One Franklin resident was vocal at the last Common Council meeting regarding the fact that he believes Franklin should impose a smoking ban.
Hear what Casper Green had to say here ×
You may agree with Mr. Green, but think seriously about this.
How many places of business are we willing to have lose business if we implement a smoking ban?
We all know the businesses that will be hurt the most are bars.
Right now, I admit, I don't enjoy going into a restaurant and sitting next to a smoker while I am eating. But if that's the way I feel, I can eat somewhere else if I don't like it.
Here are some examples of what is going on in the state...
"It's been two weeks since smokers in Eau Claire had to snuff out. So far the Tavern League say no formal complaints have been filed at City Hall and the City County Health Department hasn't issued any citations. But this is a tale of two bars… in two cities.
"Business is down about 23 percent," says Tina Wesner, a bartender at the Five O’clock Club
"We've seen a large increase in business," says Brad Windeshausen, the owner of Whiskey Dicks.
Whiskey Dicks and the Five O'clock Club: They're only a few blocks apart, but owners say they're business is heading in opposite directors."
Two Weeks Later: What Bars Are Saying About The Smoking Ban 07/14/08
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"Residents wanted to talk about a workplace smoking ban in Chippewa Falls and a proposed sand mine in Chippewa County. But the Chippewa Falls City Council took no action on either topic Tuesday night.
The council did approve the minutes of last Thursday’s city Transportation Committee, which oversees public safety issues. But that committee took no action on the smoking issue.
An Eau Claire tavern owner, Julie Johnson, said a smoking ban that took effect July 1 has had a drastic effect on business at the 5 O’Clock Club. The tavern on Fenwick Avenue is across the street from Altoona, which allows smoking in taverns.
“Our business as of this weekend has gone down 25 percent. And it’s only going to go down further,” Johnson predicted."
Chippewa Falls Council Takes No Action On Smoking 07/15/08
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The Village of Weston is one step closer to a smoking ban in restaurants.
Taxpayers had their say in a village-wide survey.
About 700 residents responded.
Weston Village Administrator Dean Zuleger tells WFXS the results show that the majority of people say they want a ban at indoor public places, like offices and restaurants.
Smoking Ban Survey Result: Majority Want Restaurant Smoking Ban, But ot Bars 7/16/08
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So, until if, and when there is a state smoking ban, certain restaurants and bars will continue to lose business.
And if the entire state does implement a smoking ban in the future?
What next? What next legal activity should we have the government interfere with?
I'm sure it won't be too hard to think of something.
