Smoking ban: Both sides hot on issue

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
November 8, 2004
People both for and against a proposed smoking ban in Meridian are passionate in their views.
Those against the ban on smoking in restaurants argue that government should not regulate what owners allow in their restaurants. They say patrons can decide for themselves if they want to eat at a restaurant with a smoking section.
Those who support the ban, however, believe people should be protected from the dangers of secondhand smoke, especially those who work in places where people smoke.
Last week, the Meridian City Council approved a citywide ban on smoking. In addition to restaurants, the ordinance would ban smoking in such places as sports arenas and museums.
The ordinance also would prohibit smoking within 25 feet of an open window of a restaurant, museum or sports arena.
First-time violators would face a fine of up to $100. The proposal awaits the approval of Mayor John Robert Smith who has not said whether he will sign or veto the ordinance.
Councilmen Mary B. Perry of Ward 2, Barbara Henson of Ward 3 and Bobby Smith of Ward 5 voted for the Smokefree Air Act. Councilmen George Thomas of Ward 1 and Jesse E. Palmer Sr. of Ward 4 voted against it.
On Tuesday at 9 a.m., in the municipal courtroom at the city's downtown police station, residents will have a chance to discuss the ban with city officials.
Some residents who are against the ban say city officials should have held a public meeting before their vote.
Monsour said Meridian residents should vote on the issue.
But Luquire said residents have a right to be protected.
And, she said, a recent study completed by the Mississippi Health Policy Research Center, Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University shows that more than 65 percent of the adult population in Mississippi supports smoking bans in restaurants.
The study also showed that more than 80 percent support smoking bans in shopping malls, fast food restaurants, convenience stores and indoor arenas.
As for the ban's effect on local restaurants, Luquire said the AMC doesn't believe the smoking ban will hurt their business.
The Southern Research Group of Jackson polled 407 registered voters in Meridian in June and asked what they thought about smoke-free restaurants. Here are a few of the results.
secondhand smoke is a health hazard to waiters and waitresses.