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Could Eau Claire County Be Next? Save Email Print
Posted: 5:28 PM Mar 25, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:02 AM Mar 26, 2008
38 comments
A | A | A

County Board Member Bruce Willett confirmed the county is considering debating a county-wide smoking ban similar to the city's proposed ban.

Willett tells NewsCenter 13 it could make the agenda by mid-April.

The Eau Claire City Council voted 7 to 4 in favor of enacting a city-wide smoking ban. It will take effect in July.
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Posted by: kay on Apr 4, 2008 at 05:13 PM
well well well check out the pioneer press on todays new April 4 2008. Wisconsin study: Banning smoking increases drunken driving
Posted by: Fred Location: Eau Claire on Mar 27, 2008 at 11:21 AM
The thing that real bothers me the most is the fact that the city council is helping to dumb up America. I believe that my neighbors and I are quite capable of making a decision on our own. Do I go into a smoke filled bar or into one that has clean air? Thinking, thinking, thinking.....wowza all on my own I decided to go into the one with clean air. Quite making my decisions for me and let the bar owners help me decide.
Posted by: Heather Location: Eau Claire on Mar 27, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Here is the proper way to look at this, smokers they smoke, cigar smokers they puff along with pipe smokers. Drinkers, they get drunk or get buzzed. Drinkers, you are trashing your own health and then you get in the car thinking you are ok to drive, get in a wreck and the outcome is yet to be determined. I want to know how much 2nd hand smoke you have to breath in order to have health issues. So, city council can you answer me that. If I go to a bar, sit for 3 hours once a week. When will I die? The bars that you have affected with the ban, they will die before the people breathing second hand smoke. Do the math.....
Posted by: KAYS Location: NEW ABURN on Mar 26, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Every one here should really look at this economy impact studies that has been done at this reliable site..DON'T BE FOOLED! The best place to look is our "Economic Impact" page here: http://banthebanwisconsin.com/Projects_View.aspx I have put quite a few resources out there. A few really good documents are: http://banthebanwisconsin.com/Documents/NY%20review.pdf http://banthebanwisconsin.com/Documents/CRE8OP-2007-002.pdf http://banthebanwisconsin.com/Documents/NY%20damage.pdf And a local look that I have been working on to combat the WISPIRG study: http://banthebanwisconsin.com/Documents/wispirg%20study.pdf
Posted by: mike Location: chippewa falls on Mar 26, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Comming from a non smoker, the smoking ban is foolish. The county should let the public vote on this issue instead of deciding for everyone. I think the Eau Claire bars will be strongly affeted by this and we will loose alot of business and revenue to Chippewa falls.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: EC on Mar 26, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Reading these comments I just have to ask. Barbara, where have you lived the longest? Eau Claire at the UW or in the smog filled air of CA? Pamela, recently there was a report published that heathly people are actually beginning to cost more in health care because they are living longer. To say higher health care costs are driven by smokers vs the greed of investors in health care and insurance companies is fairly narrow minded. Are you a EC city council person by chance?
Posted by: Jan Location: Eau Claire on Mar 26, 2008 at 02:55 PM
So now rights are starting to be taken away from individuals. What next? Overweight people who go to all U can eat buffets will only be allowed one trip through due to overweight health issues that may arise? I don't smoke, but I went to places where it was allowed and I knew when I walked in the door that smoking was allowed. It was my choice to still go in the establishment. The council has taken away indivdual rights with their decision. The should have left the right to smoke or not up to the owners. If a sign would be posted outside the establishment, then you would be able to make your own informed opinion if you wanted to go into that establishment or not. This is going to hurt the small business owners in the pocket book.
Posted by: ron Location: chippewa falls on Mar 26, 2008 at 02:04 PM
At least smokers won't have to worry about polar bear attacks like they do in Norway, but passerby attacks on smokers smoking outside...that's another story. BTW, come on up to Chippewa Falls. It would be nice to see an active nightlife downtown like 20 years ago.
Posted by: Michael Location: eau calire on Mar 26, 2008 at 01:27 PM
This is an infringement on the rights of business owners as well as smokers. Remember to vote on April 1st against the council members who voted for this law.
Posted by: Mike Location: Eau Claire on Mar 26, 2008 at 01:21 PM
What a travesty! I can't believe a government body would stoop to create a law to help our well-being. What's next? Mandatory seat belts? Flashing stop signs on school buses? Yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks? Speed limits? The list goes on.
Posted by: Pamela Location: Eau Claire on Mar 26, 2008 at 11:46 AM
It's sad to think that people think smoking is more important than the cost of health insurance premiums, illness, the economy, jobs, education and other significant issues. If we have a weak economy we don't have jobs (fewer people owning homes and supporting education and if we don't have health care coverage, we have more illness and an increased cost to the taxpayer. Which is more important, the costs we end up paying for those people who smoke and get sick (and they will), through higher health care premiums, less coverage, or medical assistance? It's all about common sense and priorities. No is saying people can't smoke, just where they can. You still have your own car/house/land, etc. That's your right. Good job to our council members who voted for the rights of others to breath clean air (and keep costs down.)
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 26, 2008 at 11:42 AM
It is below 60 outside I could get a cold and spread it to all kinds of people but I like to wear shorts everyday. Should the City make me put pants on or fine me?
Posted by: R Location: E.C. on Mar 26, 2008 at 11:42 AM
I just want to say that the people that do drink and drive because they NEED TO SMOKE SOOOO BAD....it's their own fault if they get in an accident...they're the one's that choose to drink and drive. IDIOTS. You all have brains...use them.
Posted by: Barbara Location: California on Mar 26, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I was diagnosed with lung cancer at age 46. I never smoked, but grew up in the EC area and attended UWEC. Second hand smoke was everywhere then, and I feel strongly it is the cause of my lung cancer. Lung cancer is something nobody wants, especially non-smokers. Up to 20% of the those diagnosed never smoked and most of these are young women. They face the same alarming statistics; about 50% die within 8 months of diagnosis and 85% die within 5 years of diagnosis. I am so happy you have finally banned smoking in EC. It will make my breathing that much easier when I return to EC to visit family. Thanks again. Barb
Posted by: anonymous Location: eau claire on Mar 26, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Shawna it does not suprise me that Dave Duax and his "good old boys" could not answer your questions. They were not concerned with anything other than doing what they felt was their right. If they had actually ever thought of serving the people of Eau Claire, the way they should, they would have put it to a vote of ALL in the city of Eau Claire. They didn't to the right thing, they just railroaded their and the views of their friends, throught the system. Hopefully the county will ask the citizens of the county what they want before impossing their personal views upon everyone.
Posted by: John Location: Eau Claire on Mar 26, 2008 at 10:58 AM
There are a lot of things and attitudes that trouble me about Eau Claire, but this ban is GREAT NEWS. Good for the City Council. Good for Eau Claire. Good for everyone's health.
Posted by: Kathleen Location: Eau Claire on Mar 26, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Eau Claire restaurants have already lost my business. I have been going outside the city limits to eat out, and if the county wide ban is passed, I will be traveling to another county to eat out. It's too bad the city council feels they have to control peoples lives, forcing them to live according to the city council's standards. Why don't they ban serving alcohol? Serving/Drinking alcohol can't be up to the Council's standards either. That causes more problems than smoking ever could. They are trying to set everyone's standard of living for them, why not ban bars altogether? Then we could all be just as righteous and pure as they are.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Eau Claire on Mar 26, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Maybe they should crack down on all the people who drive home from the bars?
Posted by: Mark Location: St. Paul on Mar 26, 2008 at 10:32 AM
How about banning All-you-can-eat meals at restaurants? That's unhealthy and offensive to some.
Posted by: Dan Location: Eau Claire on Mar 26, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Since when are private businesses public venues? Any business may exclude service to anyone so long as it is not based on sex, race or creed. No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service. A business owner should have the right to decide what is acceptable behavior in their establishment, not an ill informed and rushed city council.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Eau Claire on Mar 26, 2008 at 10:12 AM
I'm so glad so many think this is such a good thing, wait till the City Council takes away something you enjoy. I am NOT a Smoker and still can't believe anyone thinks this is a good idea. I bet all you people stating this is "Good" will never step foot in any of the small bars that will suffer. I would like to put a challenge out to all the SMOKERS in Eau Claire, I think all of you should buy your cigarettes in another city. We should hit the city where it hurts the most, their pocketbooks, and when the budget has to be cut next year because revenues are down from cigarette taxes, sales taxes and property taxes (because of failed bars), we can all tell the City Council that their wages need to be cut first. The Eau Claire City Council does not care about the citizens of Eau Claire, this was a personal vote by the 7 people who think they are smarter than the rest of us. So lets all prove them wrong, BUY YOUR CIGARETTES IN OTHER CITIES!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Kristina Location: Cadott on Mar 26, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I wish I lived in Eau Claire county. This would be wonderful. I hope it passes and other counties follow suit.
Posted by: anonymous Location: chippewa on Mar 26, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Hope it happens in Chippewa real soon.
Posted by: Bar Owner Location: Augusta on Mar 26, 2008 at 09:29 AM
I think it is completely rediculous that these bans are taking place. Leave it up to the bar owners. There are already some bars that are smoke free, so if you can't stand the smoke go to a smoke free bar. I was a smoker for over 14 years and have recently quit. It doesn't change my opinion about smokers rights and I still go to smoking bars and don't have an issue with it. The government keeps taking more and more of our rights away.....who knows next it may be alcohol!
Posted by: Brady Location: Chippewa on Mar 26, 2008 at 09:24 AM
I am surprised at the outcome of enacting a city wide smoking ban. I feel it should've been up to the individual owner's of bars. Their is going to be alot of uproar over this matter and by complaining about the passing of the ban is know way to go about it. If people want to stand up against the option of smoking in bars you must make a stand and talk to people that can do something about it. As for now, if I was a business owner that is going to be affected by this outcome, I would grow stronger and use the expertise and knowledge that got your business this far and; find away to get around this. I am a non-smoker and I dis approve of this matter. By passing this ban do think people that don't smoke are going to start going to more bars now? Are they going to start going to the local establishments? My answer is: I don't think so.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: hallie on Mar 26, 2008 at 12:26 AM
it will be nice to go out and not have to smell the smoke and bring it home with you
Posted by: Halverson Location: Eau Claire on Mar 25, 2008 at 11:24 PM
all i have to say IT"S ABOUT TIME
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 25, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Great Deal for All of Us. Smokers can step outside
Posted by: Bill Location: Wisconsin Rapids on Mar 25, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Every year for our anniversary we go out of town.Appleton was our first choice until they banned smoking in bars.Since then Eau Claire has been our anniversary weekend getaway.We love the Mouse Trap and Clancey's but hit all the spots downtown then we get a cab back to the room.It was fun while it lasted. Looks like we'll be looking for a new weekend getaway this year.
Posted by: Gary Location: Fall Creek on Mar 25, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Sure Glad I don't live in EC. The city council wants to control everyone's life, WHAT IS NEXT? They have oversteped their authority with smoking ban. Maybe they should ban the sale of cigarets in all establishments in their city limits. If they want to protect me, do that for me.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Rice Lake on Mar 25, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Good for Eau Claire. I wish Rice Lake would do this same thing.
Posted by: Lawrence Motzer Location: 702 W Mac Arthur Ave Eau Claire on Mar 25, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Congratulations to the city council of Eau Claire for the courage of voting in the Eau Claire City wide Smoke-Free Ban. This is something that was due for the health of our citizens of Eau Claire.
Posted by: Renee Location: Eau Claire on Mar 25, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Have we not lost enough jobs in Eau Claire. As a bartender, I have to listen to all my customers that have lost their jobs or been laid off do to cuts or other reasons and now I my be out of a job. How can I tell them things will be O.K. if I may not have a job to consoul them at! I support my family with my bartending. There have been so many jobs lost in Eau Claire that I don't know if there is room for bartenders to stand in line for the next opening. Who will help us make a living! What will you tax next to make up your lost revenue!
Posted by: Casey Location: Missouri on Mar 25, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Im a truck driver that is a smoker i go all over the world and the whole united states is trying to fight this. I dont think you should have the right to tell people how to run there buisnesses we dont tell you people how to run yours. There is no commen sence in this world anymore. So whats next? are you people gunna tells us how to dress and that we cant smoke in our vehicles anymore? If you people think that smoking is poluting our air its the plants that we have that is putting all the pollution in our air why dont you fix that first. Or fix our streets for better safety?
Posted by: Sandy Location: Eau Claire on Mar 25, 2008 at 07:47 PM
why ban smoking in bars it's your choice to drink so you should have the choice to smoke in a bar. i can see not smoking in a restaurant because that's just disrespectful to smoke around others eating. and yes, i am a smoker!
Posted by: Kala Location: Eau Claire on Mar 25, 2008 at 07:47 PM
I dont think there should be right to take the buisness owners rights away. Are they going to reimburse me for all the money im losing from my customers that will no longer be there. Now our city has to deal with more drunk drivers on our streets.I also would like to know if they are going to find me a new job and everyone else that is going to lose there jobs because of this. How are we suppose to tell our people that are fighting for our lives that they cant come home an enjoy a beer and a cigarette and socialize in there hometown bars. Are you going to pay my bills and everyone elses that can now not afford them. This is suppose to be the land of the free and we all have our rights so we thought, But now our rights are being takin away from us.
Posted by: Beverly Location: Eau Claire on Mar 25, 2008 at 07:12 PM
I hope the comments listed here are forwarded to the Eau Claire City Council. I want to applaud those that voted for the Smoking Ban. Those that passed this ban are the ones to hold responsible for the business that WILL close due to this ban. They are the ones to hold responsible for those that get in drunk driving accidents because someone went out of the city to smoke and drink. They are the ones to hold responsible for all the bartenders and waitstaff that will lose their jobs. This is not a good day for the City of Eau Claire, this is just the beginning of the end of what you like. People of Eau Claire beware all your liberties are at stake with some of the city council memebers we so willingly voted in. Those that welcome this have no idea what they have started and when they do it will be to late to turn back to the way it was.
Posted by: Shawna Location: Chippewa Falls on Mar 25, 2008 at 07:10 PM
I hope the Eau Claire county board will be better informed as to their proposal then the city council was last night. I asked a few question directly related and quoted from their ordinance and they were unable to explain the exact ordinances they were planning on putting into effect. How public areas would clearly be defined and who regulates the health department on places signs for nonsmoking areas, etc. They were not informed enough to make this decision. If they were educated in what they were planning they would have had the answers. I would like to know if the 95,000 people of Eau Claire county, get to have a vote in this county proposal? Or is this another snow ball job by our government? How did 11 people get the right to decide on 65,000 peoples rights? Even a man defending himself in a court of law gets a jury of 12 to decided his fate, do we as citizens, not get the same justice in what our future will be? This is a public issue, LET THE PUBLIC VOTE ON IT!
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