SMOKING BANS MAY GET BEARS TIMEOUT
Source: Chicago Tribune
Date: 2007-01-18
Author: Stanley Ziemba, Tribune Staff Reporter., 997-2005
URL:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-0701180072jan18,1,5214150.story
ID: 240555
Did local officials seriously think Bears fans could quit smoking
in public NOW--while watching Robbie Gould line up for a 49-yard
field goal and Rex Grossman throw deep off his back foot into
double coverage?
Bar owners in Oak Forest, Tinley Park and Orland Park complained
this week that their business sank as much as 50 percent because
the towns banned smoking in public places effective Jan. 2.
"Given the success of the Bears, there should have been a spike
in business, especially at sports bars," beer distributor Jerry
Michler told Tinley Park board members this week.
So, after just two weeks, the three suburbs may be poised for a
smoke break. All three towns have called emergency board
meetings for 5 p.m. Friday to reconsider the bans--in plenty of
time for the Bears' 2 p.m. Sunday kickoff in the NFC title game
against the Saints. The bans would be delayed until March 14,
well after the Super Bowl.
Oak Forest Mayor JoAnn Kelly said the reason for seeking the
temporary lifting of the bans was to afford the three
communities more time to review their no-smoking ordinances and
the impact they're having on businesses.
