As both advocates and opponents looked on in a packed gallery, the Baltimore City Council voted to ban smoking in public places Monday by a vote of 9-2, with four council members abstaining.
Council Vice President Robert Curran, the bill?s sponsor, called the vote historic.
“You can all take credit for saving thousands of lives,” Curran said.
City Councilman Nick D?Adamo, who voted against the measure, said the constituents in his second district were decidedly opposed to measure. “Most of the people supporting this bill live in the county,” he said. “I think we should acknowledge this will hurt the small-bar owners.”
Mayor Sheila Dixon expressed her support after the bill was passed, calling on the legislature in Annapolis to support a ban throughout Maryland.
“I hope the General Assembly will pass a statewide smoking ban this year,” she said in a written statement.
But Ron Furman, owner of Max?s on Broadway, a popular Fells Point bar said the ban spelled doom for his bar. “We?ll lose 40 percent of the business,” he said. “What?s going to happen to my employees?” he asked after the vote.
The ban, which includes restaurants and bars, will take effect Jan. 1, 2008.
Newest addition to the City Council Sharon Middleton, who was sworn in just hours before, also voted for the measure.
Opponents of the bill said a provision that would provide exemption for businesses that could prove “undue financial hardship” would be the next battleground to limit the ban.
“The city is not prepared for all the people that are going to apply for the exemption,” said attorney Frank Boston III, who represents the Baltimore Licensed Beverage Association.
However, it is still unclear how the Health Department, the city agency responsible for setting exemption guidelines, will formulate the requirements for obtaining one.
“It will be open and transparent,” city Health Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein said. “There will be public comment; we have plenty of time.”
AT A GLANCE
Bans on smoking in bars and restaurants are in place in Montgomery, Prince George?s, Howard and Talbot counties.
Dale Brown believes that it is unfair to Baltimore’s bars and taverns to ban smoking.
Susan Middaugh is glad the Baltimore City Council approved a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.
Federal Hiller Brianne Marinucci is “all for” Baltimore’s new ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.
