Monroe County Update
Monroe County proposes smoking ban extension
Oct 3, 2007
Jeremy Brilliant/Eyewitness News
Jeremy Brilliant/Eyewitness News
Bloomington – A proposed ordinance in Monroe County could extend a smoking ban to include cars when children are present.? It’s a relatively new idea across the country and is creating controversy in central Indiana.
Smokers are already relegated to the outdoors, as virtually every public building is off limits.? Now, in Monroe County, some officials want to forbid smokers from lighting up in vehicles with children.
“If they’re smoking in their car with a child, they’re placing their child in jeopardy”, says Bob Schmidt, director of the Monroe County Health Department.
Second hand smoke, he warns, is dangerous with vehicle windows closed or open.
“We’re talking about increased respiratory illnesses, we’re talking about asthmatic attacks, we’re talking about possible sudden infant death syndrome,” said Schmidt.
Monroe County Libertarian Chair Margaret Fette, herself a non-smoker, doesn’t buy the public safety argument.? The ban, she says, is just another encroachment of government.
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“When did we get to the point where the police were guardians of our health?” asked Fette.? “What’s going to stop them from making the next step where people can’t smoke in their homes if they have children?? I mean really, where does it end?” she said.
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“When did we get to the point where the police were guardians of our health?” asked Fette.? “What’s going to stop them from making the next step where people can’t smoke in their homes if they have children?? I mean really, where does it end?” she said.
Compliance has been raised as an argument against such bans. But in January, Bangor, Maine became the first city to enact a smoking ban in cars with children. City officials say warnings have been issued but not tickets.?
Bangor City Council member Gerry GM Palmer, Jr. says, “Enforcement is a challenge but when the opportunity arises there’s something that people can point to.
“Hey, it’s against the law for you to be smoking with my nephew in your car!,” Palmer said.
The debate in Indiana has only just begun.
“Who makes the choice for that 10 year old child?? Who makes the choice for that six month old child?? They’re the ones that are going to suffer,” Schmidt insisted.
But Fette says, “being responsible for yourself is not the government’s job. It’s our own jobs.”
The ordinance in Maine includes children under 18 years old and carries a fine of 50 dollars.? The proposed ban in Monroe County would only be for children under 13.? The exact penalty hasn’t been decided.? And all of this is in the preliminary stage. The proposal will be brought before the county commissioners in the next month or so and there will be an opportunity for public input before a vote.?
