Wisconsin
Wisconsin's smokefree workplace law will take effect on July 5, 2010.
The law makes indoor workplaces, including all restaurants and bars 100% smokefree indoors. The state law also includes 100% of hotels and motels, becoming the first state to make 100% of hotel rooms smokefree.
The law exempts tobacco retail shops and cigar bars under certain conditions, and also preempts local cities and towns for prohibiting smoking on outdoor areas of private property (so locals cities and towns may no longer pass smokefree restaurant or bar patio laws, for example).
Check out the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's resolution in support of smokefree air!
Read more about current tobacco-related legislation in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin's 2009-2010 Legislative Session: January 5, 2009 - January 3, 2011 In Recess: November 6, 2009 - January 18, 2010
Find out what cities in Wisconsin are 100% smokefree!
State Quitline Numbers:
1-877-270-STOP (7867)
1-877-2-NO-FUME (266-3863) (Spanish)
American Cancer Society Quitline: 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
| Smokefree News |
| Wisconsin children are more likely than others to be exposed second-hand smoke Wisconsin children are more likely than others to be exposed to second-hand smoke. A study in Pediatrics Magazine ranks Wisconsin the fifth-worst state in childhood exposure to the smoke that cigarettes emit. The report said one-of-every-10 youngsters in the Badger State breathe second-hand smoke on a regular basis, compared to one-of-every-100 kids in Utah. And in homes with smokers, 39-percent of kids regularly breathe second-hand smoke. Only West Virginia has a higher percentage. The data is rather dated, though. It’s based on a survey of two-thousand households across the state in 2007 – three years before the state banned smoking in public indoor places. Nathan Jones of U-W Madison analyzed the data, and he blamed cultural factors for the high rate of people who smoke in homes. Other states have tried campaigns to get residents to smoke outside, but Jones says that rarely works. He says the most effective solution is to get people to quit. Milwaukee adopts stricter rules regulating smoking in public places Milwaukee bars and other businesses will have to follow stricter rules defining where smoking is and isn't allowed under the statewide indoor smoking ban, the Common Council decided Tuesday. Aldermen voted, 12-3, to fold the state's new smoking ban law into city ordinances, but with a different definition of enclosed spaces where smoking is prohibited. Under the city ordinance, smoking will be banned in areas that are at least 50% enclosed by walls, not including screens. The state law defines an enclosed space as having a roof and more than two "substantial" walls, a definition that tavern owners believe could allow smoking in rooms that have large open windows. The smoking ordinance also lets the city attorney's office prosecute smoking violations in Municipal Court, where any fines would flow to the city treasury. ... Banning the smoking ban Wisconsin? Half-baked ideas get floated in election years all the time. The idea topping this year's list (it's still early) is repeal of Wisconsin's state smoking ban. Both Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former congressman Mark Neumann, vying for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, say they'd sign a bill to do just that if either becomes governor. What part of "carcinogen," "safe workplace" or "public health" don't the candidates understand? ... Superior Taverns Apply For Outdoor Serving Permits It's been just over three weeks since Wisconsin went smoke free...now many taverns in Superior are getting permits that'll allow their patrons to bring their drinks outside with them when they step out to smoke. LeAnn Wallace has more on the permitting process and how things have been going since the statewide smoking ban went into effect. "It's not like I can't go on without a cigarette. I just like to have a cigarette while I'm eating." Duluth resident Craig Behning has driven over the bridge to dine out since Minnesota went smoke free in 2007. Three weeks into Wisconsin's ban...he's found himself among the thousands of other smokers...stepping outside to light up. "I think there are a lot of people like me in Duluth that would come over here to eat because we could smoke here." ... AUDIO: Smoking ban has some looking to quit The implementation of a statewide smoking ban is apparently motivating more people to kick the habit. It's been two weeks since the ban on smoking in workplaces went into effect. Since it started, Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line manager Kate Kobinsky says there has been an increase in calls coming from people who want to give up smoking. In the first week alone, calls to the Quit Line were up 20-percent since before the ban. Kobinsky says that was even without the benefit of advertising the service, which provides advice and medications to help people stop smoking. Businesses hit with spate of phony smoking ban violation complaints When the statewide smoking ban took effect July 5, the state Department of Public Health set up a hot line, (800) NO SMOKE, and a website that allowed tipsters to alert it to bars, restaurants and workplaces turning a blind eye to smokers. The department then sends a letter to the establishment and the local law enforcement agency informing them of the complaint. However, the tips are virtually anonymous, and plenty of phony complaints were registered in the first week of the ban -- more than 70 in Green Bay alone, said Connie Olson, executive director of Community Action for Healthy Living, an organization that promotes smoke-free lifestyles. Olson said she realized the flaw when she noticed complaints about bars that had been smoke-free for six months. . .. "Some people would complain four or five times against the same venue, but some of those businesses weren't even open." Unaffected by smoking ban, two remote Oneida casino locations will still go smoke-free Tribally owned casinos and gaming areas are among the few remaining workplaces where Wisconsin residents can light up, although at least two area gaming facilities have banned smoking. The indoor smoking ban that goes into effect today bans smoking in most enclosed places, but does not apply to tribal casinos or gaming facilities because of tribes' sovereign immunity. The ban also doesn't apply to specialty tobacco stores established before June 2009 or private residences. On June 1, the Oneida Tribe of Indians made two of its remote gaming locations smoke-free as part of an effort to improve the air quality for its employees and customers and to test the financial ramifications of a smoking ban. ... Study suggests smoking ban won't hurt business The statewide smoking ban goes into effect Monday and a new report shows that the law should not negatively impact business. The report, published in the July edition of the journal Preventing Chronic Disease and highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control, found taxable retail sales for bars and taverns increased in the two years after Washington state went smoke-free. Researchers analyzed 24 quarters of inflation-adjusted receipts during 2002-2007, before and after the state went smoke-free, and found revenue, "grew significantly" in the two years after going smoke-free. In fact, bar revenue was $105.5 million higher than expected. ... Smoke Free Wisconsin WISCONSIN -- Like Michigan just two months ago, Wisconsin is following suit and banning smoking throughout the state. Thursday the smoke-free Wisconsin act banning smoking in all public areas including bars, restaurants, and work places takes effect. Smoking ban goes into effect Monday On Monday, Wisconsin will become the 28th state in the country to implement a statewide smoking ban fopublic workplaces, restaurants and bars. Existing cigar bars, tobacco shops and casinos would be exempt from the new law, and a late amendment to the bill will allow smoking at bar entrances and in rooms where at least 25 percent of the walls are made up of windows that open. “(The amendment) was helpful and important so we can accommodate smokers,” said Scott Stenger, a lobbyist for the Tavern League of Wisconsin in a recent WisBusiness report. “Unfortunately, not everyone can have an area like that, so it doesn’t work for all members.” The Milwaukee area Diablos Rojos Restaurant Group which manages local eateries including, Trocadero, Café Hollander Tosa Village, Café Hollander Milwaukee and Café Centraal in Bayview all went smoke free this spring in preparation of statewide ban. “We’ve always been big supporters of the ban as long as it was fair and statewide,” said Eric Wagner, co-owner of the group. “Making the ban statewide puts everyone on the same playing field and gives everyone a healthier environment.” Despite the occasional ‘gripe,’ Wagner said the majority of his customers, smokers included appreciate the new smoke free environment. “We’ve gotten only positive responses from our customers,” Wagner said. “Very few people, even smokers, actually like sitting in a room full of stale cigarette smoke. Our smoking customers even appreciate it because they end up smoking a few less cigarettes and going for more short walks.” According to Wagner, many of the Group’s restaurants do feature vibrant outdoor patio areas where smoking is permitted and will continue to be permitted as long as it doesn’t bother customers. “I think it’s like anything else,” Wagner said. “It will take a little while to get used to but after a while people will really start to enjoy smoke free environments and will be amazed that we used to be able to smoke in bars.” ... Brown County Tavern League hopes e-cigarettes dampen effect smoking ban in Wisconsin GREEN BAY — In advance of the state's smoking ban on July 5, the Brown County Tavern League is selling electronic cigarettes, battery-powered devices that use liquid nicotine to imitate a cigarette's taste and effects. The league began selling the devices in March, and the demand from bars and taverns around the state has been "crazy," said Sue Robinson, president of the Brown County Tavern League. ... Taverns go smoke-free July 5 Kenosha is no stranger to smoking regulations. In 2000, the city passed an ordinance that prohibited smoking in all bars and restaurants unless there was a full-service bar, a separate smoking room or more than 50 percent of the establishment's sales came from alcohol. In 2008, a proposal to ban smoking in all workplaces was taken to a citywide referendum, which was opposed by 52 percent of city voters leading to the proposal being dropped. But the statewide change means all city bars and restaurants will have to comply with the no-smoking regulations. Where do cigarette butts go when Wisconsin indoor smoking ban takes effect? The approach of Wisconsin's indoor smoking ban is stirring concerns in Green Bay about a possible side effect of pushing smokers outside: Where will all those cigarette butts end up? "We don't want a mess of cigarette butts all over the place," said Paul Hartman, chairman of the city's beautification committee. Some business groups are taking steps to make sure bar owners and other businesses provide ashtrays or other disposal options outside their establishments. McMANUS: Health & Wellness: On July 5 our state will be smoke free The Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin, Inc (BHCW), the organization I work for, has collaborated at both the local and state levels with other organizations for over 10 years to get this legislation passed. Heart/lung disease and cancer are at the top of the list of conditions that African Americans die the most from. Within those conditions, tobacco has been identified as the number one cause of these diseases. This can occur by directly smoking or by what is known as “secondhand smoke”. It has been scientifically proven that persons who breathe in the products released by smokers into the air can be affected as if they had smoked the products themselves. Over 1,000 people die from secondhand smoke in the city of Milwaukee every year. . . . Next week, I will give more details on how the tobacco companies have historicallyand continue totarget our community. One tobacco executive made the statement when asked if he smoked, he said “Oh no. We save that for the Black, the young and the stupid”. I will also provide more information about why it is so hard for us to quit smoking once we are addicted. And believe me it is an addiction! More people looking to kick the habit because of statewide ban he statewide smoking ban has more people looking to make life changes. One of the main reasons for the statewide smoking ban is to protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke. It turns out, smokers are taking it as another reason to quit. If there ever was a time to quit smoking, now, before the statewide smoking ban, might be it. "It makes it more and more difficult to find places that are acceptable to smoke," says Deb Krahn, a tobacco educator at Marshfield Clinic. "I do hear people saying that it's really, really difficult being a smoker. It's more and more unacceptable." Deb works here at the Marshfield Clinic Oakwood Center. Everyday, she normally meets with five to seven patients looking to quit smoking. Lately, she's seen more than that. "I'm seeing a lot of people that are concerned that Wisconsin is going smoke-free now so it's going to be more difficult for them," she says. Deb says up to ten more patients could come to see her each week. She says while health concerns and the cost of cigarettes remain top reasons to quit, the ban adds another one--especially for certain people. ... Eau Claire seeing compliance with its smoking policy As much of the state prepares to go smoke-free, the City of Eau Claire says it has received overwhelming compliance with its own policy. The city's smoke-free ordinance kicked in two years ago. Since then, two businesses were cited for violating it, but both happened in 2008. No citations were given out last year and so far, not one has been issued this year. In June, the health department sent a letter to Eau Claire business owners reminding them about the state smoke-free law which takes effect on July 5. The city told businesses it will continue to enforce the local ordinance and will also enforce the new state law. That law prohibits smoking in some areas where it had been allowed under the city ordinance, for example, all hotel and motel rooms and taxis. Beaver Dam smoking ban passed The city of Beaver Dam adopted a smoking ban ordinance Monday night which largely mirrors the state ban set to go into effect July 5. When asked by Alderperson Robert Ballweg how the local ordinance benefits the Beaver Dam, city attorney Maryann Schacht said the municipality was sending the community a message. "The city council of this community is taking a stand and saying we want to ban smoking for your health and welfare," Schacht said. "We're taking a position that we also want to do it (in addition to the state)." It had been stated previously that enacting a local ordinance would allow the city to collect and keep all smoking citations fines and forfeitures, although Schacht did not directly address that question when asked by Ballweg. ... Even Cities with Smoking Bans Face Transition July 5th Wisconsin's statewide workplace smoking ban is now just two weeks away. It's a state law which will force changes even in cities already prohibiting people from lighting up inside, and the transition is causing some debate. Appleton voters approved a smoking ban years before state lawmakers did. "I know we had a couple of issues, there were a couple of establishments that weren't initially compliant, but they came through pretty quickly and I would have to estimate, six months, maybe a year at the most, it took for everybody to really transition," Appleton Assistant City Attorney Chris Behrens said. Appleton will keep its existing ban but also adopt portions of the state law. That means three big changes that toughen Appleton's ordinance ... More reasons to welcome the smoking ban We're less than one month away from the state smoking ban and a slew of new statistics have been released showing the new law couldn't come soon enough. Milwaukee suffers 730 smoking-related deaths each year a full 15 percent of the city's deaths overall according to the 2010 Burden of Tobacco Report recently released by the American Cancer Society and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. … Smoking ban starts . Well, not completely In the final weeks before the statewide smoking ban goes into effect, bar and restaurant owners, building inspectors and the police are finding themselves peering through a haze of unanswered questions regarding the new state law. The landscape of Oshkosh bars and restaurants is changing as owners prepare to find ways to accommodate their smoking customers. About half already can or soon will be able to offer outdoor smoking areas. As they build these areas, businesses are forging ahead with projects that are based on the best information they have. Wisconsin's smoking ban goes into effect July 5. Its intent is to protect workers from smoke-filled environments. Smoking claims the lives of 8,000 in Wisconsin annually, according to Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake. State lawmakers meant well but the law is so poorly created that no one knows which way to turn, said Allen Davis, director of community development for Oshkosh. The statewide smoking ban is 'the best thing that ever happened to us' The Goose Blind and Schneider's Pub & Grub are in iconic Wisconsin vacation spots and separated by 180 miles, but both businesses went smoke-free on their own. Mary Rowley bought the 140-seat Goose Blind in Green Lake in 1985. It also includes a patio for up to 70 people, where smoking is allowed only after 10 p.m. Her indoor business went smoke-free until 10 p.m. more than a year ago and went totally smoke-free indoors on May 1. "I didn't realize how pleasurable it was," Rowley said. "We have a lot of people who stay longer because it is smoke-free." Veterans homes will have outdoor smoking areas for now The Wisconsin veterans homes at King and Union Grove will also be smoke-free starting July 5 when the statewide smoking ban begins. The homes, with a combined 900 residents, each has designated outdoor smoking areas that are easily accessible, said Sara Stinski, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Veterans Affairs. However, in 2015, even smoking outdoors will be prohibited on the grounds, she said. As the statewide smoking ban nears, businesses struggle to adapt The start of the statewide smoking ban is just over three weeks away, and for Sherri Hofer, owner of the Pitstop Pub in Sun Prairie, a lack of outdoor space at her downtown business is creating apprehension and worry. The law, which takes effect July 5, is intended to clear the indoor air at workplaces and do away with a system that left smoking decisions to municipalities, creating islands of smoking and non-smoking communities. But that same law, known as Act 12, permits smoking on patios, decks and other spaces outside a business. In some cases, the space is a picnic table and an ashtray. Other areas cost thousands of dollars, have roofs and are constructed of brick with window-filled walls that skirt the legislation's definition of "an enclosed space." But there will be no smoking patio for Hofer's racing-themed business just a few blocks from Angell Park Speedway. She has just a few feet of sidewalk out front. Local Ordinances Closing Loophole in State Smoking Ban Trying to "put out" any confusion for bar owners come July, some cities in the Fox Valley are adopting ordinances to close a loophole in the statewide workplace smoking ban that takes effect July 5th. The smoking ban includes an open air exemption, which allows smokers to light up in a room in which a quarter or more of the walls are windows. "They left such a big loophole by not defining terms that they left a lot of people -- as communities as well as bar owners -- trying to decide what this actually means," Neenah Mayor George Scherck said. Neenah recently adopted a stricter definition of an enclosed space that should tighten up any loophole in the law. "I think what we needed to do is, we needed to tell tavern owners here is the rule and now you've got to deal with it, and it helps us know how to enforce it as well," Scherck said. ... Getting the word out on the smoking ban The Department of Health Services is launching a media blitz to raise awareness of the statewide smoking ban. The ban on smoking in most public spaces goes into effect on July 5th, and DHS Secretary Karen Timberlake says a series of radio, print, and internet-based ads will begin going out this week to make sure people know it’s coming. ... City attorney urges FdL to keep local smoking ban The attorney for the City of Fond du Lac is recommending a plan to continue with the city's smoking ordinance until "confusion" regarding a state law is worked out. City Attorney Deb Hoffmann is scheduled to speak on the matter at Wednesday's City Council meeting, but no action is planned. The meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers of the City County Government Center, 160 S. Macy St. The public is welcome. Meetings also are televised live on Charter cable Channels 21/980. In October 2008, Fond du Lac adopted an ordinance that banned smoking in city workplaces. As part of the local rule, a provision was added that said the city's ordinance "shall be pre-empted by a workplace smoking ban enacted by the state of Wisconsin." Hoffmann said the city's ordinance, which went into effect Feb. 2, 2009, would "disappear" when the state law goes into effect July 5, "and the city would have no city (local) ordinance on smoking." ... No smoking ordinance in Spooner SPOONER – After much discussion, Spooner’s Safety and Licensing Committee opted not to create a smoking ordinance for the sidewalks in front of Main Street businesses at a meeting Friday, May 28, in city hall. The state passed a law prohibiting smoking in all businesses, which includes bars and restaurants, effective July 5. Any outdoor smoking area cannot have more than two walls surrounding it, and though the law says smokers must stand at a reasonable distance from a building, what qualifies as reasonable is not defined. At a meeting in early May, this committee brought up the idea of creating a special smoking ordinance that would limit smoking to the alleys behind the Main Street businesses, which belong to the business property, rather than having smokers, whether they be employees or customers, on the sidewalks in front. Chair Esa Everroad said there had already been complaints from downtown customers about large groups of smokers congregating outside, making it hard for people to walk around them on the sidewalks and causing intimidation, and cigarette butts littering the ground. Additionally, the ban also prohibits bar and restaurants owners from providing smoking paraphernalia, such as ashtrays, matches or even receptacles outside the building. ... Superior bars prepare outdoor smoking areas as state ban nears The ordinance was adopted last year in response to a statewide smoking ban that goes into effect July 5. The new local law allows business owners to extend ... Silver star for conservation Editorial: Wisconsin smoking ban loophole shows absurdity at Capitol in Madison Doesn't that sound like "inside" to you? Isn't that still "enclosed"? So if bar owners want to build a smoking room, as long as they meet the window requirement, they can -- and some are. In the bigger picture, it's great that the ban is finally going to take effect. The loophole may not be widely used. But the dysfunction of the Capitol -- and the effects of lobbying -- are on full display when we're left with the silliness of determining what's inside and what's outside -- and then getting it wrong. We need some fresh air. And that has nothing to do with smoking. ... Don’t get sneaky with smoke ban Now, we hope owners of bars and taverns don't try to manipulate the part of the law that allows for smoking on outdoor patios and other outside places. Even allowing for smoking in outdoor areas was a compromise needed to get the overall law passed, so it's in the best interest of everyone if that provision is upheld as intended. . . . Let's not play games or get cute in trying to sneak around the new law. No smoking indoors - it's that simple. And let's not try to reinvent the definition of outdoors in an attempt to let people smoke in what really is an indoor facility. We're sure it won't take smokers long to get used to stepping outside - truly outside - to enjoy their habit. And everyone else inside can continue to breathe easier. ... County bans employee smoking Marathon County is using the July 5 start of a statewide smoking ban to enact a much stricter policy that prohibits smoking on many of its properties. The prohibition will ban smoking both indoors and outdoors, essentially prohibiting county workers from puffing away while on the job or during their paid breaks. "We are tired of cleaning up after people," Marathon County Administrator Brad Karger said. "Quit smoking." The new policy does not include Marathon Park, which plays host to events for thousands of people each summer. ... Chippewa County considers not allowing smoking on property Smoking will be banned not only in the Chippewa County Courthouse but on the grounds outside, if the county board passes proposed changes to its anti-smoking ordinance. The board held its first reading on the ordinance Tuesday and is scheduled to vote on the measure next month. Initial discussion by the board did not reveal opposition to the measure, but there were several questions. The county currently prohibits smoking in county buildings, but does allow it at the cul de sac entrance of the courthouse and at least 20 feet from the doorway of other entrances. The proposed change would prohibit smoking on any county-owned property or grounds or in any county-owned vehicle. County parks and forests would be the exceptions. ... Doyle Signs Bill Clarifying Outdoor Smoking Areas MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - Governor Jim Doyle has signed a bill that seeks to clarify the types of outdoor smoking areas taverns can have, once the statewide public indoor smoking ban takes effect. The ban takes effect July 5th. It bars smoking in enclosed areas of workplaces with a roof and at least 3 substantial walls. But a wall is not substantial if at least 25 percent of its space has a window that can open. The new law clarifies that a wall with no windows is substantial – and windows that are permanently closed don’t count under the exceptions. Meanwhile, Tavern League attorney Mike Wittenwyler says the right number of well-placed windows could allow a tavern to actually allow smoking under the substantial wall definition. ... Tavern smoking areas OK'd The owner of several Sheboygan taverns received approval on Tuesday from the city's Plan Commission to build ventilated smoking areas off of two of his establishments to comply with the state's upcoming indoor smoking ban. Commissioners, however, held off on approving a request from Curt Hinz to construct a 425-square-foot smoking area off a third bar he owns, What's Up Tavern at 1635 Michigan Ave., because the addition would have come within a few inches of a neighboring house. Hinz will work with his architect, Scott Matula, to redesign the What's Up smoking area to allow for more space between the bar and the house. Hinz did get approval for a 720-square-foot smoking area at Vreeke's Tavern, 935 Michigan Ave., and a 40-square-foot area at Bourbon Street Pub, 1536 Indiana Ave. Both smoking areas would be extensions of the bar premises, so patrons can light up while having a drink. Hinz said he wants to have the smoking areas, which would be enclosed but have ventilation systems, to have more control over patrons who smoke. ... Tempers flare as Somers Board talks smoking ban ordinance SOMERS — Talk of strengthening the smoking ban resolution that narrowly won Town Board approval last month, re-ignited tempers Thursday night when the issue of converting it to an enforceable ordinance came up for discussion at the board’s bi-weekly work session. Town Supervisor Fred Loomis told fellow board members he placed the resolution on the agenda for discussion Thursday “just to give it a little enforceability. I want to make it an ordinance.” He argued doing so would lead to Kenosha Sheriff’s Department deputies enforcing violations. Loomis found support for doing so among newly elected Supervisor Larry Harding, who, along with Town Chairman Jim Smith and Loomis, voted with the 3-2 majority that passed the resolution April 16 ... 60 Days 'Til Smoking Ban Arbor Vitae - There's still 60 days left until the statewide smoking ban goes into effect, but some local businesses have kicked the habit early. One of those is Ella's in Arbor Vitae, which nixed smoking for good May 1st. Mark Gutteter is the owner of Ella's. He says he owns another restaurant in Michigan, which went smoke free statewide May 1st. According to Gutteter so many of his customers in Michigan were excited about the ban, he decided to get rid of smoking at his Arbor Vitae place at the same time. He says, "Non-smoking customers, which is the vast majority of people really don't like the smell of cigarettes and people just say, 'Oh, it's just wonderful to come in and not smell that cigarette smoke.'" ... City officials: More beer gardens likely as smoking ban nears The looming statewide workplace smoking ban has predictably raised interest at local establishments in offering an outdoor dining alternative, La Crosse officials say. The ban, which takes effect July 5, will force smokers at restaurants and taverns to use public sidewalks or patios. In preparation for the switch, the city's Board of Public Works began positing how to cope with increased litter from cigarette butts and patrons smoking in the area immediately around entrances. ... City may adopt smoking ordinance The city of Rhinelander has been working on a no-smoking ordinance designed to add clarity to the language in the state smoking ban that takes effect July 5. The state law, 2009 Wisconsin Act 12, is a six-page document that fully outlines the parameters of the smoking ban, but City Administrator Bill Bell said some of the language is vague. “We want to put the ordinance into layman’s terms so it’s easy to understand for everyone,” Bell said. “We’re just trying to be proactive and have an ordinance in place.” ... Smoking rooms at bars get help from Wis. lawmakers Wisconsin lawmakers have approved a bill that will make it easier for bars to offer outdoor smoking areas for customers after the statewide smoking ban goes into effect in July. The Assembly voted 60-33 early Friday for the bill sought by the Tavern League of Wisconsin, a powerful lobbying group that represents bar owners. Rep. Mary Hubler, D-Rice Lake, says the bill will help taverns have patio areas with open windows where smokers can light up "in the dead of winter when it is 30 below." ... Proposal could expand outdoor drinking space The impending ban on smoking in all workplaces is leading Kenosha to consider options for establishments to keep their customers close while smoking. The City Council will consider two ordinances, sponsored by Alderman Jesse Downing, on Monday that would change the requirements for restaurants and bars with liquor licenses to have outdoor extensions and change extension fees. ... Red Apple files another appeal in Wausau smoking ordinance violations WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) – The owner of a Wausau restaurant is once again filing an appeal against a number of citations for the city's smoking ban in restaurants. Zack Jusufi claims that the city could not have issued those citations because officers who came to check his business for compliance did not have warrants to enter his restaurant. Jusufi runs the Red Apple Social club, a business that Jusufi said should have gotten around a Wausau ban on smoking in restaurants because he charges patrons a 1 dollar lifetime membership fee, making it a private club. That would have made it exempt from the ban under rules of the ordinance. Three different courts have disagreed, and denied his claims. ... City of Hudson adopts its own smoking ban The city of Hudson has adopted its own ban on smoking in bars in advance of a statewide law that goes into effect July 5. The City Council at its last meeting voted to incorporate the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act into the Hudson Municipal Code. The move will allow Hudson to charge offenders of the smoking ban with a city ordinance violation — and keep the fines they pay. Cases of alleged illegal smoking will be handled at the municipal court level. ... Some may use loophole in Wis. smoking ban WISCONSIN (WFRV) - When the state smoking ban takes effect this July, some businesses may use a loophole to get around the law. The smoking ban doesn't permit lighting up in an enclosed space. That's defined as a roof and two walls with an opening less than a quarter of the wall's surface area ... Merrill proposes its own smoking ban MERRILL -- The city of Merrill is considering its own workplace smoking ban -- a ban that wouldn't additionally restrict smoking but could bring money into city coffers. The measure is nearly identical to legislation signed a year ago by Gov. Jim Doyle that makes all Wisconsin workplaces smoke-free. The local ban would take effect July 6, the day after the statewide smoking ban becomes effective. ... Local governments gear up for smoking ban With a little more than four months left before a statewide smoking ban goes into effect, central Wisconsin municipalities have started investigating ways they will deal with the new law. Enforcement of the new state statute, which the Legislature passed in May, is one of the main issues for many jurisdictions, including Wisconsin Rapids, where officials met Thursday to discuss preliminary strategies for implementation and awareness. "What type of communication strategy do we have for the business owners and the community in general?" asked Common Council member Jean Young, also chairwoman of the city Finance and Property Committee. The committee then directed city leaders to investigate the possibilities of simplifying enforcement, including the idea of drafting a city ordinance they think would allow officers to deal with violations at the municipal level instead of referring them to the circuit court system. ... More options for smokers at Madison bars? Will bars and bowling alleys in Madison soon be sprouting new additions to accommodate smokers? The Verona Press recently reported that Wildcat Lanes secured approval from that city's plan commission for an addition meant to exploit an apparent loophole in the state's new smoking ban, set to take effect this July. It seems to say if a structure has two or more walls with openings that make up more than 25% of wall area, it is not considered "enclosed" and hence is excluded from the ban. "In other words," wrote the paper's editor, Jim Ferolie, "a completely enclosed room by any other definition needs only to have two walls with large, openable windows to allow smoking." The Wildcat Lanes addition has large windows on three walls. The addition was unanimously approved, with one commissioner reportedly saying "cool" when the applicant admitted its purpose was to accommodate smoking. ... Looking for smoking ban loopholes State officials may be taking another look at a loophole included in a statewide smoking ban. The ban set to take effect on July 5th of this year includes a provision allowing smoking rooms in taverns, which would be similar to a three season porch. Grand Chute building inspector Cary Nate says it’s generating a lot of interest from bar owners and they’ve had people approach them with plans to add on to their businesses. The rule requires that at least 25-percent of two of the room’s walls are covered with windows that can be opened. Nate says the concern is they don’t have to actually open those windows and the law includes no direction on how the room needs to be ventilated. The state Commerce Department says it plans to revisit the issue, and other possible loopholes in the smoking ban. A hearing has been scheduled for early April in Madison. ... Milwaukee's best smoke-free bar, 2010: Whiskey Bar Now that state lawmakers have reached a deal to prohibit smoking in virtually all workplaces -- including restaurants and taverns -- this Best of Bars category will soon become moot. But since Wisconsin's state-wide smoking band doesn't go into effect until this July, Milwaukeeans can still debate and discuss their favorites among the select few bars in this city that have opted to go smoke-free without government intervention. Although more than a handful have axed the ashtrays before it, Whiskey Bar, a relative newcomer to Jefferson Street, won over Milwaukeeans' lungs with its clean air environment. ... City adopts no-smoking ordinance The Black River Falls city council has adopted the newest version of its no-smoking ordinance that bans smoking in city buildings and city vehicles. Residents could now see a $100 fine for violating the ordinance, compared to the $10 enforced in the city’s previous version. The city council unanimously voted to adopt the ordinance after conducting a second reading at its regular meeting Feb. 2. Mayor Ron Danielson first presented the newest version of the ordinance to the Committee of the Whole at its Dec. 16 meeting for two purposes — to change the amount residents can be fined for violating it and officially add it to the city’s municipal code. ... Wildcat Lanes gets city OK to build 'outdoor' smoking room A 225-foot addition planned for Wildcat Lanes (middle, in brown) features large windows on two sides that would enable it to not be considered "enclosed" when the statewide smoking ban goes into effect July 5. The city Plan Commission gave approval Monday for Verona's first smoking room. While the building addition at Wildcat Lanes wasn't labeled as such in the staff report and certainly doesn't have to be used that way, its purpose was obvious by the design and timing of the request. The bowling alley's general manager, Andy Poole, confirmed it midway through the discussion with a terse, uncomfortable, "yes," after commissioner Patrick Lytle could no longer hold in his curiosity. ... 3 counties join forces on tobacco A new group is working to snuff out smoking in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties. A tri-county tobacco-free coalition recently replaced separate organizations in Kenosha and Racine. Joyce Erickson, the coordinator of the old Kenosha coalition, is leading the new group. ... Dane Co. exempts "tobacco bars" from smoking ban MADISON (WKOW) -- Dane County leaders voted to exclude tobacco bars from the county's smoking ban. The measure passed 30 to 7. Mediterranean Hookah Lounge owner Tommy Hannah says smoking out of hookahs is what's keeping his business alive. "Anyone can go downtown, anyone can go to any restaurant they want to, I need some sort of different nich that people want to come here for," Hanna said. Supporters of the change say it makes the county ordinance more like the statewide smoking ban that takes effect in July. ... Wildcat Lanes gets city OK to build 'outdoor' smoking room The city Plan Commission gave approval Monday for Verona's first smoking room. While the building addition at Wildcat Lanes wasn't labeled as such in the staff report and certainly doesn't have to be used that way, its purpose was obvious by the design and timing of the request. The bowling alley's general manager, Andy Poole, confirmed it midway through the discussion with a terse, uncomfortable, "yes," after commissioner Patrick Lytle could no longer hold in his curiosity. "Cool," Lytle said after acknowledging that his question wasn't really relevant to the discussion. City planning director Bruce Sylvester said later that he intentionally avoided bringing up the purpose of the addition because it wasn't "germane" to the Plan Commission's charge, which has more concern with aesthetics and consistency than enforcement of the state smoking ban. The state ban will supersede Verona's prohibition smoking in food- or drink-serving areas July 5, and it contains a rather loose definition of what constitutes an outdoor patio. True to form, the commission spent most of the nearly half-hour discussion focused on screening dumpsters with fences elsewhere on the site than about what would go inside the building or how it would be used. Aside from a couple of clumsily worded questions on its somewhat curious design and placement, commissioners generally bit their tongues and made sure not to leave any implication that it mattered whether the room was made for smoking. ... Lambeau Field to go smoke-free as statewide ban only 6 months away Some bars and restaurants are already clearing the air of tobacco smoke even though a statewide smoking ban doesn’t go into effect until July. “We’ve had more favorable comments by far,” said Nancy Koch, co-owner of the newly opened Hodge Podge Lodge restaurant in St. Germain. “Most of the customers like the fact that we’re smoke-free and it’s going to be the law anyway starting July." The latest to join in the smoking ban is none other than Wisconsin’s Green Bay Packers football team, which announced that, effective next season, it will enforce Wisconsin Act 12, which bans smoking in most indoor public places and in workplaces. The Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District and the Packers have determined the act applies to all of Lambeau, as it does to restaurants, bars and other places, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports. So while you’ll still be able to have a beer at the famed NFL stadium, you won’t be able to light up without risking a fine. ... WI Sees Decrease In Tobacco Sales Governor Jim Doyle announced a significant decrease in tobacco sales to Wisconsin minors Monday. The state’s 2009 Synar sales compliance survey, which determines the number of retail outlets that are selling tobacco illegally to minors, shows a noncompliance rate of 5.7 percent—20 percent lower than the 2008 rate of 7.2 percent. “In Wisconsin, we are working hard to protect our kids from the scourge of tobacco,” Governor Doyle said. “Our state has a long history of preventing youth tobacco sales and I’m pleased our efforts are paying off.” Governor Doyle also thanked retailers for helping keep tobacco out of the hands of minors and for their dedication to protecting young people from tobacco’s harmful effects. ... St. Croix bans tobacco use on county-owned property In a few months, clusters of smokers outside St. Croix County buildings and the litter of cigarette filters in county parks should be things of the past. Seventeen years ago the County Board voted to ban smoking inside county government buildings and passenger vehicles. On Oct. 20 the board went farther by banning the use of tobacco products on the grounds of county government buildings, at the fairgrounds, in county parks and in all county-owned vehicles and equipment regardless of location. The tobacco-free policy will be effective Jan. 1, 2010 ... Superior City Council Approves Ordinances To Help Businesses During Smoking Ban Superior council approves outdoor bar and restaurant service Superior's City Council decided to get ahead of a statewide smoking ban today. While the ban prohibits smokers from lighting up in indoor workplaces, ... Editorial: State did the right thing with smoking ban New reviews of recent studies conclude that heart attack rates have fallen 17 percent in communities and states after smoking bans were enacted. It's just further evidence that Wisconsin did the right thing in passing the ban that takes effect next summer. . . . Smoking ban opponents argue that business owners should have the choice regarding what happens on their private property. But this is not the first law ever passed to regulate public health in those businesses. Making it illegal to poison the air is certainly an appropriate government action. Next July 1, Wisconsin joins 31 other states that forbid smoking in the workplace, including restaurants and taverns. It's about time. ... Anti-smoking info campaign targets minorities A statewide anti-smoking campaign aimed at minorities and those in poverty that highlights the dangers of second-hand smoke has begun. "There are definitely certain groups that are impacted in different ways," said Mandy Myszka, public health educator for the Marathon County Health Department. "For instance, the lower socio-economic population, the tobacco companies really target them specifically. They can offer them free tobacco products to get them started, for instance." The state campaign -- promoted by the Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, a coalition of community anti-smoking activists and the state Department of Health Services -- will use minority spokespeople to help make the connection with minority groups. For example, Blia Lor, a Hmong woman from Milwaukee, will be featured on billboards. ... TOYCEN: Implications of the campus-wide smoking ban Under new rules at Lawrence, people are no longer allowed to smoke within the "academic necklace" of campus. Although it is completely acceptable to pass this rule -- Lawrence is private property -- there are some implications that need to be brought to attention. First, the biggest problem with the ban is that short of someone vigilantly patrolling the affected areas and accosting individuals who break the rules, very little can be done in the way of enforcement. . . . Council considers options for smokers A panel of city councilors working with business owners is getting closer to an outdoor solution to the state's impending indoor smoking ban ... Exemption to county smoking ban proposed for hookah bar Dane County's smoking ban, less than a week old, is already facing a challenge from a town of Madison restaurant that wants to be let off ... Doyle won't seek re-election He said the statewide smoking ban and domestic partner benefits registry, passed in the last year, showed a lot could be accomplished in a year. ... Dane County Smoking Ban Now In Effect Saturday marked the beginning of the Dane County smoking ban. The ban will affect 34 Dane County towns that had not yet enacted bans of their own. At Issue: Should some hotel rooms be designated for smoking? Wisconsin inns and hotels would be able to allow smoking in up to 25 percent of their rooms under a bill in the Legislature that would amend the statewide smoking ban. . . . The case for The case against "The arguments that are being used are the same arguments we used to try to defeat the smoking ban," Madland said, whose group fought the statewide ban for years. ... Dane County smoking ban takes effect Aug. 15 TOWN OF MADISON -- A familiar fixture at the Badger Bowl on Rimrock Road will disappear next weekend: ashtrays. The bowling alley will join dozens of bars and restaurants in going smoke-free as Dane County's smoking ban goes into effect Aug. 15. Badger Bowl operations manager Kurtis Swenson expects to lose some customers who will stop seeking out Badger Bowl as one of the few bowling alleys in the area where smoking is allowed. "We're concerned that some bowlers aren't going to find out until the day they walk in here," Swenson said. "Those teams will come in and say, 'There's no ashtrays. … We're not happy about this.'" The ban only affects Dane County's towns. But combined with smoking bans in Madison, Fitchburg, Middleton, Monona, Verona (which also starts Aug. 15) and the village of Shorewood Hills, 75 percent of Dane County residents will live in smoke-free communities. ... Inside smoking outdoors? A new analysis by the Wisconsin Tavern League suggests the state's impending smoke-free law may not put an end to smoking in enclosed areas, and could marginally undercut Madison's existing ban. "If an outdoor structure has four solid walls and no permanent roof, as opposed to a tarp or removable roof, it would not meet the definition of an enclosed area and smoking would be permitted," says the group's final analysis, posted on its website (PDF). Madison City Attorney Michael May thinks the group is correct in concluding that a structure with no roof is considered outdoors. He's not sure if the city's ordinance addresses this issue or "whether we would agree that a tarp or removable roof qualifies as no roof." ... Bill Would Exempt Some Hotel Rooms From Smoking Ban The Wisconsin Legislature is considering a bill that would exempt 25 percent of hotel rooms from the statewide smoking ban. It's scheduled to take effect next July. Rep. Mark Gottlieb of Port Washington is one of the sponsors of the legislation. He says although he voted in favor of the workplace ban, he thinks smoking should be allowed in some hotel rooms. "Hotels are a different situation. When you rent a hotel room essentially that becomes your private residence for the length of time that you've rented it. There's really not employees in there serving you so to me, the hotel issue is distinct and separate from the workplace issue," Gottlieb says. ... Smoke-free tavern open for business after 4-year wait ... Nelson said customer comments about the business and its smoke-free environment have been positive. "I think it has lived up to what people wanted." ... Jackson County bans tobacco use Tobacco use on Jackson County property will be banned, and violators could see a $50 fine. The Jackson County Board of Supervisors passed the prohibition of smoking and use of smoke-free tobacco at its July 20 meeting. The ban will go into effect Jan. 1, 2010, and will cover all county-owned property except forestland, campgrounds and roadways. "It might take a little bit to educate the public, but I think it's going to work," said Supervisor Roger Stevens. It was the second time the proposition came before the board, and being approved by a 12-4, it drew some criticism from board members and the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Duane Waldera -- who called the ordinance "intrusive" and "complex" -- questioned the enforceability of such rules. "It's going to be difficult to enforce this," Waldera said. "It's going to be a little more labor-intensive." ... Housing complex owners vote to ban smoking Proposal to ban smoking at bus station fizzles A challenge to the smoking policy at Wausau's downtown bus depot was shot down Thursday by Wausau transit commissioners. Commissioner Fred Heider proposed prohibiting smoking at the outdoor terminal because he was concerned that smoke drifting from the waiting area into the open doors of buses could violate the Clean Air Act that prohibits smoking on buses. "If you're standing on the platform and the air is sucked into the bus, then you're basically smoking on the bus," he said. . . . He backed off when Metro Ride Director Greg Seubert said allowing smoking at the station did not break any laws, citing several other Wisconsin cities that allow smoking in bus depots. He also said bus drivers are exempt from breaks and, given the short period of time they have between routes, the 40 percent to 50 percent of operators who smoke don't have time to leave the waiting area for a smoke during downtown stops. ... Smoke-free good for business Village of Weston delays smoking ban It's official, the Village of Weston will wait to implement its smoking ban with the rest of the state. The Village President, Fred Schuster, says in the end it came down to being fair. You may remember the Village of Weston passed its smoking ban this past December. Originally they were going to have all businesses go smoke free starting January 1, 2010. But once the statewide smoking ban passed, the Village President said it was a huge relief "My concern all along was a level playing field and after the state came with their ban, theirs was effective July 5th, ours would have been January 1st. I really wanted a level playing field for everybody," says Schuster. ... Weston Delays Implementation of Smoking Ban Some bar owners in Weston are very happy after learning the village’s smoking ban will not go into effect until the statewide ban does next July. It was scheduled to start in January. In a 5-to-1 vote Monday, Weston’s Village Board decided to delay implementing their smoking ban because bar owners feared banning smoking earlier than surrounding towns could cause a downtown in business. "I agree with the idea of a level playing field,” said Village President Fred Schuster. “Personally I don't see how that can be wrong." "We don't want to lose our customers to somebody else in that six month period of time,” said Terry Woznicki, who owns the Down the Hill bar in Weston. “If they go down the street they might not come back. Now they can stay." ... Bar owners seek Weston smoking ban delay Weston tavern owners want to delay the village's smoking ban six months so it coincides with a state ban that takes effect in July 2010. Some Weston bars owners say they will suffer for six months because taverns in Rothschild, Schofield and Kronenwetter, which still allow smoking, will take Weston customers during the winter months, said Dan Elliott, owner of the Kelly Club in Weston. ... Wisconsin's new smoking ban includes Lambeau Field Wisconsin's new public smoking ban would prohibit people from lighting up anywhere in Lambeau Field, according to Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District Director Pat Webb. "Our first blush is that we would be covered by the law," Webb told the district board today. Smoking is permitted in designated areas of the stadium concourse, but Webb said Packers officials admit it isn't strictly enforced. Smoking is not permitted in the stadium bowl. The state law, which Gov. Jim Doyle signed May 18, includes "any stadium, ... Innkeeper exemption sought for smoking ban The ink on the statewide smoking ban is barely dry, and already there's an attempt to alter it. State Representative Gary Sherman wants to restore the right of Wisconsin innkeepers to offer smoking rooms, and says the ban on hotel and motel smoking is bound to be broken, anyway. "If you're a consumer of a hotel room and you don't smoke, and if like me you're very sensitive to smoke, you need to know whether the last person in that room had smoked or not," says Sherman. "Without the designation of smoking rooms, there's nothing to keep people from smoking. They're just going to do it." ...
Doyle signs smoking ban measure Superior to consider making outdoor cigarette patios into tavern and restaurant permits As bars and restaurants spend the next year-plus getting ready for the statewide smoking ban, one city is looking for a way to help that transition. Mike Simonson reports from Superior. Superior is considering outdoor smoking patios. Bars and restaurants fear they'll lose customers if they don't have some place for smokers to go. Enter Superior. Mayor Dave Ross says instead of having one by one special use permits for these businesses, he says bars and other businesses can have it written in their licenses to accommodate smokers outside on private property. "We need to give some bars and restaurants some breathing room in that they can allow for outdoor smoking in patio areas. One of the things that the debate is going to be is bars that don't have a side yard or patio area, whether they can set up a sitting area on the outside public sidewalk and as well have an area of service out on the street." Ross is against having smoking patios on public sidewalks. Even so, state Tavern League Director Pete Madland hopes other communities follow Superior's lead. ...
Casinos Urged To Comply With Smoking Ban MILWAUKEE - Slot machines, blackjack and craps tables draw people to Potawatomi Bingo Casino. It's the smoking that keeps Mary Welch-Donovan out. “It's very irritating,” she told TODAY’S TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray. "I shouldn't have to take in that smoke of other people's habit." Welch-Donovan prefers Illinois, where smoking in casinos is against the law. Wisconsin's 16 casinos are on sovereign tribal land and would not be required to comply with a statewide smoking ban scheduled to take effect July 5, 2010. ... Fond du Lac smoking ban will remain in effect Smokers visiting Fond du Lac taverns should keep puffing outdoors. The state Legislature's passage Wednesday of a statewide smoking ban will not provide a hiatus or gap in the city's workplace smoking ban. The state ban bill, once it gets Gov. Jim Doyle's signature, is scheduled to go into effect July 5, 2010.Fond du Lac City Council members in October supported Council President Tim Lakin's amendment that any state ordinance would supercede the local ordinance. "(Then) Councilwoman (Lindee) Kimball posed the question on whether the intent of the city ordinance was to continue the city ordinance to a (state) effective date," City Attorney James Flader said Thursday. "The answer from Mr. Lakin — and we actually do have the tape of this — was 'yes.'" ... Letters: Smoking ban a good move for state of Wisconsin I know that proponents and opponents of the smoking ban all feel very passionate about this issue. I know that they did not get everything they wanted. That is the nature of compromise. This is a bill that we can live with. It will go a long way toward protecting and improving the public health. This bill will reduce the occurrence of smoking-related diseases and the health care costs that we all pay for treating those diseases. ... Arnone: Smoking ban will benefit restaurants, businesses She was the general manager for HealthNow New York Inc., the parent company for Blue Cross and Blue Shield New York at the time, so professionally it made sense for her to support the initiative. Arnone saw anecdotal effects of the smoking ban as well with restaurants reaping the benefits by serving customers who would have otherwise stayed home because they didn’t want to be in a smoky environment, she said. ... Assembly, Senate pass indoor smoking ban Smoking would be banned in restaurants, bars and other businesses starting in July 2010 under a bill the Legislature passed Wednesday. "Today, Wisconsin is taking an important step to save lives and protect our kids and citizens from the scourge of tobacco," Doyle said in a statement. "I wish the ban would be implemented sooner, but I am proud the state is embracing the healthy direction the world is going. Making Wisconsin smoke-free will save money in health care costs, improve public health across the state and save lives." The measure passed the Senate 25-8 and the Assembly 61-38. Smoking ban vote today MADISON - Lawmakers will look to clear the air today when it comes to a statewide smoking ban. The state Senate and Assembly will debate the measure today, and are expected to pass it. If the current proposal is approved, the workplace smoking ban would take effect in July of next year. ... Study Shows People Can Breathe Easier in City of Eau Claire Taverns A new study shows employees and patrons at Eau Claire taverns can breathe easier because of the city-wide smoking ban. The study comes from the Eau Claire City-County Health Department. They found the level of fine particle pollution in four Eau Claire taverns went down 95 percent or more compared to the levels present before Eau Claire implemented the ban. The study included four taverns in Eau Claire and two outside the city limits. They were monitored in February and March of last year and then again in February of this year. Before the city's smoking ban in 2008, air quality in all six bars reached levels considered hazardous to health. That’s the highest level of air quality danger ranked by the EPA. Monitoring from February of this year found the taverns in Eau Claire ranked "good." That ranking by the EPA shows no health concerns. ... Editorial: Smoking ban bill is win for public The goal is within reach. And do you know who we have to thank for that? You. . . . public sentiment for a statewide ban grew over time. In a legislative process seemingly dominated by lobbyists' special interests and legislators' self-interest, the public's voice broke through. Without the overwhelming support of state residents in favor of a ban, there would be no reason this bill would be on the verge of becoming law. The major compromise is the starting date, more than a year from now. While we'd prefer the ban start sooner, we appreciate the sentiment behind the delay. It'll give bar and restaurant owners plenty of time to make whatever accommodations they want to make for outside smoking, and it'll give the economy some time to bounce back and reduce whatever negative effects a ban might have on a business. The bottom line is that a ban appears to be on the way. For that, we're grateful -- to you. ... Wisconsin smoking ban would level playing field in Twin PortsSuperior (WI) Daily Telegram, 2009-05-09 Maria Lockwood, Superior Telegram and Christa Lawler, Duluth News Tribune , Superior Telegram A statewide smoking ban in Wisconsin moved a step closer to reality last week when lawmakers announced they had brokered a compromise between advocates for a strict ban and a bar owners group. The deal, expected to pass both houses this week, would prohibit smoking in restaurants, taverns, bowling alleys and virtually all workplaces in Wisconsin by July 5, 2010. That would put Wisconsin on par with three border states that already have statewide smoking bans Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa. Wis. Legislature poised to pass smoking ban After months of trying, Wisconsin lawmakers are poised this week to pass a statewide ban on smoking in any workplace, including bars and restaurants. Twenty-five other states already have gone smoke-free, but the ban would mark a sea change for hard-partying Wisconsin, where beer and cigarettes go together like cows and hay. The state's powerful tavern lobby fears the ban will keep so many people home that taverns, particularly small-time, backroad bars, might vanish. Supporters, including bar owners themselves, acknowledge some taverns might lose smokers, but they could gain nonsmokers and the state's air will be cleaner. And don't ever underestimate the draw of booze in this state to keep taverns in business. "No matter how bad it is, people find a way to drink," said Tyler Paul, 24, as he sat smoking a cigarette and drinking a Rolling Rock beer at McGovern's. Liberal-leaning Madison ignited the debate in Wisconsin in 2004 when city leaders banned smoking in all taverns and restaurants. A dozen other local governments have followed suit, creating a patchwork of ordinances. ... Lawmakers say smoking ban should move quickly to governor's desk State Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Weston, and State Rep. Donna Seidel, D-Wausau, are confident the state's proposed smoking ban will pass through all legislative bodies without much friction. "There will be some people opposed to it, but I think they'll pass it," Decker said. "When legislators (both Democrat and Republican) say they are on board, that basically sets the path for passing." State lawmakers reached a compromise Wednesday with smoking advocates regarding a statewide ban that would prohibit smoking at nearly all Wisconsin workplaces starting on July 5, 2010. The bill first will go through a Senate committee and Assembly committee, which both are expected to cast separate votes at 10 a.m. today to move it forward. If successful, the bill will go to both legislative houses on Wednesday. Gov. Jim Doyle's signature would make it law. EDITORIAL: Smoke ban should come sooner Smokers in Madison and other communities with local bans have found it easy to step outside before lighting up. And many bars cater to smokers with outdoor patios with heaters in winter. The only bars in Madison that were hurt economically by the smoking ban were those on the city's edges that catered to a heavy-smoking clientele and had to compete with nearby bars in other municipalities that still allowed indoor smoking. But a statewide smoking ban requires all taverns to ban indoor smoking. So the playing field for businesses is level. Overall, the compromise announced Thursday is a strong one that deserves swift legislative approval next week. But an amendment moving the start date to a half year from now is reasonable and should be accepted by all sides. Gov. Doyle Issues Statement on Passage of Statewide Smoking Ban Governor Doyle Wednesday made the following statement about an agreement to a statewide smoking ban. "I am pleased that an agreement has been reached in response to my call for a statewide smoking ban. "Throughout my entire career in public life, I've fought to protect our kids and our citizens from the scourge of tobacco. For years, I have called on the Legislature to pass a statewide smoking ban in order to help prevent Wisconsin children from starting to smoke and help motivate adults in our state to quit smoking. I wish the ban would be implemented sooner but today we are one step closer to a statewide smoking ban that is fair and equitable. "It is time for Wisconsin to take a step that improves our health, saves lives and helps people to break the addiction to tobacco." Statewide smoking ban terms brokered by lawmakers Smoking would be prohibited in restaurants, taverns and virtually all workplaces in Wisconsin starting in July 2010, under a compromise announced Wednesday by state lawmakers. After years of debate, legislative leaders said they reached a deal on a statewide smoking ban that could pass both houses next week and be signed into law by Gov. Jim Doyle. The announcement came after lawmakers brokered a compromise between advocates for a strict ban and the Tavern League, a powerful lobbying group that has opposed a statewide ban in the past. Bill supporters agreed to delay implementation until July 5, 2010, so that bars would have time to prepare for the change. They also agreed to exempt the handful of existing cigar bars and all tobacco retail shops. In addition, the ban would not apply to Wisconsin casinos because the Native American tribes that run them are sovereign nations. Virtually all other workplaces, including bowling alleys, factories and restaurants, would be required to go smoke-free. Hotels also would not be allowed to have any rooms with smoking allowed. Restaurant and bar owners still could set up smoking areas outside their businesses. . . . Wisconsin would be the 26th state to ban smoking in all bars and restaurants, advocates say. Three of its neighboring states -- Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota -- already have approved bans. ... Statewide smoking ban on fast track; Doyle could get bill by next week The bill, which would end smoking in bars and restaurants in Wisconsin, could be taken up by both the state Assembly and Senate as early as May 13. In a burst of action, senators held a hearing on the bill Tuesday and an Assembly committee is scheduled to hold a hearing today, with votes expected by both committees later this week. "It's very exciting," said Marilyn Townsend, a village of Shorewood Hills trustee who lost both of her parents to smoking-related illnesses. "There are many people who are trying to quit, and this would help them." Townsend was one of dozens who showed up to testify both for and against a ban on Tuesday, with advocates arguing it would save both lives and health-care costs. Tavern and tobacco store owners argued the ban would crush their livelihoods. Outside the hearing room, both sides searched for a compromise that could clear the Legislature. ... Statewide smoking ban sparks debate at public hearing State officials met early Tuesday morning to discuss possible exemptions to a statewide smoking ban that could be passed as early as next week. The bill would prohibit and penalize public smoking in all indoor areas, sports arenas, public conveyances and certain outdoor locations. State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said there was strong public support for the ban because of the dangers of secondhand smoke. ... Smoking ban gets hearing with little notice State Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee) has given the public barely 24 hours notice before holding a hearing on a bill to ban smoking that is suddenly racing through the Legislature. The ban on smoking in workplaces, including restaurants and bars, stalled in recent years but is now on a fast track. The law requires public hearings to be announced at least 24 hours in advance, and often legislators announce them days or even weeks ahead of time. Erpenbach, who is chairman of the Senate Health Committee, posted a notice about the hearing on the smoking ban 24 hours and 35 minutes in advance. "Adhering to a 24-hour notice is absolutely ludicrous," said Peter Fox, executive director of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, noting that people from northern Wisconsin would have almost no chance of attending the forum. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Capitol. ... EDITORIAL: Move statewide smoking ban as separate bill Two Democrats and two Republicans introduced a bipartisan bill Friday that would ban smoking in all indoor workplaces 60 days after passage. Getting this measure into law will require the public to demand it. So call your representative and senator today. ... Letter of the Week: It's time we go smoke-free As a teenager against tobacco use, I am a solid supporter of smoke-free air legislation. I have several relatives -- including my uncle and my father -- who were once slaves to a tobacco addiction but who have since kicked the habit. . . . For 402 years, the people of America have had this addiction. The New English colonies became rich from the tobacco they exported back to the mother-country. As a state today, we, the people of Wisconsin, must decide whether it is worth the lives of 7,215 people a year to keep the addiction alive. ... Bipartisan statewide smoking ban introduced in Legislature Despite opposition from the Tavern League of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Legislature introduced a bipartisan bill Friday that would ban smoking in workplaces statewide. A bipartisan statewide smoke-free workplace bill that aims to ban smoking in workplaces including bars and restaurants was introduced Friday. The bill was coauthored by state Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, state Sen. Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, state Rep. Al Ott, R-Forest Junction, and state Rep. Jon Richards, D-Milwaukee. "We're excited that they've done this and that they going to introduce this legislation," Allison Miller, media advocacy coordinator for the American Cancer Society in Wisconsin, said. "Obviously, our goal is to have a smoke-free Wisconsin as soon as possible." ... Weston tavern owner joins smoke-free forces A Weston bar owner is joining a group of Wisconsin taverns that is combining forces with clean indoor air advocates to push for a statewide smoking ban. About 100 Wisconsin tavern and bar owners launched Taverns Clearing the Air this week. Among the members is Mark Kluck, owner of Kluck's Callon Saloon in the village of Weston. After his heart attack, doctors examined Kluck and told him he would have to quit smoking if he wanted to regain his health. When he told them he never had smoked, but had spent his adult life working in smoky bars, the doctors advised him to get out of the tavern business. So far, he has held onto his bar -- and until recently, he still allowed patrons to smoke. Group Of Wisconsin Tavern Owners Push For Smoking Ban "Taverns Clearing the Air," which launched Wednesday, represents almost 100 taverns in the state, along with owners of some restaurants, golf courses, lodges and bowling alleys. "I smoked for 16 years, but I started living healthier a couple years ago. Most of my clientele smoke, so we still have smoking. It would be so nice if all bars and restaurants were smoke-free," said Shawn Lange, owner of Boz’s Sports Bar in West Allis. Twenty-five states have passed smoke-free laws that cover all workplaces -- all bars and restaurants. ... Madison's smoking ban hits 5-year anniversary These days, Steve Holtzman enters a Madison tavern and takes a breath of satisfaction. Five years ago -- April 20, 2004 -- the former City Council member won a hard-fought battle he led to enact the state's first full smoking ban in bars, restaurants, bowling alleys and other workplaces. Now, nearly four years after the ban went into effect in July 2005, smoke-free advocates say bar employees are healthier, bans are taking effect elsewhere in Dane County, the hospitality industry is doing fine and the Legislature is considering a state ban. . . . But some in the tavern industry say there have been business casualties. Holtzman said of the council's 15-5 vote five years ago today, "I'm very proud Madison led the way. It's become a standard." Thousands Sign Petition For Smoke-Free Air Law MADISON, Wis. -- More than 6,000 people signed a petition in favor of a statewide smoke-free air law in a 48-hour period on Wednesday and Thursday. The Holding Our Breath for Smoke-Free Air campaign organized the two-day signature gathering, which brought in a total of 6,036 signatures. Their goal was to gather 1,000 signatures in 48 hours. "In the first three hours of our campaign we had already surpassed our goal,” said Eric Schutt, Wisconsin government relations director for the American Cancer Society. "There are so many people in this state that want this law passed but aren’t sure how to help make that happen. We wanted to reach out to them and give them a quick and easy way to get involved and show their support. It worked," said Schutt. Poll: Marshfield's year-old smoking ban is popular A new poll showing growing approval of Marshfield's year-old ban on smoking in public places is being touted as support for a statewide smoking ban. ... Physician: Evidence clear on secondhand smoke's consequences When state Rep. Ted Zigmunt, D-Francis Creek, campaigned last fall, he wasn't in favor of a smoking ban in all Wisconsin workplaces, unless bars and taverns were exempted. He's changed his mind. "Since taking office, I've been swarmed with constituent requests that there be a full smoking ban," said the first-term assemblyman. However, Zigmunt and three other state elected officials attending a Friday legislative breakfast at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center all prefer a smoking ban not be part of Gov. Jim Doyle's budget. ... Tavern League summit back in Appleton after boycott threat The Tavern League of Wisconsin's spring conference, which concludes today, has drawn about 650 people to the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel on College Avenue. The venue is near the center of a city that bans smoking in taverns. "We decided in retrospect we would honor the efforts of the Outagamie County Tavern League and we would not punish them. Therefore, we are back in Appleton," Pete Madland, the league's executive director, said Wednesday. Verona goes smoke free They say they would prefer a statewide ban on smoking in public places. But members of the Verona City Council say they can't wait for the state legislature to act. They have unanimously voted to ban smoking in workplaces, bars, restaurants, and parks. Thiensville supports statewide smoking ban The village this week passed a resolution supporting a statewide smoking ban. Trustees voted 4-3 in favor of the resolution, which supports Gov. Jim Doyle’s call for a statewide ban on smoking in public places. The measure was introduced as part of the governor’s budget proposal. Appleton smoking ban possible catalyst for statewide effort APPLETON — Appleton's 3½-year-old workplace smoking ban offers "proof in the pudding" evidence to state legislators of public support for a statewide ban, proponents of a state smoke-free law said Monday. A poll of likely Appleton voters conducted for Smoke Free Wisconsin concluded overwhelming approval exists for the city's ban, enacted in July 2005. "It's now time for Wisconsin and the workers in Wisconsin to pass a smoke-free workplace law," said Shawn Boogaard of Clean Air Works, the local group behind successful efforts to establish Appleton's ban. Customers complying with ban on smoking Police have been called into action twice since Fond du Lac's citywide workplace smoking ban went into effect Feb. 2. While bar owners, managers and workers are concerned about the possibility of their customer base shrinking, the Fond du Lac Police Department is satisfied that customers loyal to Fond du Lac businesses are complying with the ordinance. Major Kevin Lemke said the two calls have originated from Beernuts, 183 S. Main St., and Kozmos, 29 S. Main St. "In both cases, (the caller was) anonymous," Lemke said. "When officers arrived, they didn't locate anyone smoking. At this point, we feel that our local business community is doing exactly what we'd hoped they'd do. They are self-policing the smoking regulations." Smokey taverns will soon air out in Middleton MIDDLETON (WKOW) -- Smokers in Middleton will no longer be allowed to light up inside bars after Saturday night. Ever since the Middleton Common Council passed the ban back in July, there has been concern over what it could do to bars' business. Beverly Jambois, who helped organize the ban, says bar owners shouldn't be worried. ... “Smoking Allowed” Trends in Policies that Allow Smoking in the Workplace: Wisconsin and the United States (PDF) The findings in this study revealed that fewer Wisconsin employees are working in places that allow smoking. In turn, these results imply that fewer employees are exposed to secondhand smoke while in the workplace. This trend was evident for all employees, regardless of region, sex, race/ethnicity, or education. Yet, nearly one out of four persons employed indoors reported working under a policy that allowed smoking in his or her workplace. In addition, men, Hispanics and Blacks, employees with lower levels of education, and employees with lower levels of household income all remained disparately more likely to work where smoking was permitted. In addition, this analysis found a discrepancy in the reported prevalence of smoking policies in work areas relative to public areas. Variations in the type of policy established, or variations in the implementation of the established policies, may account for these discrepancies. Additionally, there may be confusion or a lack of understanding of workplace smoking policies. Regardless of the cause of the discrepancy, workplaces that do not equally incorporate work areas and public areas into their smoking policies result in a higher number of employees who are at risk of exposure to secondhand smoke while at work. The state’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Plan goal, to decrease the number of adults who report their workplace’s official smoking policy allows smoking in some or all work areas to 13%, was met in 2004. Thus, many employees may still be exposed to secondhand smoke while at work. Moreover, policies aimed at reducing smoking in public areas of the workplace have lagged behind. When consideration is given to the workplace as a whole, 22% of Wisconsin employees are still at risk for exposure to secondhand smoke while at work. If the U.S. Healthy People 20102 goal, which aims to ensure all U.S. employees have the opportunity to work in smoke-free environments is to be met, then Wisconsin, in addition to a number of other states, may need to consider more comprehensive approaches to establishing smoke-free workplace policies. Survey: Exposure to Workplace Smoking Varies by Income, Education, Gender A survey on workplace smoking policies in Wisconsin shows employees' exposure to smoke varies by income, education and gender. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Comprehensive Cancer Center survey says high school graduates are twice as likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke than college grads. It also finds men are 50% more likely to be exposed to smoke than women. The study estimates that the vast majority of workplace smoking is done in manufacturing and retail settings. City smokes out more public places A proposed ordinance would ban smoking on all municipal grounds and in all city of Greenfield vehicles and equipment. Smoking is already banned in municipal buildings, such as City Hall, the public library and police station, but the proposed ordinance would expand the ban to the grounds outside those buildings. City parks, however, would likely be exempt because of festival events like Dan Jansen Fest and the Fourth of July celebration. The Common Council could vote on the proposal as early as March 17. Aldermen generally favored the ordinance at a meeting earlier this month but requested it not take effect until July 1. Housing authority mulls smoking ban for new Allied Drive apartments Robert Artis, an activist in his low-income Allied Drive-Dunn's Marsh neighborhood, said that if he wants to smoke in his apartment, he ought to be able to light up. "I should have the right to sit down on my couch after dinner and smoke a cigarette," said Artis. "If I can't smoke in my own home, where can I?" Artis could find his living room smoking snuffed out if he wants to live in the apartments the city's Community Development Authority is constructing in the Allied Drive neighborhood. The CDA is considering whether to ban smoking in the $9.2 million housing development for low-income tenants. CDA officials have worked closely with Allied Drive residents to set screening criteria and rents for the new housing at a level that would open its doors to them and their neighbors. A smoke-free policy would slam it, Artis said. ... One in 5 workers in WI exposed to secondhand smoke Madison (WKOW) --- One in five Wisconsin workers works in a company still allowed to smoke according to a new report today issued by Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center. That's more than 500,000 residents in the state exposed to secondhand smoke while at work. New Poll Shows Voters in Eau Claire Support Smoke Free Ordinance A new poll shows nearly 3 in 4 voters in Eau Claire support the city's smoke-free ordinance. A polling firm, The Mellman Group, surveyed 400 likely voters in Eau Claire in late February. SmokeFree Wisconsin commissioned and paid for the research. It also found 77 percent of those who go to bars and restaurants at least once a week support the smoking ban. Smoking ban back on agenda More than a month after getting public input about a proposed smoking ban in the City of Verona, the Common Council's Public Safety and Welfare committee will finally debate its merits. The committee took more than an hour of public comments Jan. 26, with a significant portion asking for various exceptions, as the committee had hoped. In the meantime, the city arranged a meeting among the most vocal people on each side and worked out some preliminary compromises. The resulting second draft of the ordinance offers the committee some options for two requested exceptions - outdoor patios and hotel smoking rooms - as well as a completely open-ended implementation date. On Monday, the Public Safety committee will piece together its preferred version and send it to the Common Council for review later in the month. ... County will not fight city on workplace smoking ban Fond du Lac County has decided to stop fighting the city's workplace smoking ban that prohibits smoking at the Health Care Center. But smoking will resume soon for mentally ill patients — when the county's outdoor smoking area is completed this spring. The Fond du Lac County Department of Community Programs Board voted Wednesday not to continue its battle with the city to reinstate smoking indoors in its Acute Psychiatric Unit. Lawmaker hopes compromise possible on workplace smoking ban The Holding Our Breath Coalition, a diverse group of organizations that support smoke-free legislation, support a ban as does the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. The Tavern League of Wisconsin remains opposed, though a local lawmaker believes a compromise is in the works. "I think all of the legislators would jump on a compromise, because the politicans want to keep both sides happy," Sen. Robert Wirch, D-Pleasant Prairie, said Friday. Wirch would prefer the ban be voted upon separate from the budget, which he believes would be more popular with more members of both chambers. Aaron Doeppers, Midwest region director for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, counters the budget is an appropriate place for the smoking ban -- citing health-related fiscal costs of tobacco use in the state. Rally for state smoking ban at noon Thursday at courthouse Supporters of a statewide smoking ban will announce a new campaign at noon Thursday at the Brown County Courthouse in downtown Green Bay. The campaign, called "Holding Our Breath for Smoke-Free Air," will include a Web site that allows citizens to record video messages on why they want to live in a smoke-free state. The messages will be sent to local politicians. Smoke-free Advocates Launch New Statewide Campaign Supporters of a statewide smoke-free law kicked off their "Holding Our Breath for a Smoke-Free Air" campaign Wednesday with a press conference in Madison. Some of the campaigns key features will include town hall meetings, legislative visits and a new grassroots website. The website, www.holdingourbreathwi.com, is designed to engage and energize the public in a new way around the issue of a statewide smoke-free law and will allow supporters to view and post video messages directly to their lawmakers about why they're "holding their breath" for smoke-free air, read entries and view videos giving 100 reasons to go smoke-free in 100 days, sign an online petition, and see just how long Wisconsin has been "holding its breath" with a real-time clock starting at the campaign kickoff and counting every second until a statewide smoke-free law is passed. Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: Supports "Holding our Breath" campaign for statewide smoke-free law The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce announced today its support for the "Holding our Breath for Smoke-Free Wisconsin" campaign for comprehensive statewide legislation to prohibit smoking in all indoor places. The GMCC cited public health concerns and the need for uniform health standards as the primary reasons for their support of a statewide smoking ordinance. "The GMCC supports enlightened economic growth and policies that enhance the quality of life for residents," GMCC President Jennifer Alexander said. "A comprehensive smoke-free law will meet both criteria because it would create consistent requirements for businesses across the state while ensuring the health and well-being of the general public." County weighing outdoor smoking area for Acute Psychiatric Unit Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel said he now has cost estimates for an outside smoking patio at its Acute Psychiatric Unit. Buechel said he was told a concrete slab, chain link fence, roof, wooden perimeter fencing and a door cut into the facility's concrete block wall could total $14,000. The county's Highway, Airport and Facilities Committee will consider the proposed patio project at its meeting at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Highway Department. EDITORIAL: Time for smoking ban No one should have to be exposed to a known carcinogen simply because they want to go out to eat or have a drink, and no one should be forced to work in such conditions. Wisconsin polls show public support for a ban. It's time. Governor Doyle: Statewide smoking ban 'very doable' Gov. James Doyle wouldn't guarantee a statewide smoking ban, but called it "very doable." Doyle said it's his experience that establishments located in cities with a ban in place have mostly seen an increase in business. A statewide ban, he added, would solve the problems of cities like Fond du Lac that are "unfairly burdened by a patchwork" created when adjacent communities do not have a ban. Smoking ban part of state budget - again WAUKESHA - At Nice Ash cigar bar in downtown Waukesha, patrons can partake in an activity that’s rare inside area businesses - smoking. As a cigar bar, smoking is a big focus of the business. They offer a walk-in humidor full of numerous cigars that customers can buy and smoke right there in the comfort of an oversized leather chair. However, due to some provisions in Gov. Jim Doyle’s state budget, Nice Ash and similar businesses might be forced to close up shop in just a few months. Council: No exception in smoking ban decision Fond du Lac City Council discussed the city's workplace smoking ban for 1½ hours Wednesday night before coming to the conclusion that there will be no exceptions. The discussion stemmed from the county's plan to resume smoking in the Acute Psychiatric Unit of the Fond du Lac County Health Care Center. The county-run facility, located at 459 E. First St., is affected by the smoking ban because it is located within the city.Smoking in the Acute Unit's ventilated smoking room ceased when the city's smoking ban became effective Feb. 2. The director of the facility, Dr. J.R. Musunuru, and former director Darold Treffert say mentally ill patients are not able to begin a smoking cessation program during a five to six-day average stay in the Acute Unit. Smoking ban might be on Monday agenda The city's Public Safety and Welfare committee will consider a recommendation for a smoking ban at one of its next two meetings. Whether that's Monday or two weeks later will depend on how quickly the city can arrange a working meeting with representatives of both sides of the issue. One way or another, there will be at least one more opportunity besides that meeting for citizens to prepare comment for the Common Council before it's voted on. "It's the drop-dead intent to get it back (on the Public Safety agenda) by March 9," city administrator Shawn Murphy said. "It's probably not going to council that night, because that would be really the first public opportunity for the public to discuss and debate it." The committee already has canceled one meeting but wasn't scheduled to hold a debate on the subject, anyway, because the working meeting hadn't been arranged. County board doesn’t inhale stronger smoking ban yet The Jackson County Board stopped just short of snuffing out nearly all tobacco use on county property. At Monday’s meeting, the board opted to have its executive and finance committee review changes to the county’s Clean Air Ordinance that would strengthen the county’s current prohibition of smoking in county buildings. Changes would expand the ban to include no smoking or use of smoke-free tobacco on all county property. An exception would be county forestland and campgrounds, but tobacco use would be prohibited in any county-owned or leased vehicle. However, some board members questioned new language in the draft ordinance. Supervisor Ron Carney asked if the new change also would include county roads, thereby prohibiting people from using tobacco while on the road. Smoking in Acute Unit gets County Board support The smoking debate regarding psychiatric patients continues. After 1½ hours of discussion from both sides, the Fond du Lac County Board gave its approval to an ordinance that could, ultimately, reinstate smoking at the Fond du Lac County Health Care Center’s Acute Psychiatric Unit. Final approval would require the blessing of city officials or the ruling of a judge. “I feel good,” said Tina Montezon, a licensed practical nurse at the facility for 27 years, after the County Board vote. “It’s good for the doctor to have a say.” The County Board continued its meeting while a discussion among doctors took place outside the Legislative Chambers after the vote. FdL's workplace smoking ban begins; Will Wisconsin follow? Two Fond du Lac legislators say a statewide smoking ban would prevent the "patchwork" that is occurring in Wisconsin as more and more communities go smoke-free. State Sen. Randy Hopper and state Rep. John Townsend, both Republicans, say they would support a statewide ban. Fond du Lac's citywide workplace smoking ban went into effect at 6 a.m. today. "I think in this legislative session, there is a good probability that there will be at least an introduction to a statewide ban," Townsend said. "It's become evident ... if we do not have one, we are going to end up with a patchwork situation." Townsend said a statewide ban would put all communities on a "level playing field." FdL City Council votes down exemption; County executive wants ... Buechel said he made the decision a month ago to move forward if City Council failed to approve an exemption for the Fond du Lac County Health Care Center's Acute Psychiatric Unit, 459 E. First St. The City Council voted 5-2 Wednesday night against an exception to the citywide smoke-free workplace ordinance, which goes into effect at 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2. Businesses ask for patience, exceptions The city's Public Safety and Welfare committee drew a crowd of about 50 people to the one-hour meeting at City Center, and many of the 17 people who spoke had either complaints or suggestions for compromise. Ald. Scott Manley (Dist. 2), the chair of the committee, thanked the speakers for the "pretty strong testimony" and encouraged a continuing dialogue on the subject. "I think that there is a way to achieve the public health goals (of smoking-ban proponents) but make reasonable accommodations (for opponents)," he said. Though the tenor in the meeting got contentious and even what some people described as rude, a handful of smoking ban advocates and proponents were still discussing the topic with civility in the City Center foyer more than 30 minutes after it had ended. Ahrens, D.M., "Indoor air quality in eating and drinking establishments in the City of Milwaukee," Milwaukee, WI: Smokefree Milwaukee Project; University of Wisconsin, Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, January 2009. This study examined air quality in 32 eating and drinking establishments in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The study found that, "The air quality in approximately two-thirds Smoking ban, Lakeside boating proposal on City Council agenda Report blames secondhand smoke for hazardous air quality in bars In presenting the report based on air samples taken at 32 establishments between Nov. 7 and Dec. 6, officials from the Smoke Free Milwaukee Project called on state lawmakers to pass a comprehensive smoke-free law. "The debate is over and the science is clear. Secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease," said Sheri Johnson, Wisconsin's former health officer and now an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin. "Now we've brought the results home to Milwaukee, and we know that residents and employees are still exposed to this serious health hazard. The threat to public health caused by secondhand smoke is simply intolerable." Authors of the study applied the same standards for air quality that the state Department of Natural Resources uses to rate outdoor air. They found that 69% of the establishments had "hazardous" air quality, 6% had air that was "very unhealthy," 13% had air that was "unhealthy" and 3% had air that was "unhealthy for sensitive individuals." City considers smoking ban As a result of those pleas, city administrator Shawn Murphy has spent a couple of weeks cobbling together a draft ordinance from laws enacted in other area municipalities, and that first version will be presented to the public at 5:30 p.m. Monday during the Public Safety and Welfare committee meeting at City Center. Pressure builds to pass statewide smoking ban, but powerful foe ... When Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker stood in the way of a statewide smoking ban, his hometown of Weston took matters into its own hands, passing one of the strictest smoking bans in the state. Weston is not alone. Since smoking ban legislation died last year, Eau Claire, Marshfield, Monona, Middleton, Fond du Lac and Dane County have decided against waiting for the state to take action and have joined 30 other Wisconsin communities that have passed smoking restrictions. Smoking foes say the momentum will put pressure on lawmakers to pass a statewide ban this time around. "You now have approximately 250,000 individuals who live in communities that are protected by local ordinances that have been passed since the end of the (legislative) session," said Eric Schutt, a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society of Wisconsin. Village of Weston Passes Smoking Ban The Village of Weston is going ahead with a community smoking ban. Village Administrator Dean Zulager tells us the village board voted 6-0 Monday night to pass the legislation. Zulager says the ban will take effect January 1st, 2010. That's so businesses have a chance to prepare for the ban. Fond du Lac City Council votes 4-3 in support of indoor workplace Fond du Lac is going smoke-free. There was a nervous, quiet moment inside the Legislative Chambers as Fond du Lac City Council voted 4-3 late Wednesday in support of an indoor workplace smoking ban. The ban, which will prohibit smoking in all city workplaces — including restaurants, taverns and bowling alleys — goes into effect in early 2009. Legally, it will be 90 days from the date the ordinance is published as a legal document in The Reporter. The effective date could be early February. Middleton votes to end smoking at work Study says smoking bans have no negative impacts in Wis. A new report says smoking bans do not harm bars or taverns in Wisconsin. A proposed statewide ban still faces opposition in the Senate and Assembly. A study released Tuesday said smoking bans have no negative economic impact on Wisconsin cities, although negotiations on a statewide ban remain stalled in the Legislature. The study was sponsored by the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group. Data from Madison and Appleton show the city smoking bans had “either a neutral or positive economic impact,” said Public Interest Advocate for WISPIRG Bruce Speight. According to Speight, businesses in Madison with liquor licenses have experienced an increase in business, average property values have increased and there is a waiting list for liquor licenses in Appleton. Speight said despite WISPIRG supporting a ban, the study was unbiased because it was a compilation of peer reviewed studies written by scientists. Speight said the Center for Tobacco Control found “every study claiming a negative economic impact was supported by the tobacco industry.” According to Speight, good public health policy is the most important reason for a statewide smoking ban. Hudson / Governor attempts to light a fire under state lawmakers, Doyle visits front line in smoking ban battle The day after a Wisconsin Senate committee voted to delay a smoking ban until 2010, Gov. Jim Doyle stopped by Hudson, the smoke-filled front line of the battle, to urge lawmakers to snuff out smoking in bars and restaurants sooner than later. "There is a small group keeping the will of the people from being done," he told a crowd Wednesday at a Hudson restaurant. "We need to do the right thing and pass a statewide smoking ban without exceptions." A Senate committee voted 3-2 Tuesday to pass a bill that would ban smoking in state workplaces starting next year but give bars and restaurants until 2010 to implement the ban. Doyle said there are many issues in Madison, like the budget, that need to be scrutinized and negotiated, but a statewide smoking ban is not among them. "A lot of things are complicated. This is not," Doyle said. Local reports show that Appleton, Wisconsin's strong smokefree law has been a huge success. Not only has the local smokefree ordinance provided for health improvements among bartenders and residents, but Appleton businesses have experienced economic benefits since the law went into effect as well. State smoking ban gets a boost; tourism groups join effort to end habit at all workplaces Intro: The effort to enact a statewide smoking ban got a major boost Wednesday as organizations representing the state's influential tourism industry signed on as supporters. "It's very big news," said Maureen Busalacchi, executive director for Smoke Free Wisconsin, a group that backs the ban. "We have not seen this strong of a coalition on the business side of this issue, I don't think, across the country." Lawmakers introduced a bill Wednesday that would create a statewide ban on smoking in workplaces, including restaurants and taverns. The bill would make the strict policies already in effect in Appleton and Madison the law statewide. Study Finds Appleton and Madison Smokefree Ordinances Associated with Significant Improvements in Employee Health For Release: April 16, 2007 For More Information: A study relevant to the state and national debate on smokefree public places found that after one year of working in a smokefree environment, non-smoking bartenders reported significant improvements in their respiratory health. The study focuses on more than 400 non-smoking bartenders studied before ordinances were implemented in Madison and Appleton, and another 400 studied after the ordinances. Authors of the study suggest that having smokefree bars statewide could lead to fewer significant respiratory symptoms for thousands of bar employees that are currently exposed to high levels of tobacco smoke. "This study found that bartenders experienced significantly fewer upper respiratory symptoms after the establishment of the smokefree ordinances - including shortness of breath and wheezing. These findings reinforce those of a previously reported study. The advantages of the current study are that it included a much larger group of bartenders, and involved a longer follow-up period," said study lead author, Dr. Karen Palmersheim, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin's Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center. In addition to the bar employees and patrons in the newly smokefree bars in Appleton and Madison, the study suggests that thousands of bar employees in the state could have improved respiratory health if smokefree bars were uniform throughout the state. Study co-author, Dr. Patrick Remington, Associate Director of the Carbone Cancer Center, noted, "There are about 23,000 bartenders in the state. Most do not actively smoke, but involuntarily smoke due to their employment. While some of the health symptoms reported may not appear to be serious such as coughing or excess phlegm production, these symptoms can be significant early warning signs of serious illnesses unless exposure to secondhand smoke is eliminated." The overall study involved more than 1,500 bartenders in the two cities where the comprehensive smoking ordinances were enacted in July, 2005. Study participants were divided into two groups - smokers and non-smokers. Approximately 55% of the bartenders reported that they did not smoke. Other findings, in addition to the clear improvements in health among non-smoking bartenders, were that even the bartenders that smoked reported significant improvements in health including a reduction in irritated eyes and sore, scratchy throat. Further, the researchers found that, in addition to the elimination of smoke in their working environment, bartenders reported a significant reduction in secondhand smoke in their home environment. To read the complete report: http://www.medsch.wisc.edu/mep/ Survey finds majority of Wisconsin residents support smoking ban Nearly two-thirds of Wisconsin residents support a statewide ban on smoking in all bars, restaurants and work places, according to a survey released Monday that was sponsored by groups backing the ban. The random telephone survey of 500 residents conducted Feb. 17 through Feb. 19 found that 64 percent favor a proposal offered by Gov. Jim Doyle to ban smoking statewide. Thirty four percent of respondents oppose it, according to the survey. The poll also found that support cuts across party lines, with 73 percent of Democrats and 58 percent of Republicans favoring such a ban. Supporters Celebrate Madison Smoking Ban's Anniversary One year after the Madison smoking ban took effect, supporters gathered Friday night to celebrate the milestone. Dane County's Smoke-Free Coalition said that after a year of heated debate it is time those for and against the smoking ban come together, for a least a chance at compromise, if not a celebration. Politicians at local level take strong stand against smoking A majority of Wisconsin's municipalities have written policies banning smoking in their government buildings, according to research from the University of Wisconsin -- Comprehensive Cancer Center. The findings are published in a report, Written Smoke-Free Policies in Wisconsin County and Municipal Buildings. The report contains analyses of written smoke-free policies in all of Wisconsin's county, city, village, and town buildings. At least 78 percent of counties, 71 percent of cities and 54 percent of villages across Wisconsin have written policies banning smoking in the buildings that they own or lease. The southeast corner of the state has the highest percentage of smoking bans in government buildings in place.
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Governor Doyle signed Wisconsin's smokefree workplace law on May 18, 2009.Smokefree Dining/Travel |
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