Wichita City Council Passes Smoking Ban

The measure, crafted as a compromise but passed by just a 4-3 vote, applies to any business that admits people younger than 18. That means bars are exempt so long as they keep out minors and post warning signs about second-hand smoke.

The vote was only an initial one. The measure comes up again in June for a second reading, likely with some minor changes.

Wichita is following the lead of other cities across Kansas and the nation in cracking down on smoking because of the dangers of second-hand smoke. As it reads today, the ordinance calls second-hand smoke a "significant source of exposure to toxic indoor air contaminants, causally associated with respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer, asthma and emphysema."

Council members Sue Schlapp, Paul Gray and Jim Skelton voted against the measure.

Smoking Bans:
Concern over the health effects of smoking and secondhand smoke have led to calls for bans on smoking in public spaces. Are these bans justified?

Most seats in most restaurants are already designated non-smoking, and there is little evidence that non-smokers who visit restaurants and bars believe smoking is a major concern. In restaurants with smoking and nonsmoking sections, better ventilation systems rather than smoking bans can solve any remaining concerns.

Smoking bans have had severe negative effects on restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in cities where such bans have been enacted. Smokers choose to stay home or visit friends who allow smoking in their homes, or spend less time (and less money) in bars and nightclubs before leaving. Smoking bans can also move noisy and potentially dangerous crowds onto sidewalks, and divert police resources from battling more serious crime.