Originally published September 29, 2009 at 04:57p.m., updated September 29, 2009 at 08:23p.m.

Topeka city council approves smoking ban

By Marshanna Hester, Bethany Smith

Adobe Flash player 9 is required to view this video
Get Adobe Flash player

City Council bans smoking

Tuesday night, the Topeka City Council voted 6-3 to ban smoking in all public places.

The Topeka city council has approved a city-wide smoking ban.

The vote was 6-3 with John Alcala, Sylvia Ortiz and Jack Woelfel voting against.

The ban will go into effect for indoor public places and places of employment in 60 days.

During Tuesday night's meeting, council members heard from about 17 citizens who all spoke in favor of the ban.

The council nearly deferred the ban for two weeks when councilwoman Ortiz proposed several amendments such as adding the definition of clubs and bars.

Dozens of Topekans for and against the smoking ban have already pled their case to the council during two public hearings, and another handful spoke up before the council's vote.

You can read for yourself the details of the smoking ban ordinance.

Some said the ban is needed because of health issues associated with second-hand smoke.

Others said the ban is not needed because of the negative impact it could have on businesses.

Council members said the hearings have been productive.

"I just really appreciate the time and effort the citizens have put into telling us what they think because it's what we need to hear and it helps us make better decisions," said Karen Hiller, city council member.

The smoking ban is a heated debate, so not everyone will be happy with this outcome.

More like this

Comments

harleyrider1978 (anonymous) says...

wish they had an internet feed for this hootenanny tonite.......would love to see it.

September 29, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

harleyrider1978 (anonymous) says...

Just read where the anti-smoking council woman didnt want cameras around.........go figure.

September 29, 2009 at 6:29 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

MichaelJMcFadden (anonymous) says...

.
Harley, that's pretty par for the course. If the cameras were there the Free Choice supporting Councilfolks would use them to justify their votes against a ban by actually presenting some of the data and arguments that have moved them to that choice.
.
Remove the cameras and the Antismokers can just make it sound like votes against the ban were due to "tobacco industry influence." Basically, when you're operating from a base of lies and money your best bet is to do everything within your power to limit public communications to pre-scripted soundbites and paid advertising.... which is the pattern that antismoking advocates have used consistently in hundreds upon hundreds of smoking ban battles all over the country.
.
At least in this case some of us Free Choicers had enough advance notice so that we were able to get factual material in front of the Councilfolks early enough for them to review. Hopefully some of the more sincere and responsible ones actually took the time to do some reading. In any event, if they vote for a ban they can't say they weren't warned of the economic consequences or hadn't been shown the shenanigans behind the health claims.
.
Michael J. McFadden,
Author of "Dissecting Antismokers' Brains"

September 29, 2009 at 7:09 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

kswx29 (anonymous) says...

Thank gosh!

September 29, 2009 at 9:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

harleyrider1978 (anonymous) says...

Well topeka business owners in the hospitality business.its time to move outside the city limits,because thats where youe customers will go.........guaranteed.

September 30, 2009 at 6:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

ksdaddybear (anonymous) says...

I am thrilled that Topeka has finally passed a no smoking law! It is long past time. Now I can finally go to a place of business and know I won't have to come out smelling like an ash tray. Thank you Topeka City Council members who voted in favor of this law!

September 30, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

prfsnlwannabe (anonymous) says...

Looks like the local Topeka anti-smoking group just nicely copy-and-pasted the model smoking ban ordinance from Americans for Non-Smokers Rights. I guess it goes to show how desperate Kansas anti groups are to push their 2010 agenda for a state ban and to increase tobacco taxes, by harassing business owners in another Kansas community. It sadly figures Topeka council members foolishly passed this ban, and used similar smoking ban language that anti-smoking lobbyists shamefully push on community after community:
http://www.no-smoke.org/pdf/CIA_Funda...

October 2, 2009 at 7:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )