Posted: 7/28/04

Find common sense answers to the smoking dilemma

It seems whenever government has to get involved in certain areas, controversy follows. Such is the case with the big flap over where a person can smoke.

The cities of Minneapolis and Bloomington are the latest to enter the fray with new local laws that ban smoking in bars and restaurants. St. Paul came close to a similar plan, but the council action was vetoed by the mayor. Now the matter is getting a second look in the Saintly City.

The actions in Bloomington, Minneapolis and St. Paul are part of a growing trend that is hitting hard at those who smoke and those who make their living catering to smokers.

Growing up in a home where both parents smoke taught me early in life to never smoke. Some kids learn by example and do the same. I went the other way, thankfully.

I have never smoked and count myself among those who detest second-hand smoke. It has to be as bad for a person as the smoke generated by oneís own heater. I go out of my way to avoid seating areas in restaurants that are near smoking areas.

I have friends who smoke and most are courteous and respectful of those who donít smoke and may be bothered by the smoke. Thatís only common sense.

If more of us had common sense, perhaps city councils wouldnít have to get involved with new rules and regulations that stop smokers but also divide people and cause hard feelings.

The common sense of smokers who try to be respectful of others is matched by the policies of a number of local businesses. The Forest Lake area is not without these.

Kodiak Coffee has been smoke-free for years. When the Jelly Jar opened last spring, the owners made that family restaurant smoke-free, too. Others, like Perkins, have designated certain hours when no smoke is allowed. Meisterís in Scandia is heading in that direction, too.

In the case of small cafes and coffee shops, the decisions by the owners follow plain and simple common sense. There is no way, in a small establishment, that a meaningful no-smoking section can be created. Designating specific hours where no-smoking is allowed also gives non-smokers a break.

Government action can at times move in the wrong direction and go too fast. In some parts of the state moves are under way to ban smoking from parks. That may be a bit extreme.

Here in ISD 831 the use of all tobacco products is prohibited in school buildings and on school grounds. While smoking has been snuffed from buildings, it routinely happens on school grounds at events where the public gathers. How is such a rule enforced?

I wouldnít want to be in the food and liquor business today trying to balance the wants of smokers while dealing with the concerns of non-smokers and employees who are exposed to second-hand smoke throughout their shifts.

More and more today rules are coming to the surface that some may prefer but others will certainly detest. If more people would use common sense in where they smoke or where smoking is allowed, weíd all be better off and there would be less demand for city rules that strip some people of their right to smoke.

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