Even in rough and tumble, Manly Man territory such as Michigan's Upper Peninsula, public smoking bans seem to be catching on. Marquette County officials are seriously considering a ban on smoking in public and private workplaces, even if local townships are taking a retrograde stand in favor of workplace puffers. Bar and restaurant workers say they'd like to see any such ban extend to their workplaces too, eventually.

MARQUETTE - Following a long and emotional public comment session, the Marquette County Board's Committee of the Whole Tuesday night recommended approval of a countywide smoking ban in public workplaces. The ban, which would exempt bars and restaurants, would include facilities such as bowling alleys, sports arenas, lobbies, hallways and other common areas in hotels, motels and residential facilities. The Marquette County Townships Association, represented by West Branch Township Clerk Doreen Takalo, voted unanimously in opposition to having their halls included in the ban.

...Former Marquette Mayor Jack Leadbetter said public attitude has shifted to supporting the ban in recent years. "Several years ago we asked the crowd at the Hiawatha Music Festival if they would oppose a smoking ban in the general seating area and a large group raised their hands. We asked again over the weekend and three people raised their hand," Leadbetter said. "I believe public resistance to a ban is dwindling."

Two Northern Michigan University students, one a cocktail waitress and the other a local musician, said although they understand the new ban doesn't include restaurants and bars, they hope it eventually leads to that. "My goal, like many young people, is not to die. Anything I can do not to die, I'm right on it," Nick Young said. "I play music two to three nights a week in a band and in most cases you have to do that in a bar or restaurant. So I'm going against my goal and putting myself at risk of dying by doing what I love, music."

...If final approval is given next week, Marquette County would be the 10th county in Michigan with a countywide smoking ban and the second in the Upper Peninsula behind Chippewa County.

More here, and here, on the contentious issue, from a Washington state perspective.

Posted by Matt Rosenberg at July 28, 2005 08:59 PM