Proposition N: Let business owners decide

A smoking ban is on the Nov. 3 ballot in St. Louis County. Many people claim there are no adverse effects on businesses following the enactment of smoking bans. In fact, some restaurants and bars in this area have moved or closed, citing a smoking ban as the reason.

While I often find secondhand smoke offensive, it is questionable whether the risks of secondhand smoke have been well-documented. When the "greatest generation" grew up, many adults smoked. The damages of "secondhand smoke" were no greater then than now, when 23 percent of the population smokes. I fear obesity has far greater health effects than secondhand smoke.

Still, a person who decides to go into the bar or restaurant business invests his money, time and effort. He makes the mortgage or rent payments and pays licensing fees, taxes, wages and overhead. It is presumptuous of the government or anyone, however well-intentioned, to take dictate how that individual should run his business.

If you don't like smoke, don't go where smoking is allowed. There's a very simple remedy for worker exposure, too: If an employee doesn't want to work around smoke, he should not work in an establishment that allows smoking.

People can vote with their wallets. Bar and restaurant owners know their customers. If people won't drink or eat in their establishment because of smoking, the owners will prohibit smoking.

But it should be the business owner's decision — not the government's. That's free enterprise.

F.S. Edmiston — Valley Park



Clear the air

On Nov. 3, residents of St. Louis County will vote on a proposition to enact a prohibition of smoking in most enclosed public spaces. A great deal of confusion exists about the bill and about its rationale. Let's clear the air about the medical effects of secondhand smoke.

In 2006, the U.S. surgeon general reported that a safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke does not exist and that secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in exposed people. Secondhand smoke contains cancer-causing agents and other toxins, and it causes approximately 50,000 deaths annually in the United States.

Smoke-free policies decrease exposure to secondhand smoke, improve the health and productivity of employees and prevent adverse health consequences in business patrons. Though Americans value freedom of choice, we should avoid choices that adversely affect others. We should ensure that vulnerable populations (the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases) do not have to breathe dangerous secondhand smoke.

Missouri received all "Fs" on the American Lung Association's State of Tobacco Control 2008 report card. Some cities in Missouri boldly have enacted smoking bans, and the city of St. Louis appears ready to move forward in conjunction with the county if this proposal passes.

While we wait for the Missouri Legislature to step up to the plate, St. Louis County does not need to take a back seat. Despite certain exemptions, the proposal takes a step in the right direction.

Dr. Roger Yusen — Webster Groves