Smoking Ban
The Omaha City Council is considering passing a smoking ban in the city and it has some bar owners upset about losing business. Jeff Lampe, owner of McFly’s does not want anyone telling him how to run his business.
“I have a hard time for the government to come and set perimeters for something that is legal,” said Lampe.
City Councilman Franklin Thompson says that Omaha needs to take action.
“I really believe the petition initiative by G.A.S.P. will get on the ballot in November and it will win big,” said Thompson.
If approved, the citizen’s group petition would eventually lead to a total smoking ban.
Thompson’s plan would allow for smoking in tobacco retailers and it would give businesses a five year grace period versus a two year grace period.
“It would be better if our City Council would protect children and employees then what’s perceived as the interest of business,” said Mark Welsch, G.A.S.P.
Welsch, member of the “Group to Alleviate Smoking Pollution” says even though the city councilman is making a move, he plans to go ahead with the petition drive.
Jeff Lampe is already planning to lose the fight because McFly’s serves food, therefore the bar and restaurant would not be considered for the grace period under the city’s plan. His customers may end up in a different establishment.
“If they really wanted to address the smoking issue, do it across the board, either make it legal or not,” said Lampe.
A partial ban was passed last year but the Mayor vetoed it because he favors a total ban.
The City Council will bring it up Tuesday and if passed, it would go into effect in October.
The G.A.S.P. petition deadline is July 11th and organizers say they expect to get enough signatures. There is also another petition that allows for business owners to make their own decision about smoking.
