St Louis Debates Public Smoking Ban at Third Hearing

ST LOUIS- Will the Gateway to the West finally join the list of 40 of the most populated US cities currently outlawing the use of cigarettes in enclosed public places?

A third and final City Hall hearing ended yesterday without a decisive vote from the Health and Human Services Committee, and the issue will be put on hold until after St Louis aldermen return from their summer hiatus. Contentious debate has surrounded the bill, introduced by Central West End Alderman Lyda Krewson, which calls for a ban on smoking at restaurants, bars and places of business in the City of St Louis. As leaders, residents and local business owners gathered to present final arguments for and against the bill, proponents braced themselves for an uphill battle. As it is written, the bill would only ban smoking in the city if the county enacts similar legislation. St Louis County Executive, Charlie Dooley, has already expressed opposition for a city-county ban and, instead, wishes for a statewide measure. In a recent interview with KMOX radio, Dooley cited economic reasons for his position: “It would hurt business in area restaurants and casinos.” It should be noted that St Louis County businesses compete not only with the city but also with St Charles County, who currently has no smoking ban. When asked about the moral implications of not passing the bill, namely exposure to second-hand smoke, Dooley replied, “I am not going to make reference to that. I’m not a scientist.” In addition to overcoming the obstacle of county cooperation, Krewson’s bill must also convince the board that it is in the best interest of local businesses, many of whom directly oppose the measure. Although some restaurateurs such as Joe Edwards and Kim Tucci applaud the bill, others like Alderman Ken Ortmann, whose family runs the Cat's Meow bar in Soulard, are critical. Ortmann testified before the Health and Human Services Committee that at least 75 percent of his customers smoke and “Could this put us out of business? Yes, it could.” Harry Belli, owner of Harry's Restaurant and Bar downtown, witnessed first-hand the impact of a similar smoking ban in Ballwin that went into effect in 2006. Belli says his Ballwin restaurant, Harry’s West, lost $130,000 in a year and closed 15 months after the ban began. He holds the view of many opponents that a statewide ban is the only way to ensure a level playing field. The highly contentious bill is not the first to be proposed in the city. A similar measure was debated and ultimately rejected in both 2005 and 2006. This suggests that even with the support of many on the Aldermanic Health Committee and the American Cancer Society, and despite the fact that nine cities in Missouri have already enacted similar smoking bans, the prospect of St Louis City patrons enjoying smoke-free environments this year is unlikely. While both sides use the summer delay to strategize and regroup, one thing remains clear: This is not an issue that will vanish in the near future, and candidates gearing up for the 2010 County Council elections will be expected to present practical ideas for a resolution.