Dane County smoking ban proposed
Smoking in public places could be banned in rural Dane County towns under an ordinance that was introduced Thursday night before the Dane County Board of Supervisors.
Backers, including County Executive Kathleen Falk and County Board Chairman Scott McDonell, announced the effort at a news conference Thursday morning at the Nau-ti-gal restaurant in the town of Westport.
County Board Supervisor Mark Opitz of Middleton, who is one of the ordinance's sponsors, said their hope is to encourage cities and villages to follow the lead of the county and other area municipalities that have adopted smoking ordinances. If approved, the ban would affect only unincorporated areas and towns because the county doesn't have the authority to legislate in cities and villages within the county.
Falk said if the ordinance passes, 75 percent of the county would be smoke-free. Both Falk and McDonell said the ban idea came about because of the the state's failure to pass a smoke-free law last year.
"This is the trend, McDonell said. "We tried to wait for the state to act. This process needed a kick in the pants. Hopefully that's what we're going to do."
The ban would take place 90 days after it is passed, which Opitz said is a middle ground between immediately, within a year or two or never.
The Nau-ti-gal, which voluntarily went smoke-free on June 1, is doing better business since the decision, co-owner Robert Von Rutenberg said.
He began polling customers after Madison passed its ban a few years ago and found a demand for it. That, in combination with the health of his workers, prompted him to make his restaurant smoke-free.
"It's something you can't wait for," he said.
The ordinance must go through several committees before the County Board can vote on it. McDonell said the board would likely take it up in the fall.
Monona recently passed a public smoking ban that goes into effect in June 2009. Middleton is currently considering a similar measure that could come up for a City Council vote in mid-July. Madison, Shorewood Hills and Fitchburg have smoking bans that are already in effect.
File photo
A smoking ban ordinance was presented Thursday to the Dane County Board.
