Private-club smoking measure snuffed out
Sen. Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, had pushed for passage of SB77, which would have removed the exemptions in Utah's Indoor Clean Air Act for private clubs and taverns.
Waddoups, joined by health specialists and tobacco prevention advocates, couched the bill as a worker's rights issue, asserting employees shouldn't have to be subjected to the harmful effects of another's bad habits.
Citing passage of similar laws in California and New York, Waddoups said the measure would not have adverse economic impacts on businesses but instead would lead to nonsmoking patrons being able to enjoy a smoke-free night life.
The measure was supported by Tom Guinney, a Salt Lake Valley Board of Health member and partner in the Gastronomy chain, which has four high-end restaurants and private clubs, including the Wine Bar at Baci and the Market Street Oyster Bars in Cottonwood and downtown Salt Lake City.
In February, the chain banned smoking in its private clubs a decision opponents say demonstrates the law is not needed because a ban can already be imposed by ownership under Utah's current law.
Throughout the session, the bill was adamantly opposed by the Utah Hospitality Association, whose representatives argued such a ban should be discretionary, not imposed by government.
"It really is a personal freedom issue," said Bob Brown, association vice president. "For them to disallow smoking in private clubs is one step closer to disallowing smoking in your private home."
Brown, despite assisting in the gathering of petitions against the measure he said represented 400 employees and more than 1,000 patrons, was not optimistic about defeating the measure.
"This is a moral issue, this is a moral state and I thought, 'We are toast because this is a pretty conservative state.' But I didn't really know what that meant at the time."
But Brown, owner of Cheers to You, said as he talked to lawmakers, it became more clear to him that conservative legislators generally resist tinkering in the private concerns of business owners.
"Regardless of their moral values, their sense of freedom, their sense of constitution and their sense of the American way holds true in their hearts, even if they disagree with the whole drinking and smoking thing."
E-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com
Comments
- 16 killed in Somalia 9:23 a.m.
- Mass funeral for massacre victims 9:22 a.m.
- Obama: 'Africa not separate' 9:20 a.m.
- Former cop seeks parole 9:17 a.m.
- 5 hurt in latest Pamplona bull run 8:49 a.m.
- Delay in Jackson guardianship case 8:47 a.m.
- Attempted murder case refiled 1:58 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:38 a.m.
- This weekend on TV 1:38 a.m.
- Birthdays for Saturday, July 11 1:38 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Teacher faces new sex charges
- Man spots his stolen car
- LDS seminary principal arrested
193 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
137 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
129 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
79 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
75 - Letters: Single-payer system best
75
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
It should come as no surprise that American and British casualties have...
Millsap will be an average player in Portland. Roy runs that team and the...
I had to re-read the article after reading these posts. I didn't read...
Many people obviously love Brother Pratt, but my heart goes out to his...
Why does inacceptable behavior become justifiable under the guise of...
I hope I am not speaking too quickly, but in the about ten comments I have...
It is ZION for your information---- for now anyway. Secede?? Why should we...
We could pull out of this recession by extending the Bush tax cuts that are...
| 9:21 a.m. July 10, 2009 I'm not surprised to hear that Sen Bennett is...
It ain't over till the fat lady gets the red dress.




You can be the first to comment on this story.