From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Fri, 05/19/06
Vernon Hills (IL) Votes to Go Smokefree
Parts excepted from the Vernon Hills Review, 5/18/06
On Tuesday, the Vernon Hills Village Board unanimously approved regulations
eliminating smoking in all public places, including restaurants and bars.
"A great deal of time and effort went into this effort," said Mayor Roger Byrne.
"This is a health problem, and we have the opportunity to safeguard the health,
safety and welfare of our residents."
The regulations affect about 350 businesses. Included are all enclosed public
places, restaurants, retail stores, shopping malls, bars, bingo and convention
facilities, educational facilities, both public and private, elevators and
facilities used for performances, lectures, recitals, child care, adult day care
and health care. Smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of a public entrance.
Regulations apply to lobbies, sports arenas and public transportation
facilities, including buses, taxicabs, ticket boarding and the waiting areas of
a public transportation.
"I'm very happy about this. I think this ordinance is in line with the
ordinances passed in Highland Park and Deerfield," said Trustee James Schultz.
"My only hope is that the state enacts similar legislation."
Vernon Hills residents Michael Booden and Maureen Wener were among the health
advocates who spoke to the issue. "Smoking allows a minority of people to impose
their will on the majority. They do so in the most unfortunate fashion by
exposing unwilling and unconsenting adults and children to cancer causing
agents. Patrons of a restaurant as well as cooks, wait-staff and others are
unnecessarily exposed to poison. In this day and age, it is a wonder that this
sort of thing still goes on," Booden said.
So far Highland Park, Deerfield, Buffalo Grove and Lincolnshire are among the
Illinois municipalities that have passed smokefree ordinances. Lindenhurst and
Lake Forest are considering ordinances.
To send a letter in support of smokefree air where YOU live, go to
www.smokefree.net/alerts.php
Joseph W. Cherner
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret
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