Jump to full article: Erie (PA) Times-News, 2009-05-28
Intro: Pennsylvania's smoking ban continues to burn up some smokers, who feel like they've been cast as villains. Even some nonsmokers criticize government for tramping on individual rights.
But nine months after the law went into effect, one thing should be clear: everyone needs to comply. Otherwise, some businesses gain an unfair advantage.
Dan's Boardwalk Tavern on Route 8 in Greene Township is the first Erie County establishment to be cited for violating the statewide smoking ban . . .
Sue Owens, owner of Sue's Mill, decided to go completely smoke-free after receiving a warning. Applying to be exempt required too much paperwork, she said. "Whatever happens, happens. If I lose business because of it, then I don't make it," she said.
That's exactly the point. If the majority of bars and restaurants follow the law and enforce the regulations, they are being penalized when other establishments flout the law.
Kelly Kidd, program director for the Northwest Pennsylvania Tobacco Control Program, said that complaints about violators have dropped from 20 to 30 a day to two or three a week. "People know about the law and what it's about," she said.
Gov. Ed Rendell signed the law that prohibits smoking in most public places on June 13, 2008. Nearly a year later, no one should be in a haze about its requirements.
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