Ban might move to county

First came the Bloomington ban. Now, all of Monroe County might go smoke-free. \nCommissioners came before the Monroe County health board Thursday to introduce proposed amendments that would prohibit smoking in public places, excluding 18 and over bars and clubs established prior to the 1993 smoking ordinance.\nUnder the ban, all bars and clubs will go smoke-free after Jan. 1, 2005.\nThe final vote on the city-wide controversial issue will take place at the next commissioners' meeting on May 2. The anti-smoking ordinance in public and most work places was approved last month by an 8-1 vote, as commissioners agreed to address the issue of bars and clubs at a later date. If approved, smoking will be prohibited in all bars and clubs on Jan. 1, 2005. For other public places, the ban will go into effect this August. \nCommissioners' attorney Bill Steger defined public places as "any enclosed indoor area used by general public," in a statement.\nSteger said the definition excludes private clubs, outdoor eating areas and most workplaces. He said local bar owners are predicting an significant downfall in business after the ordinance goes into effect.\n"The county is trying to work as closely as possible with the city in order to create proper regulations," said George Hegeman, Health Board president.\nThe decision to amend Monroe County's 1993 no-smoking ordinance was introduced by commissioners and carried out by the county health board, in an effort to make the air healthier for anyone in a public place who has the right to breathe. The ordinance also attempted to combat the dangers of secondhand smoke. But opponents argue the ban would violate smokers' personal rights.\nBob Schmidt, Monroe County health administrator, said most individuals generally support the idea to prohibit smoking.\n"It's very simple," Schmidt said. "Healthy people are happier and it is our obligation to take measures to restrict exposure for people who don't want to smoke."\nAccording to Hegeman, prior research from the state health board found that about 30 percent of adults in southern Indiana smoke. The research also indicated that Indiana is the third highest state in the country for smokers.\n"Secondhand smoke is a huge concern," Hegeman said. "It's the equivalent of smoking with a little less of a dose. For every 10 people who die of lung cancer, it was found that one person who doesn't smoke dies of the same disease just by being in a smoking environment."\nHegeman said the health board will continue to work for the ordinance. He is optimistic the ban will pass in May. \n"Other counties and states are trying to do the same thing," Hegeman said. "It's just a matter of time before many other areas will go smoke-free"