Supporters and opponents of Madison's comprehensive smoking ban argued passionately into the morning hours today as the Madison Common Council considered three separate motions to amend the contentious ordinance.
As of press time, the public hearing was still in progress. Members of the public, including residents, bar owners, bartenders, researchers and health advocates testified before the council. More than 100 signed up to offer their perspectives on a possible advisory referendum, the allowance of hardship exemptions or a complete repeal of the ban. Proponents and opponents alike presented arguments into the early- morning hours Wednesday.
\Smoking does not only ruin the smoker's body, but the bodies of those in the perimeter,"" said Joelle Parks, a UW-Madison student speaking for the Tobacco Free Coalition of Dane County.
""This city is losing the reputation as being a great place, a place where people want to do business,"" bartender Scott Toomey said. ""I am now making about 50 percent less in tips.""
The City Council debated three possible changes to the smoking ban. The first proposal would allow smoking in bars, bowling alleys and ventilated rooms in restaurants. Another proposal would grant a temporary exemption for businesses hurt by the ban, and a final proposal would let the public decide on the issue in a referendum.
Executive Director of Smoke Free Wisconsin Maureen Busalacchi said the Common Council made the right decision when it adopted the smoking ban this summer.
Many bartenders voiced the negative impacts the smoking ban has had on their income.
Dave Heath, who has been a bartender for over 17 years, said his wages have dropped over 50 percent and said he struggles with decreasing the hours of his employees.
Organizations such as SmokeFree Madison, American Heart Association and the Tobacco Free Coalition of Dane County described the risks of second-hand smoke.
The language of an advisory referendum would read, ""Shall the City of Madison repeal its comprehensive smoking ban and allow smoking in taverns within the City?"" It would be held at the General Spring Election on April 4, 2006. Total costs associated with this referendum are estimated at $16,200.
The ordinance presents the possibility of a hardship exemption, which would temporarily allow smoking in certain establishments. Bars can adopt this exemption if they can show a 10 percent decline in sales from July through October compared to the average income of those same months over the last three years.
To receive a hardship exemption, a tavern must prove that the loss of revenue is due to the smoking ban and not some other unrelated circumstance.
