Valparaiso tells residents, 'Snuff it!'

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BY PHIL WIELAND
pwieland@nwitimes.com
219.548.4352 | Monday, April 02, 2007 | (77 comment(s))

VALPARAISO | It's not an April Fool's joke. As of today, smoking in the workplace is banned in Valparaiso.

The smoking ban was approved by the council in December. Exceptions are allowed for bars and private clubs, tobacco shops, outdoor places of employment (except outdoor dining areas for restaurants), hotels and motels (in 30 percent of the rooms) and family owned and operated businesses where all the employees are related and the business is not open to the public.

Each has to file for an exemption, which costs $50. Exemptions had been filed on behalf of 17 locations by Friday, including a smoke shop, the Eagles, the VFW, the American Legion and several bars. A restaurant that wants to allow smoking can do so by declaring itself a bar, but it would not be allowed to admit children. Bars that want to offer family dining can't allow smoking.

Chicago and Cook County have both adopted smoking bans, and the Illinois Senate passed one last week that would extend it to the entire state if passed by the House. Many communities in Indiana have adopted smoking bans, but Valparaiso is the first community in Northwest Indiana to adopt one.

The ordinance was approved by a 6-1 vote with Councilman Robert McCasland opposed. He is now running against Mayor Jon Costas, who supported the ban, in the Republican mayoral primary next month.

Councilman Jan Dick, who served on the committee that drafted the ordinance, said, "I haven't heard the hue and cry from the populace of 'Why did you do such a dumb thing?' I've had very few complaints. I've heard 25 or 30 positives and two negatives. It wasn't that (the negatives) want to be able to smoke, but they don't think the city should have done it."

Dick said one restaurateur was very upset because he wanted to allow smoking in one part of the restaurant and allow kids to dine in the other part, but he only complained after the law had been approved.

"It's going to have an impact on people, and not just the bars," Dick said. "The regulars at Jimmy's Cafe, who are the get-a-cup-of-coffee-and-smoke-a-pack-of-cigarettes kind of guys, might get upset and go out of town for a month. That was the experience of the Big Wheel. Some of the regular counter customers went away for a while, but they came back in about 30 days.

"I look forward to being able to go to Jimmy's. It's a great little restaurant, but the smoke is unbearable. A couple of other places were waiting for the city to pull the trigger. It has not killed other businesses, and I have encouraged people who stayed home because they were bothered by smoke to venture out to support restaurants that might have a slow spot for a while until things get back to normal."

About the ban

People can still smoke outside most businesses, as long as smokers are at least 15 feet from the building. Enforcement will be complaint driven, meaning the city will respond to citizen or employee complaints of violations. Communities that have adopted smoking bans usually found complaints dropped off dramatically after the first month or so. Anyone smoking in a prohibited area can be fined up to $50, while the owner or manager of a workplace that allows smoking can be fined $100 for the first offense. A second offense within a year can result in a $250 fine, and it's $500 for all other violations within the year.

About the ban
People can still smoke outside most businesses, as long as smokers are at least 15 feet from the building. Enforcement will be complaint driven, meaning the city will respond to citizen or employee complaints of violations. Communities that have adopted smoking bans usually found complaints dropped off dramatically after the first month or so. Anyone smoking in a prohibited area can be fined up to $50, while the owner or manager of a workplace that allows smoking can be fined $100 for the first offense. A second offense within a year can result in a $250 fine, and it's $500 for all other violations within the year.

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Greg wrote on Apr 8, 2007 9:13 PM:

" To Sue; First of all this isn�t Ireland, it is the United States of America. If in fact, the restaurants only allowed smokers, who would complain? I can see you feel the independent businessman has no right to operate their business as they see fit. Our government is following in the footsteps of Hitler and his ban on smoking. What will be next? (I hope you�re blonde) What happens when you get immunized for a particular disease? You are injected with the disease so your body can fight it. Think of us as doing you a favor to help your body fight the effects of smoking. By the way, are you profiling the Irish? "

SUE wrote on Apr 8, 2007 7:53 PM:

" TO JOE They used to have restaurants that only allowed smokers or people had to tolerate the smoke like it or not. That is how the ban came about. If a beer swilling country like Ireland can ban all public smoking why are we holding to old beliefs that a little second hand won't harm any one. "

drugsssssssssss wrote on Apr 8, 2007 4:59 PM:

" i think VALPO has a pretty heavy drug addiction and drug trafficing problem that they should worry about other than SMOKING. read your CRIME TIMES. VALPO RESIDENT "

Valpoman wrote on Apr 8, 2007 12:54 PM:

" "too stupid or too weak to eliminate unhealthy habits" FYI "Smoking is an addiction not a habit. Stop going after the victims (smokers) and get the big tobacco companies that put out this poison in the first place. If cigarettes are so bad then why are they not outlawed? I will tell you why, because it means big money for government. Your so-called elected leaders are shaking your hand with one while stabbing you in the back with the other. All because of a few billion dollars, Nice! " "

Smoker wrote on Apr 8, 2007 12:49 PM:

" Spelling and grammar? In case you forgot this is a freaken blog. Even with the misspellings and poor grammar you still understood them. Just goes to show it takes one to know one. I am sure a lot of people just need typing lessons. All you non-smokers who complain about my smoke, I don't hear you complaining about the tax money cigarette sales take in. If you want the money then put up with the smoke, it�s that simple. "

Valpo Resident wrote on Apr 8, 2007 12:37 PM:

" Thanks for your comments Unbiased Observer and AMS 8099! Even before you start to determine what one's opinion is about this topic, you already know based on their misspellings and grammatical errors. Seems to me that smokers should spend more time at home reading and brushing up on the English language, versus arguing their right to blow smoke in our faces. I've yet to see one pro-smoking comment that's intelligently written. Just more added proof that smokers are either too stupid or too weak to eliminate unhealthy habits from their lives. It's not the government controlling the smoking ban in Valpo, it's people like us who vote! I suggest you go live in Hobart, Portage or Merrillville where they surely will never ban smoking, if it's that important to you. Do any of you against the ban even live in Valpo??! Somehow, I doubt it. "

plain and simple wrote on Apr 7, 2007 6:17 PM:

" o let me see its amazing how this smoking topic is such a life threatening issue. its that bad for those who smoke and those who dont.if that is the case why dont they discontinue selling tobacco? oh wait a minute i guess there is just to much $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to be made give me a BREAK who is pulling whos CHAIN "

Greg Wujcik wrote on Apr 7, 2007 11:15 AM:

" It�s Magic Now that Valparaiso has taken the stance of �Big Brother� and dictated to businesses what they can and cannot do, can someone explain to me how my cigarette smoke just magically disappears? It�s still there and you are still breathing it, perhaps more because there are no filtering devices to trap it. You just don�t realize it. "

Ams8099 wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:33 PM:

" My famous quote. "Saying there is a smoking section in a restaurant is like saying there is a peeing section in a pool." With that I am obviously a nonsmoker. There is nothing worse that requesting a "nonsmoking" section only to sit 10 feet away from some slug sucking on a cancerstick. Nobody gave you the right to smoke. However, if you are hell bent on your "right," remember your right ends when you infringe on my right to NOT breathe your toxins. ALSO restuarants had a choice to be a restuarant or bar. If they choose to be a bar they could be a smoking establishment. So places like Chilis and Fridays had a choice. Be mad at the manager of your favorite restuarant, not the city. My husband and I live half way between Merrillville and Valpo and we will be dining exclusively in Valpo from here on out. "

KL wrote on Apr 6, 2007 9:23 PM:

" This smoking ban and Prohibition are not the same thing. Prohibition said that you can't drink at all.... that didn't work that well. This smoking ban simply says that you cannot smoke in a public area... not that you can't smoke at all. If I have a beer at a bar, I don't force my barmate to have a sip of my beer every time I have a sip. When you smoke in public, your smoke is inescapable. "

Unbiased observer wrote on Apr 6, 2007 5:55 PM:

" Here are the demographic facts... 70% of Valparaiso was in favor of the ban. The highest percentage of smokers are in the lower-income demographics. Higher income demographics are hugely non-smokers. The high end citizens vote. This was not solely a health decision. It was economic. Not only will the ban not hurt Valpo's economy, it will actually help. Valpo is trying to build a high end dining district downtown and the clientele of restaurants in that price range are primarily non-smokers. The rest of the argument is nonsense. Smokers do not have a right to smoke indoors. Why? Because there is no legislation on the books that says smoking may be done in public buildings. You do not have a right to do anything that is not written into the civil code or the constitution. Don't like it? Eat elsewhere. I'll take your table in Valpo. "

The G wrote on Apr 6, 2007 1:02 PM:

" Im actually from NW indiana but moved to Cali a few years ago. Cali doesnt allow smoking in public, except in designated places. Most places dont allow it in a restuarant at all. I found it weird that They didnt ask for smoking or non-smoking when I went out to eat. Im glad to hear that Valpo is doing that. I dont smoke but my mom does and its not fair that I have to be around it and smell lik smoke all the time. it starts to get embarrassing when people can smell it on me. "

mels wrote on Apr 6, 2007 12:38 PM:

" I'm glad the government has stepped in and told us what we can and can't do. I understand that some people don't want to be around smoke, but come on, this is supposed to be the land of the free. Who is the government to tell us where we can and cant smoke. If you dont wanna be around smoke then dont sit in the smoking section and if you're walking down the street and someones smoking well keep walking. For those of us who smoke we know the consequences, but its our choice, and being around smoke in a restaurant for the 45 minutes youre there eating you are so not at risk for any health issues because theres smoking. Porter county should concintrate more on child abuse and heroine and cocaine problems not ciggarettes and marijuana. Come on other states its just a ticket if you have less than an ounce of pot. But yet all thats ever in crime times is oh they had some pot...come on whats the problem kids are overdosing on heroine and all we're worried about is cigarettes and marijuana? come on indiana get it together!!! "

Walker wrote on Apr 5, 2007 9:04 PM:

" I guess while walking in downtown smokers will have to walk on the street so as not to violate the 15 foot distance needed to be from a building. Ridiculous. "

420 wrote on Apr 5, 2007 3:47 PM:

" All these so-called non-smokers who don�t like tobacco smoke, I have seen you smoking weed before. So if everybody started smoking joints that would be OK right? Cool with me dudes! "

Short distance wrote on Apr 5, 2007 3:37 PM:

" We should set up designated smoking areas next to cemeteries. That way we don�t have far to go to burry the bodies when people keel over and die from sucking in that toxic smoke. LOL "

Air up there wrote on Apr 5, 2007 3:30 PM:

" You don't like walking thru my cloud of smoke, well I don't like walking thru your area of fresh air. "

Poker wrote on Apr 5, 2007 3:27 PM:

" What is this about? Are you people playing cards? My right trumps your right. Smoking is a privilege and can be taken away. You also have the right to breathe, but it does not specify what you can breathe. "

Free? wrote on Apr 5, 2007 3:18 PM:

" For those who think America is free country, check your tax bills. Nothing is free. You have the right to breath clean air, but have you noticed the smoke stacks in E.C. and Gary? How clean is the air in NWI really? At least with 2nd hand smoke I know what I am breathing. "

2 OF A KIND wrote on Apr 5, 2007 3:11 PM:

" Booze and cigaretts is like kethup and mustard. You can't have one without the other. Bars, trashy women, booze and cigarettes an American tradition. "

Boo Hoo wrote on Apr 5, 2007 2:24 PM:

" Hats off to the leadership in Valpo for standing up for us non smokers. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I just wish it could have been bars too. I'm fine with people smoking in private clubs, homes, cars etc. but smoking in restaurants is complete nonsense. "

ValpoGuy wrote on Apr 5, 2007 10:04 AM:

" I'm not against smokers who wish to smoke in their own house. But when you smoke in public places, people have the right not to have their health threatened because of your smoke entering their lungs. Their right to clean air trumps your right to smoke. You may be a nudist but you can't walk around the city nude. When the public is involved, some private rights end. No one is forcing you not to smoke in your own home. Go ahead and do it. But not where I eat or work. Your rights end there, period! "

Valpo Resident wrote on Apr 5, 2007 6:45 AM:

" My boyfriend is a smoker, and not only is he glad about the smoking ban in restaurants, but he says he wished they'd ban it in bars too so it would give him incentive to stop altogether. I know a lot of informed and intelligent people who smoke. However, anyone with half a brain who smokes, should at LEAST have the desire to stop smoking since it's the obvious cause of so many fatal diseases. All my informed and intellectual friends who smoke all wish and hope that they stop and support the ban. Indiana has the highest per capita smoking rate in the country, which is incredibly lame and embarrassing considering it's also one of the lowest per capita personal income states, as well. Those of you griping about your right to smoke are basically ignorant and too weak to at least TRY to fight your addiction. I think it's unbelievable courageous and fantastic that Valpo is pioneering this movement!!!! "

Zachery wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:49 PM:

" Banning Alcohol is better than ban smoking. We don't want drunk driving around our highways, walking like retard on our sidewalks, dramaitize around people, and MANY things that cigarette will not cause. Oh yeah, cigarettes give us bad breath. We should ban smoking too just along with the alcohol. I forgot something, we should ban driving car, they cause pollution and give us bad breath just like the cigarettes. There's even more! Candy, Fast Foods, Pets, Etc Etc Etc. But.... what about our freedom!!!!! I guess America is not interested into freedom anymore, how sadly... I think America shouldn't be labeled as "freedom", it should be labeled as "ruler of bans". "

joe wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:25 PM:

" OH YEAH LIKE YOU CAN REALLY SMELL CIGARETTE SMOKE DRIVING DOWN EXPRESSWAY COME ON THAT IS THE STUPIDIST THING IVE EVER HEARD. YOU MUST HAVE SOME POWERFULL NOSE. ONLY THING I SMELL ON THE EXPRESSWAY IS DIESIL AND BURNING OIL AND EGAUST FROM CARS NOW THATS POLLUTING THE AIR.. PEOPLE SAYING HOW THIS ISNT TAKEN AWAY ARE FREEDOM HOW WOULD THEY LIKE IT IF THEY HAD RESTURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ONLY SMOKE AND NONSMOKERS WERENT WELCOME. THEY WOULD BE SAYING THE SAME THING THERE FREEDOM WAS TAKEN AWAY AND WOULDNT LIKE IT ONE BIT.. "

bob wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:01 PM:

" I've lived in a lot of places, but never in my life have I seen smoking as a big of a problem as it is in Indiana. Sometimes I swear I can smell cigarettes in the air while i'm driving down the expressway. I'm glad Valpo has stepped into reality, now maybe other cities/counties in the area will take it on too. "

Quit 20 yrs ago wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:12 PM:

" I appreciate the city for this ban on smoking. Quitting was the smart move as I no longer force smoke on those that choose not to. "

sk wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:02 PM:

" Hallelujah! I hope every single state goes to non-smoking! I am sick of walking through a smoking section to get to a "non-smoking" section, only to be inhaling the smoke! Good job Valpo! You will NOT be losing business! "

VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS COUNTRY wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:54 AM:

" First, since when was it the government's job to protect me from myself? Attacking smokers is just their most recent strategy in an attempt to have more control of our lives. Wake up, IT WON'T END. Second, if everyone is so worried about what goes into children's bodies, why does the government (in general) continue to get away with pumping our children's school food with antibiotics and other harmful drugs, chemicals, and toxins? What about the fact that they encourage, and sometimes force, parents to needlessly medicate their children with Ritalin and the like? For that matter, it's not just the children. You may as well say all Americans. This is just a diversionary tactic passed down from Think Tanks on the coasts. They are so good at pointing the finger away from themselves.... "

jeff wrote on Apr 4, 2007 5:48 AM:

" I work in a large machine shop(40 ft. ceiling, 6 bay doors). The smoking ban doesn't make any sense. The second hand smoke is nothing compared to the diesel exhaust from the trucks pulling in , the grinding mist from a machine, or the asphalt plants emissions. This was created and passed in a vacuum. Why do we emission test our vehicles here, I forget? "

Ray Baby wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:48 PM:

" My Wife and I, live in Hobart. We usually go out for dinner every Friday or Saturday night. We almost always head for Merrillville. Now I think we will start driving a couple of extra miles to Valpo. "

habit? wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:15 PM:

" Smoking is an addiction not a habit. Stop going after the victims (smokers) and get the big tobacco companies that put out this poison in the first place. If cigarettes are so bad then why are they not outlawed? I will tell you why, because it means big money for government. Your so-called elected leaders are shaking your hand with one while stabbing you in the back with the other. All because of a few billion dollars, Nice! "

High wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:01 PM:

" Albert Einstein smoked and he was very smart. I don�t know what he smoked but it sure unleashed the power of his imagination. Hitler was a non-smoker does that mean non-smokers are Nazis? "

Sweet leaf wrote on Apr 3, 2007 7:54 PM:

" It�s not the fact that one chooses to smoke it�s what they smoke. Tobacco and nicotine not so good. Now smoking up some weed that�s the good stuff. If everyone smoked weed none of this would matter and we would all get along better. Peace! "

Come on wrote on Apr 3, 2007 6:28 PM:

" Good job on the smoking ban!! Why stop there, let's outlaw it altogether!! And then let's outlaw alcohol!! Oh wait, they already tried that one, it was called prohibition.....Where is alcohol now? "

rc wrote on Apr 3, 2007 4:45 PM:

" I am glad that they have a smoking ban,maybe one day it will be statewide. Good Job Valpo "

Me3 wrote on Apr 3, 2007 4:36 PM:

" My Right, while you do have the right to smoke, I have the right to breathe clean, fresh air and not smell like an ash tray after walking through your cloud of smoke that I had to walk through to get to the non-smoking section of a restaurant. Your habit is gross and others should not have to suffer, either while eating or walking down the sidewalk. "

JP wrote on Apr 3, 2007 4:15 PM:

" this is very lame! i totally agree with "concerned" except i am a smoker! it shouldnt be up to a council who "may or may not" have my best intrests in mind. And "concerned" makes a great point! Were will it stop? "

c. howitfeels wrote on Apr 3, 2007 4:14 PM:

" Uneducated dolts. The pursuit of happiness in the Bill of Rights means the right to own land, not do anything that makes you happy. Get a history book and read it if you can. If you want to kill yourself smoking have at it but why should I have to put up with your choices just to have a meal or beer? I bet there is a relationship between smokers and IQ. "

My right wrote on Apr 3, 2007 3:34 PM:

" Hey Cry me a river, the bill of rights states that I have the right to pursue happiness. Smoking makes me happy so there! "

PJ wrote on Apr 3, 2007 2:19 PM:

" Kevin wrote on April 02, 2007 1:49 AM:"this smoking ban is a so stupid. they are sure taking away all are freedom ... its ok cause u wont be seeing me eating at any resturants in valpo anymore and i hope people feel the same way and just go to merillville to eat and enjoy a good smoke after they eat.. i was born and raised in valpo and i can see now how valpo is just going down hill cause of are mayor." I can see how this country is going down hill. It is people like Kevin who don't know how to spell. Perhaps if you had concentrated more in school, and less on where and when you would have your next smoke, you wouldn't harbor such ill feelings toward our city. I applaud the council and the mayor for passing the law. I don't want my kids breathing smoke on the rare occasion when we enjoy a meal at a restaurant. So Kevin, if you need to drive to Merrillville at a time when gas is $2.65 per gallon so you can smoke a cigarette from a $3 pack of smokes, have a nice trip! "

concerned wrote on Apr 3, 2007 2:00 PM:

" I never have smoked and never will, but I completely disagree with the government(local or otherwise) taking away the freedom people have to do it. If this "protectionist" attitude of the government continues, at what point will they outlaw some other vice? Where does it end, and who gets to decide? Recently, the surgeon general of the United States stated that the data on so called "second hand smoke" indicates there is " no safe level". Well, I'd like to know what study was done to conclude this. See, it is impossible to accurately state that second hand smoke is dangerous. The only way to conclusively prove that it is, is to take two identical twins, seperate them at birth, put them in equal seperate environments, feed them the same food and only expose one of them to second hand smoke for about the next 80 years and see which one dies first. Any takers? People can determine for themselves if they want eat in a restaurant that allows smoking or not. If it concerns them that much, they won't eat there. We don't need laws give us common sense and make our decisions for us. "

Joan wrote on Apr 3, 2007 1:32 PM:

" This is in reply to Jessie...thank you for stating your opinion. You just helped prove my point. How is it your right to infringe on my personal space with your smoke? You are correct...it is your right to smoke, but only when you are the only one being affected by it. That's your problem. When I have to walk through your cloud of nasty smoke, it then becomes my problem. How can you justify that? Your freedoms ARE NOT being taken away. You are just being forced to be polite about it. Do it at home or outside. You can go ahead and try the whole "non-smoking section" arguement, but we all know how that keeps the smoke contained...right? Good luck with your health and smoke up! It seems like you have it all figured out. "

Patti wrote on Apr 3, 2007 12:27 PM:

" I believe that half the people that complain about second hand smoke are the same ones that burn their leaves, go camping and sit by a campfire or have their own fire pit in their backyard. What about fireman that have to put out fires in your home. Maybe they should not respond to your call. "

Cry me a river wrote on Apr 3, 2007 11:59 AM:

" I am so happy that Valpo had the courage to stand up to the smoking MINORITY! Show me in the Bill of Rights where it says you have the right to smoke. That's right, keep looking. It is not your right to smoke. It is a habit that others aren't required to be subjected to any longer. As for you going someplace else to dine, SEE YA!!! "

Old 49r wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:15 AM:

" Lets see, fireworks were once allowed to be sold but not set off. Since then the law has changed and now you can buy and set off fireworks. Cigarettes were once allowed to be bought and smoked. Now you can buy cigarettes but you can't smoke them. Where is the logic in this? If you�re going to ban something then ban it from being sold and used, not one or the other. "

Jessie wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:21 AM:

" I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE POINT OF ALL OF THIS! BUT THEN AGAIN... LOOK AT OUR MAYOR! THIS COMMENT IF FOR JOAN... YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT US SMOKERS COMPLAINING ABOUT OUR FREEDOM BEING TAKEN AWAY, AND HOW YOU DON'T WANT TO BE AROUND THE SMOKE, WELL THAT'S WHY YOU GO TO THE NON-SMOKIG SECTION OF THE RESTURANT! YOU'RE RIGHT TO NOT BE AROUND IT, IS JUST AS BIG AS OUR RIGHT TO DO IT! I DON'T THINK COSTAS REALIZES THAT ALOT OF BUSINESS ARE GOING TO NOW LOOSE BUSINESS BECAUSE OF THIS! BUT THEN AGAIN, MAYBE THAT'S WHAT HE WANTS SO HE CAN TAKE OVER THE CITY EVEN MORE!! "

Sarah wrote on Apr 3, 2007 7:40 AM:

" I am disgusted that I live in a community where people think they have 'the right' to damage my health along with theirs. You may cost me tax dollars and rising insurance prices when your poor decisisons lead to a hospital bed (which is inevitable for all smokers) but you will not cost me my health. Costas has done nothing but great things for this city. Smokers you won't be missed (and don't think you have so much influence over the economy). "

Joe wrote on Apr 3, 2007 7:25 AM:

" If you outlaw smoking...only outlaws will smoke! "

Rick wrote on Apr 3, 2007 6:54 AM:

" I am originally from Highland and moved to Florida 15 years ago. Florida passed into law a non smoking ban 2 years ago. The voters spoke.70% for the ban compared to 30% against. One of the big lies pushed was that the volume of smokers would devistate the industry by not showing up at eating establishments. It never happened. The smokers stayed away from a few weeks and were replaced by non smokers who did not have to breathe second hand smoke. There are no finacial negative effects from this ban. If you need to light up, go outside. Let the non smokers enjoy their food "

Another Person wrote on Apr 3, 2007 6:09 AM:

" Now I am not saying that this is a bad thing or that they shouldn't have banned smoking or even that it is taking away from our rights. I am a smoker and I have absolutely no problem smoking outside and not in a public place. All I am trying to say is that the government, both local and national, tend to focus on solving the wrong problems first. Before you go trying to make people healthier, how about making them get a job first. I used to live near Hammond, Indiana, and I see more homeless people begging for money in Valpo then I ever saw in Hammond. Or how about you fix the problems of personal income so that we can save the Social Security program instead of continuing to destroy it. We focus on our future generations but in the wrong areas. "

Red Bike wrote on Apr 3, 2007 5:32 AM:

" To the persons saying that they allow people drive drunk home. Guess what that is also against the law. If caught you get taken in. So next time you see a drunk driver driving report him. "

Valpo Smoker wrote on Apr 3, 2007 12:55 AM:

" I am a smoker and I certainly am upset about this change. I LOVE going to Round the Clock and smoking after my meal. It is sad to me that the people in this society don't have enough responsibility though to make good decisions for their children. There are too many times that I see children sitting between their dual-smoking parents just huffing that smoke in. I can understand why the law was passed. It just sucks! It is only fair to give children the right to breath clean air even if their parents don't think they deserve it. "

Jeff wrote on Apr 2, 2007 10:38 PM:

" Give me a break guys: "I can see now how valpo is just going down hill cause of are mayor" ... "it's going to damage Valpo's econ. greatly" ... Do you people even realize that the entire country is rapidly moving in that direction? It's one thing for entire states like New York, Massachusettes, Minnesota, and Georgia (among many others) to ban smoking. But when you have longtime smoke filled cities like Louisville and Las Vegas (freakin' Vegas!) jumping on the band wagon, I'm sorry, but you smokers had better get used to it. Everybody said that Bloomington and Muncie would suffer tremendously from smoking bans. "Oh I'll just drive a town over...I can't drink without a smoke". Well, that's turned out to be a bunch of unfounded trash talk. Additionally you have Ireland, France,and Italy with national smoking bans. Again, I'm sorry but all of your arguments have been proven to be moot time and time again. "

the master wrote on Apr 2, 2007 10:04 PM:

" this is what people get when u vote for costas. i hope people make the right decision on the next mayor election.. all hes brought to this is town is nothing but low income people and this town is gonna get even worst. good job costas turn it into gary "

Finally! wrote on Apr 2, 2007 9:21 PM:

" Why do smokers get so mad about a habit they choose to personally engage in that negatively affects others around them when finally told they have to do it elsewhere? What if I decided to fart in a restaurant and then proceed to blow it directly in someone's face? Would the individual on the receiving end be offended? Of course. And what if I told you, after blowing my gas in your face, that it was my choice--my right as an American--to fart in your face and then told you that you should patronize another restaurant where they don't allow this sort of activity? Seems pretty silly, eh? Why can you smoke in a restaurant and laundry mat, but not in a grocery or clothing store? Odd. "

RIck wrote on Apr 2, 2007 6:39 PM:

" Wouldn't it be easier to make tobacco products illegal? Oh... that's right... government would loss billions if that happened! "

Rebecca wrote on Apr 2, 2007 4:53 PM:

" Thank you Valparaiso for banning smoking. I'd go out to the bars if there wasn't smoking exemtions for them. Live music is great entertainment, second hand smoke is not! If the majority of smokers wouldn't throw cigarette butts on the ground, (It can kill animals and it's littering) I support smoking outside public and private facilities too. "

Bob Dole wrote on Apr 2, 2007 4:34 PM:

" Smokers have been increasingly shamed, degenerated and people around the country have made their actions illegal. Instead of the recent hoop-la of coming out of the closet, smokers have been forced back inside the closet. Instead of walking the streets proudly as they have for centuries, smokers are deeply ashamed about practicing their rites and customs. They're considered so sinful that the use of false statistics against them is considered legitimate means in a worthy cause. Do we really think we can get instant lung cancer from someone smoking outside 50 feet away? What about the millions of people who have smoked and had no ill effects? If today they come for the smoker, tomorrow they will come for you. If today they ban your nicotine, tomorrow they will ban your sugar, your carbohydrates, your caffeine. "

Keith wrote on Apr 2, 2007 3:47 PM:

" Ok, banning smoking in public places is fine, we certainly don't want to affect anyones health. We can smoke outside, we can smoke in our cars and at home (until someone makes the decision for us that that's not acceptable either). But if the U.S. government and the individual states are going to make those decisions, then they need to stop the taxation of tobacco products. "

T.J. wrote on Apr 2, 2007 3:15 PM:

" It's hilarious to read some peoples comments on how thier rights are being diminshed when they are no longer allowed to blow thier toxic smoke into the faces of others. Smoking kills people period. It should of been banned a long time ago. So get over it and get used to it, because soon you won't even be able to smoke on the street, in your car and possibly in your own place of residence. It's allready happening in other parts of the country. Bravo to the city of Valporaiso for taking this step to protect peoples health. "

Paul wrote on Apr 2, 2007 2:11 PM:

" Ill tell you what. If I dont see a NO SMOKING sign at the door or in the facility then i am damn well going to smoke. When did people actually care about other people? I know that if i was walking down the road with a gas can nobody would stop and ask me if i needed a ride. So why should i care about smoking in a place that i eat at? "

Nonsmoker wrote on Apr 2, 2007 1:31 PM:

" Ever heard the saying, "The right to swing my arm stops where your face beings?" Unfortunately the smoke is impossible to contain, and what about my right as a nonsmoker to not breath in your smoke? Perhaps it wouldn't have gotten to this level if smokers were conscientious about their habit by not blowing smoke in people's face and picking up your cigarette butts. Quit making the issue about your rights when the issue is about the health and well-being of society. "

still kickin wrote on Apr 2, 2007 1:30 PM:

" Bring back Butterfield. lol "

Ian wrote on Apr 2, 2007 12:55 PM:

" I enjoy smoking cigarettes, and will not go to a non smoking resturant because I want to be able to sit down have a cup of coffe and a smoke, eat a meal, have another cup or two of coffee and enjoy another smoke before I get up and leave. I know there's many out there like this, and it's going to damage Valpo's econ. greatly. The gov. has it all wrong on smoking, you tell them to pay more taxes for cigarettes, smokers pay it, you tell them they can't smoke in public places, they stop going. Money flow in Valparaiso will change greatly. And to all you non smokers who think we should quit, guess who gets to help pay more taxes when smoking gets ban from everywhere? thats right YOU DO! smokers generate billions of tax dollars every year, without us, your pay check just got smaller, but if i cant buy cigarettes mine just got a little bigger. Your a little healther in a country still full of far worse air pollution than second hand smoke, and so am I, only I get alittle richer too "

LUCY wrote on Apr 2, 2007 12:50 PM:

" FYI....Lakes of the Four Season's allows smoking. It is opened to the public. They are opened Tuesday thru Saturday. Tuesday and Wednesday's kids 12 and under eat free. Wanna smoke.........come to Lakes of the Four Season's, we would love to have you there! "

Mike wrote on Apr 2, 2007 11:54 AM:

" Take this for what it is...they want people to be polite and limit their exposure to smoke. I don't care if you smoke or not, you all know that it is bad for you so just take it for what it is. Don't compare it to the water, drinking and driving, or living next to a child molester. This is something good for the community. Maybe you should take this as your wake-up call to QUIT SMOKING! The death of millions should have prevented you from smoking in the first place but maybe this will at least make you stop and think about what you are doing. Since you aren't going to look out for my heath, I guess the mayor will do it for you. "

florida cracker wrote on Apr 2, 2007 11:54 AM:

" "I say ban drinking.I have the ability to stay away from smokers but not from drunk drivers on the highway.Perhaps this c--p about mass transit will enable me avoid drunk drivers. Just read the police reports.Count the arrest and convictions for due to alcohol.Now the arrest for illegal smoking ? Say,what's the penalty for passing gas? "

Joan wrote on Apr 2, 2007 11:42 AM:

" I am so tired of rude, militant smokers saying that their freedom is being taken away. Sorry that you are being forced to be polite and step outside to kill yourself. Nobody wants to smell that, especially our kids and elderly. Now if we could only make the loud cell phone talkers go outside with you, we'd really have a nice evening out with the family. "

Shannah C. wrote on Apr 2, 2007 10:38 AM:

" The smoking ban is just another example of how our freedom is being slowly taken away. If they REALLY are concerned about the health of everyone in Valpo, why don't they do something about the water? Its disgusting...has a metallic taste, that can't be "healthy". There are(were) many other resturant choices in Valpo that didn't even have a smoking section such as Culvers, most of the fast food resturants, etc. Customers didn't HAVE to choose to take their families to a resturant that had a smoking section. "

Valpo Smoker wrote on Apr 2, 2007 10:37 AM:

" The best smoking policy would be as follows: All people that want to go out into the 'Valpo' community will be required to #1 wear a sticker that says "I love Costas" and #2 be 'smoking'at all times everywhere they go; Hence, the revenues generated from the fines will be able to fund the cost of a liberal bed wetting non-smoking politically correct program -instead of our hard earned tax dollars. - socrates' "

Another Person wrote on Apr 2, 2007 6:38 AM:

" I'm with Connie on this one, but I would like to take it one step farther. The reason they do this is to help protect kids and keep them from having to be exposed to smoke in public establishments. Fine and dandy...but what about the half a dozen child molestors living in Valpo that are within the thousand feet of a school which is against the law and nothing has been done about it. Again sensless and stupid. "

kevin wrote on Apr 2, 2007 1:49 AM:

" this smoking ban is a so stupid. they are sure taking away all are freedom. this country is gone to hell the way the goverment controls the way we live. this isnt the land of freedom they need to change that phrase.. its ok cause u wont be seeing me eating at any resturants in valpo anymore and i hope people feel the same way and just go to merillville to eat and enjoy a good smoke after they eat.. i was born and raised in valpo and i can see now how valpo is just going down hill cause of are mayor. "

ME2 wrote on Apr 2, 2007 1:04 AM:

" As a smoker I am not particularly happy with the ban. I believe we should have the right to smoke just like as a non-smoker has the right not to. I can also understand not smoking in a restaurant and in the workplace but, I think it has been taken just a little to far. What will be next?? "

Connie wrote on Apr 1, 2007 11:05 PM:

" They ban smoking but they will let a person walk out of a restaurant drunk and let him drive home. Makes so much sense NOT "

Bryan wrote on Apr 1, 2007 7:40 AM:

" The town council made the correct move, but it should have banned smoking in all public areas including all bars. All the public places in Bloomington, Indiana have been smoke free for 2 Years now, Bars included, no exceptions. "

Me wrote on Apr 1, 2007 2:42 AM:

" They ban smoking but they sure keep wanting the taxes from it don't they? "

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