N.Ky. Poll Supports Smoking Ban

Reported by: Shannon Kettler
Web produced by: Jessica Noll

Opinions are heating up about a proposal to ban smoking inside Northern Kentucky workplaces, including bars and restaurants.

A new poll released Wednesday shows the majority of voters are for it.

Volunteers with Northern Kentucky Action are holding a meeting in Edgewood Wednesday night.

They feel very strongly that this ordinance is about protecting the health of the community.

The Campaign For Tobacco Free Kids, which favors regulations, polled 750 voters in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties.

They found 65 percent were in favor of a smoke-free workplace while 35 percent were against.

"This is the right thing to do, and it’s the right time to do it. We've seen Cincinnati, Ashland, Louisville, Lexington all promote and pass ordinances for smoke-free air. We believe it’s time for Northern Kentucky to do that," said Linda Vogelpohl, the N.Ky. Action chairperson.

Florence City Council however, disagrees.

On Tuesday night they voted against the ordinance calling it flawed.

"I don't smoke, and I don't like to smell smoke but on the other hand, how bad do you have to hate the smell of smoke to trample on someone's civil rights and liberties," said Councilwoman Betsy Conrad.

According to the Commonwealth, residents can not vote on the issue like in Ohio. It’s up to the fiscal court in all three counties.

Some bar owners like Ken Klingenberg, who owns West Side Café in Newport, feel a law would hurt their business.

"They're infringing on our rights. It’s none of their business. It’s the individual owners business. We pay taxes and for our liquor license and it ought to be up to us and nobody else," said Klingenberg.

Advocates of the ordinance say it’s a health issue and they have the medical evidence to show secondhand smoke causes health problems.

"Again this is not a smoking ban. People have the right to smoke but we believe every citizen has the right to breathe smoke free air," said Vogelpohl.

The fiscal courts for Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties all have to agree on this ordinance for it to pass.

There is no timetable but supporters hope to have a first reading sometime this summer.