Affect of Smoking Bans on Residents

How A Total Smoking Ban Affects Neighborhoods & Residents

FACTS TO BE CONSIDERED REGARDING A SMOKING BAN IN RESTAURANTS AND BARS

As you may know, the Chicago City Council is considering an ordinance to ban smoking in restaurants, bars and other areas. While the health concerns of smoking are acknowledged, there are many other factors to consider before a ban is passed that will affect Chicago's neighborhoods.

•	Thousands of people who smoke will be on the streets until the bars and restaurants close. Even more will be on the streets weekends, holidays and during conventions
	FACT – New York and other cities have experienced an increase in noise, disorder, and litter in neighborhoods around restaurants and bars since indoor smoking was outlawed. FACT: People will go outside to smoke. FACT: The percentage of people who smoke is higher in restaurants, bars and late at night.
•	The Chicago loitering law was passed to decrease violence, noise, and crime by not allowing people to gather in the streets and sidewalks.
	FACT: Restaurants and bars have no control over citizens outside of their establishments. FACT: City Council passed an anti-loitering law to keep people off the streets. This ordinance will encourage them to be on the streets. FACT: The Chicago Police Department would agree that putting thousands of smokers on the street would cause more problems and crime.
•	Forcing smokers outside will create an annoyance for neighborhood residents.
	FACT: The City Council passed laws that require outdoor cafes to close at 11PM weekdays and 12PM weekends to avoid noise complaints from neighbors. However, there are no time restraints on when people will be outside to smoke on the streets and sidewalks. FACT: The ordinance also bans smoking within 25 feet of a prohibited area. This will force people further away from the location and closer to residents. FACT: Neighborhood groups and condominium associations' biggest complaints are noise problems from restaurants and bars. This ordinance promotes noise and problems throughout the night - not only at closing.
•	The smoking ban ordinance is said to be proposed for the safety of bartenders and wait staff in regards to second hand smoke.
	FACT: No bartender or wait staff ever complained to the City prior to this ordinance. Smoking issues were never mentioned in the recent negotiations with the hotel and restaurant worker's unions.