Towns Call Emergency Meetings To OK Smoking In Public For Chicago Bears Games

[matcom]

:popcorn:

<snip>

Did local officials seriously think Bears fans could quit smoking in public NOW—while watching Robbie Gould line up for a 49-yard field goal and Rex Grossman throw deep off his back foot into double coverage?

Bar owners in Oak Forest, Tinley Park and Orland Park complained this week that their business sank as much as 50 percent because the towns banned smoking in public places effective Jan. 2.

"Given the success of the Bears, there should have been a spike in business, especially at sports bars," beer distributor Jerry Michler told Tinley Park board members this week.

So, after just two weeks, the three suburbs may be poised for a smoke break. All three towns have called emergency board meetings for 5 p.m. Friday to reconsider the bans—in plenty of time for the Bears' 2 p.m. Sunday kickoff in the NFC title game against the Saints. The bans would be delayed until March 14, well after the Super Bowl.

Oak Forest Mayor JoAnn Kelly said the reason for seeking the temporary lifting of the bans was to afford the three communities more time to review their no-smoking ordinances and the impact they're having on businesses.

She acknowledged, however, that the decision to consider lifting the ban now was in response to bar and restaurant owners' complaints of losing business during the NFL playoffs. Since the playoffs began two weeks ago, many patrons who smoke have moved to pubs and eateries in communities sometimes minutes away that have yet to adopt no smoking laws.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-070117smokes,0,3673873,print.story?coll=chi-news-hed

[Jokerman]

1. So, smoking is bad, unless it interferes with football fans?

What a bunch of hypocrites.

Personally, I think many of the smoking bans go too far but making exceptions for the local sports teams is just silly.

[matcom]

2. the next excuse will be during the televised Bratwurst Eating Contest

:rofl:

[Deep13]

3. That's an emergency?

Can't they just wait until after the game?

[sniffa]

4. in pubLic aLtogether?

that's a wee bit absurd. i assume the ban is for pubLic indoor pLaces?

[johnnie]

5. They had an article in yesterday's paper here

In Nov they voted a smoking ban here in Ohio and now there are some vets who voted for the ban but are pissed off that the ban also bans them from smoking in their VFW halls..lol.

[underpants]

6. Smoking bears? lighten them on fire or them having a square?

i don't understand

[SoCalDem]

7. House Parties.. That's what happens around here these days.

The bar at the bowling alley my leagues bowl at used to be packed on Monday Nights.. but once the "big ban" kicked in, there's hardly anyone in there..

The "crowd" just gathers at individuals' homes .. And the people who used to hang out there are saving money too :)

I say laws are laws.. When people pass laws, they ought to stick by them...not create "special waivers" to make a buck.

[AllegroRondo]

8. Missouri just allowed bars to be open Sunday if theres a football game on

previously, the only exception was Superbowl Sunday.

[matcom]

9. and you can still smoke right?

RIGHT?

[AllegroRondo]

12. depends on what city you're in

some have banned smoking, but they typically exempt bars from the ban. If a place makes more than 50% of its profit from alcohol sales, they are considered a bar and exempt.

[KamaAina]

10. They better OK drinking in public while they're at it

Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints? Who dat?

[Deep13]

11. I think Chicago people might be a little touchy about the whole fire thing.

:shrug:

[LSK]

14. fire? WHAT FIRE?!!!??!?!

:scared:

[meegbear]

13. Now if Mass would do that for the Pats ...

one can hope. C'mon Deval!