read_the_laws.shtml.