Locals have mixed reaction to state smoking ban

By Cristina Trapani-Scott 

Smokers have until May of next year to smoke in their favorite bars or restaurants. On May 1, a new law will prohibit smoking in all Michigan work places with the exception of casinos, cigar bars and tobacco specialty shops. 

The Michigan State Senate passed the measure 24-13 on Dec. 10, more than six months after the House gave its approval in May.

The bill has had its share of controversy. The original bill didn’t come with exemptions. Opposition to a full ban stalled the measure. Those opposing the full ban noted that casinos would have to compete with Native American run casinos, which aren’t required to comply with a smoking ban.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm has yet to sign the bill, but is expected to soon. Michigan will become the 38th state to ban smoking in public places.

Local reaction to the ban is mixed. Many smokers like Ed Norton of Clinton, who likes to sit at Dan’s Clinton Tavern and enjoy a cigarette while playing Keno, said they’ll stop patronizing bars. “That’s when I’ll stop going to bars,” he said, adding that smokers have rights. Rich Malynick, another Dan’s Tavern regular, said he’s not bothered by the legislation, pointing at all the states who already have bans. “I smoke. I’m not going to give it up, but the ban doesn’t bother me at all. They’ll [restaurants] either build patios or people will go out back. We’ll get used to it. If people aren’t smoking around you, you won’t smoke,” he said.

Dan’s Clinton Tavern Manager Erin Smoke said that the staff is looking at the change in a positive way. Many who backed the legislation noted the health of those working in restaurants and bars and breathing in second hand smoke. “We are actually kind of excited about it. Right now, a lot of families don’t want to come in, because they don’t want to smell like smoke or be exposed to smoke. I know Dan is looking forward to it bringing more families in, so it’s a good thing,” she said.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) of Southeast Michigan has been on the front lines of the fight against smoking in public places. For 15 years, they’ve worked with the Tobacco Reduction Coalition to educate people on the negative effects of second hand smoke and have been successful in getting many Lenawee County establishments to go nonsmoking.

“The American Cancer Society of Southeast Michigan and the Tobacco Reduction Coalition have been pleading with law makers to make bars, restaurants and other establishments smoke free, so we don’t have to be subjected to life threatening air when we go out with our families and friends,” said ACS of Southeast Michigan Associate Director Catina Lowe.

Even with the exceptions, the ACS fully supports the bill. “I’m happy with the new smoking ban, but I don’t have my head in the sand. I know some individuals are upset about it. It’s a victory for us in moving forward,” said Lowe.