OTTAWA COUNTY — With Ottawa County’s ban on smoking in the workplace and most public places set to take effect in January, advocates for individuals recovering from alcoholism are worried about its impact on local 12-step programs.
“I believe that eliminating smoking at Alano clubs would have a detrimental effect on the overall effort to try to help people deal with the deadly ravages of alcoholism,” said Jim Paggeot, a Grand Haven resident and self-described recovering alcoholic, who recently took his concern to the county board.
Paggeot is seeking to amend the ban, passed in August, to allow smoking in Alano clubs, which are affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous. He is pushing for change, with the condition that separate rooms be provided for smokers and nonsmokers.
County officials are considering the request and expect to make a recommendation Nov. 27 to the county board.
“I understand commissioners do not have the authority to regulate smoking in bars and restaurants due to state law,” said Paggeot, a nonsmoker who favors the intent of the ban.
“However, the effect in Ottawa County will still be that it is OK to go to a bar and smoke, but not OK to go to an Alano club and smoke while you’re struggling to recover from alcoholism.”
County Administrator Al Vanderberg, who has referred the issue to the Health Department, said officials are looking at how other counties have handled similar issues.
More than 20 counties in the state have enacted bans on smoking in the workplace and most public places, outside of bars and restaurants.
Businesses have begun receiving information from county health officials about the ban.
The measure bans smoking in indoor areas of public and private workplaces, requires businesses to be smoke-free within 25 feet of entrances, vents and operable windows, and requires at least 80 percent of hotel rooms be smoke-free.
Originally written By Greg ChandlerThe Grand Rapids Press
