By this stage of a fast-moving century, debates over smoking bans can sound almost as archaic as a family arguing whether it should replace the kerosene lamps with electricity in every room of the house.
Utilizing about three fewer words than it took Tolstoy to complete War and Peace, the City Council last night unanimously approved a smoking ban in all outdoor dining areas, exempting bar patios.
Councilman Andy Weissman may have captured the tone of the prospective law:
“It won’t make a dramatic difference because, in general, it is not a problem,” he said.
As a matter of pointed interest to city leaders who spend their working days downtown, the new ban would making smoking off-limits at the popular Starbucks, across from City Hall.
Going Through the Motions
The only disagreement was the degree of inclusivity of the ordinance that some members think is reminiscent of shutting the barn door after the horse has galloped into the next county.
There was something mechanical about the entire exercise. Even though everyone on the dais was in favor, and all other persons in Council Chambers were in support, six well-practiced anti-smoking advocates made data-loaded presentations about the perils of puffing.
For the following 45 minutes, the Council wrestled over the perceived imprecision of some language.
With pub-owning Councilman Mehaul O’Leary excusing himself from the discussion, two of the four voting members fought unsuccessfully for a purer ordinance that would prohibit smoking everywhere.
Time to be Inclusive
“I support a total ban on smoking in all outdoor areas,” said Vice Mayor Gary Silbiger. “I don’t see a difference between outdoor dining and outdoor bar areas. Since this is a public health and safety issue, what about the employees of bars? They are just trying to make a living, like everybody else, and they should be protected, too.”
Councilman Christopher Armenta was slightly less stringent than the Vice Mayor but agreed that the ban should be widened.
In the end, both compromised.
Except for nuances, Mayor Scott Malsin, the only cigarist on the Council, and Mr. Weissman endorsed the ban.
COUNCIL NOTES — City Manager Jerry Fulwood and the Council did not have their anticipated full-on meeting…Mayor Malsin not only is sporting a first-time moustache but a mature goatee…
