Springfield City Indoor Smoking Ban Question (April 2011)
A Springfield City Indoor Smoking Ban Question was on the April 5, 2011 ballot in the city of Springfield, which is in Greene County.
This measure was approved
- YES 11,201 (53.35%)
- NO 9,795 (46.65%)[1]
Since the smoking ban was approved, the city will have it implemented by June 6, 2011. Those who were opposed to the measure noted that they intend to mount a legal battle to allow businesses to remain smoking friendly.[2]
Background
This measure was brought to the ballot by a successful petition drive which collected 1,227 signatures to get this approve for the ballot. The measure asked voters to ban smoking in all indoor public places including bars, workplaces and restaurants. Council members had proposed a smoking ban but it was rejected, leading to the petition drive to get the issue on the ballot.[3] Some council members noted that although they voted in favor of putting this on the ballot for voters to decide it did not necessarily mean they supported the ban.[4]
The group Live Free Springfield had been formed to encourage voters to vote against this measure, noting that this was about property rights of residents and was another way of government intrusion. Clean Air Springfield was the group supporting this measure, noting that while people are free to do what they will that freedom stops when it includes inflicting harm on others, in the case of second hand smoke. They argued that it was about public health and the right to breath clean air.[5]
A public debate held before the vote about the issue brought up issues on both sides, those for the ban again reiterated the right to breathe clean air and the public health risk of second hand smoke. Those against the ban noted that restaurants can choose to be non-smoking or not and know what customers they would get if they chose either choice.[6]
Additional reading
- The News-Leader, "Proposed Springfield smoking ban: fresh air vs. freedom?" March 26, 2011
- The News-Leader, "Smoking forum panelists named," March 10, 2011
- The News-Leader, "Smoking ban foes seek funds for campaign," February 16, 2011
- The News-Leader, "Sweeping smoking ban gains steam, but gray areas remain," December 18, 2010
- The News-Leader, "Smoking ban booted by council members," June 29, 2010
Footnotes
- ↑ Greene County Elections April Election Results
- ↑ News-Leader, "'No smoking': Springfield voters approve tough ban to take effect June 6," April 5, 2011
- ↑ The News-Leader, "Comprehensive Springfield smoking ban cleared to go on April ballot," December 30, 2010
- ↑ KY 3, "Voters will decided smoking and alcohol measures in Springfield," January 24, 2011
- ↑ KY 3, "New group forms to combat Springfield smoking ban initiative," February 14, 2011
- ↑ KY3 News, "Proposed Springfield smoking ban gets public debate," March 15, 2011 (dead link)
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