Proposed smoking ban meets first obstacle

Publication Date: 2005-06-05

• Author:MICHAEL NEIBAUER
• Publication:Washington Examiner

The grassroots campaign for smoke-free workplaces in the District, which has won support in recent years from at least eight advisory neighborhood commissions, suffered its first setback last week when the Logan Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission went against the grain.

"I smoke cigarettes and enjoy them," said Jim Brandon, an 18-year ANC-2F commissioner who cast one of two votes against the smoke-free resolution. "I've smoked for over 50 years. I'm a cancer survivor and I just happen to enjoy having a cigarette with my coffee and with my cocktail. And I have a streak of free enterprise in me, and I don't think you should force businesses to do that."

Wednesday's 2-1 vote, with two abstentions, followed a 3-2 vote in favor of a resolution calling on the City Council to vote smoke-free measures up or down. It was a message to Council Member Carol Schwartz, R-at large, who opposes an all-out smoking ban and hasn't let a bill come to a vote in the public works and environment committee, which she chairs.

Schwartz recently introduced a measure that would provide financial incentives to bars and restaurants that go smoke-free. Council Member Kathy Patterson, D-Ward 3, introduced an overall ban in all workplaces - a measure that was referred to the health committee.