In terms of smoking regulations Kentucky is an island on its own. The state to the north, Ohio, has smoking bans in bars, restaurants, offices and public places in general. South of Kentucky there are smoking bans abound in most metropolitan areas.
However, several counties in the area are trying to make a change. This movement is driven mostly by health groups and the public. It is actually the county courts that are more hesitant to act.
Campbell County Judge Steve Pendery says the issue is complicated, "Thirty-three states have passed bans in the United States. We're trying to sort through them and see if this is something that ought to be considered for Northern Kentucky."
However the bars and restaurants are opposing the new possible new bans, saying that this is their business and that the government should stay out of it.
Tim Gabennesch the owner of Midway Café says, "How can they justify trying to dictate behaviour? Allowing smoking is a choice I made as a business owner, and smoking is a choice my customers make. That's capitalism. They need to leave us alone."
This is possibly one of the best arguments I have heard for the smoking ban issue as of yet. No one is ever forced to go to a café or bar, but now smokers are being forced out. Having both smoking and non-smoking bars and restaurants could give businesses a new dynamic as well as options for smokers and non-smokers.
[Via: Cincinnati.com]
