Silhouette

Issue date: 8/31/06 Section: Front Page

Media Credit: CJ Pinkney Garden City commissioners approved a smoking ban that will take effect Jan. 8, 2007. The ordinance will affect campus smoking policies as well.

Health issues have come into focus as Garden City commissioners approved the ban of smoking in restaurants and other public places starting January 8th.

People who fail to follow the smoking ban guidelines will receive a $100 fine for the first time. Second time violators will be fined $200, and third time and up violators will be fined $500.

"I don't smoke so it's not really a big deal to me," Eron Lira, Garden City, said. "But people who do smoke should have the right to do what they want and people shouldn't be allowed to tell them what they can do."

All smokers are not allowed to be within 50 feet of schools, primary entrances of restaurants and other buildings while smoking.

"Being a smoker, I am all for the smoking ban as long as they make it clear to where we can smoke and place ashtrays in those areas," Janice Urie, tutoring coordinator said.

Health issues are a main reason for the smoking ban. People who smoke in public places may not realize that they are harming people around them who don't smoke.

"I object the smoking ban. There are other health issues besides second hand smoke causing problems," John Sanders, social science instructor, said. "They are also trying to control people's behavior."

Second hand smoke is just as dangerous as mainstream smoke. People who inhale this smoke can develop lung cancer and other health problems. 3,000 nonsmokers die every year from lung cancer caused by inhaling second hand smoke.

"I appreciate the smoking ban because I don't like being around smoke and don't want my children to be around it when we eat out," said Marla Jarmer, forensics instructor.

Smokers may think they are just affecting themselves, but they're not. Everyone is affected.

"If their goal is to discourage people from smoking, it's not going to work," Brandi Heinitz, Lakin, Kan., said. "People are going to smoke if they want, even if that requires them to walk 50 ft. or just out the door."

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