Omaha’s smoking ban, in effect yesterday, will be a drag for some.
The smoking ban, proposed in early 2005, passed on a 6 to 1 vote by the Omaha City Council.
Council members claimed the ban’s purpose is to protect employees and the public from harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Any business serving food and alcohol throughout the city will be smoke-free, except for keno operators, stand-alone bars and Horseman’s Park, which have a five-year grace period to become smoke-free, according to the ban’s provisions.
Mayor Mike Fahey said he favored a complete ban on smoking, but the ban approved by the council was the best compromise. Fahey felt the partial ban eliminated the possibility of second-hand smoke in the majority of public places.
Crystal Cain, UNO junior, sees the ban as a positive effort to create a healthier environment for all.
“Look at all the statistics that say second-hand smoke is worse than first-hand,” Cain said. “Those who don’t smoke should be able to breath clean air. I don’t see anything wrong with the ban.”
Starting yesterday, smokers ticketed by police will face $100 fines for first offenses, $200 fines for second offenses and $500 fines for third offenses.
“The smoking ban is going to cost taxpayers more money,” said David Davis, UNO freshman. “There will be more littering around the city, like what happened in the city of Lincoln. Lincoln spent thousands on new street sweepers.”
Some neighborhood businesses, such as Travato’s in Dundee, started the ban early. However, not every business owner thinks the ban is fair.
The Marleybone Tavern, located at 3710 Leavenworth Street, attempted to fight the ordinance, arguing it was unconstitutional to make some places smoke-free and not others.
Douglas County Judge John Hartigan rejected an appeal for an injunction from the owner of the tavern. The ban’s opponents say more legal action is likely.
Originally written By Jordan Plagman
