Western Courier

Issue date: 11/16/05 Section: News

Media Credit: Elliott Van Fleet Noah Blindt, Macomb bartender, sits and takes a smoke break.

Is college simply high school with ashtrays? What would happen if the ashtrays were taken away? Following the lead of cities such as New York and Los Angeles, Chicago will ban all public indoor smoking on April 1, 2006, if current legislation passes. With the dislike for smoking in public places like bars and restaurants creeping closer to Macomb, is it next on the list to ban smoking?

Currently, there are no plans to ban smoking in the bar scene anytime soon. This is not to say some bars have not attempted it. Last year, The Link held a smoke-free bar night. According to Western Illinois University's chapter of Colleges Against Cancer the event was a success.

"Many of the people who came enjoyed going home without smelling of smoke. There were many smokers who attended the event as well, and they simply stepped outside whenever they wanted to smoke," said a representative for Colleges Against Cancer. Plans are in the making for another smoke-free bar night as well.

For bar owners, it is not simply a matter of health, but also a matter of profits. Many said they believe without the ability to smoke indoors, many patrons would choose different ways to enjoy alcohol; especially during the upcoming winter season.

Despite these beliefs, according to students, a ban on cigarettes would not deter them from attending bars.

"The atmosphere at the bar is usually a good time, even though it seems everybody smokes. I believe that students will still have fun," said Paul Stender, sophomore general orientation major.

The issue of banning smoking from public buildings claimed by its proponents is the health risks. According to the National Cancer Institute, "approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult nonsmokers in the United States as a result of exposure to second-hand smoke."

In addition to cancer, second-hand smoke is associated with chronic coughing and over 35,000 cases of severe heart disease. The chance of health-related issues is increased for the employees.

"Bar owners and bartenders are exposed to extremely dangerous levels of second-hand smoke by being in the environment day after day," representatives from Colleges Against Cancer stated.

One cannot turn on the television without seeing an anti-smoking ad. Students are taught the dangers of second-hand as well as first-hand smoke in high school health class.

With all this knowledge of health dangers one puts themselves into by being exposed to smoke, why do so many still advocate public indoor smoking? One student thinks he has the answer.

"Scientific research shows that second-hand smoke has serious side effects, but I know the possibility of having fun with the guys and meeting girls more than outweighs the consequences" said Mike Housh, junior law enforcement and justice administration major.

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