Bar Owners in Marion County Support Measure that Offers Fewer Exemptions

Two proposals are under evaluation in Marion County, Indiana that will modify the smoking ban currently in place. The proposals presented by City-County Council President Ryan Vaughn and Council Members Angela Mansfield and Ben Hunter both look to reduce the number of exemptions currently included in the smoking ban, but Vaughn's proposal is much more lax than Mansfield and Hunter's.

Vaughn's proposal provides exemption to retail tobacco shops; nonprofit private or fraternal organizations, including veteran's halls; and cigar and hookah bars, newly defined as 'tobacco specialty bars'. Patrons of the tobacco specialty bars could only smoke tobacco sold in the establishment with absolutely no cigarette smoking allowed. Smoke Free Indy estimates that these restrictions would cover approximately 60 establishments in the county.

Mansfield and Hunter's proposal provides exemption to retail tobacco shops that count tobacco products as at least 85 percent of their sales. Smoke Free Indy estimates there are only 5 tobacco shops in the county.

The two proposals face a rocky road to passing. Mayor Greg Ballard support will likely go to Vaughn's proposal with a larger number of exemptions. In spite of the adversity, Mansfield and Hunter are continuing forward with unlikely allies. A group called Save Indianapolis Bars plans to lobby on behalf of the more comprehensive ban to ensure that private establishments do not gain a 'leg up' over their public competitors.  The group counts for approximately 1,300 bar owners, employees, and patrons as members.

In 2009, the group paid for radio ads opposing the expansion of the smoking ban. The group is supporting a no-favorites ban as bans are placed to protect people. Brad Klopfenstein, Save Indianapolis Bars Spokesman and Managing Partner said, "What we're looking at is trying to get them not to play favorites. If it's a health issue that they are concerned about, exempting anybody pretty much says that it isn't a health issue."

The establishments looking at a ban no matter which proposal is passed are looking at a difficult 2012 with many bars and bowling alleys facing the potential of closing due to the loss of patrons. Those same owners are backing the comprehensive ban to level the playing field to increase their probability of remaining open once the dust settles after an expansion to the ban passes.

Should Marion County support the more comprehensive ban to ensure all establishments are treated equally or would a more lax approach seem better? Does Save Indy Bars have a valid point in addressing the health risks being ignored in Vaughn's proposal?