Agenda - 11-20-2012 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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27 Summary of"Why No Support?" Open Ended Comments by Location Sorted by lowest%of approval. NOTE:This section is a summary of the oppositional minority,not the average response. Average response was positive even for locations with the"least"amount of support. Sidewalks(64.4%Support,28.8%Against,6.8%No opinion):The majority of responses against banning smoking on sidewalks made references to the fact that sidewalks are outside,in open air and not in enclosed spaces,and transient spaces—people are usually passing by and not exposed to smoke for long.Sidewalks are described as too broad of an area and therefore difficult to enforce.Other big concerns are 1)general government intrusion on personal liberties/rights/freedoms and 2)smokers not having anywhere else to go if smoking is banned on sidewalks.To a smaller degree,the potential effect on businesses with outdoor dining spaces was mentioned as well. Gaming Facilities(67.9%Support, 14.2%Against,17.9%No opinion):The vast majority of responses against banning smoking at gaming facilities said that the decision to allow smoking should be left up to the private business owner.Others said there should be a designated area for smoking within the facility.Some said that smoking was part of the atmosphere.Some comments reinforced the idea of government intrusion and infringement of personal liberties.A number of comments were dismissive of the health of gamblers and therefore also the smokers that frequent this type of establishment. Government Grounds(76.9%Support,20.9%Against): Most respondents spoke to open air/space not being a problem for smoke that would'dissipate'. As in the other questions,government intrusion,civil rights,freedom of choice,personal rights and rights of tax payers to engage in a legal activity was discussed. Many respondents stated parking lots and designated smoking areas away from building entrances should allow for smoking by employees as well as residents using county/municipal building/facilities. Without designated areas employees and clients would be forced to walk away from their service sites or smoke in visible areas (street out front).A few comments addressed the complexity of smoking behavior-addiction,stress relief,and the ability to quit. One mentioned the"Tyranny of the majority"suggesting it was easy for non-smokers to move away from smokers. Parks,rec facilities,trailers&playgrounds(78.9%Support, 19.2%Against): Most respondents agreed no smoking around children,playgrounds,shelters,and indoor rec facilities made sense. Banning smoking in outdoor/open air areas like trails and more open spaces did not. Comments about open air/outdoor spaces were similar to other questions. Government intrusion,civil rights, personal choice and freedom,taxpayer rights and over-regulation were stated as reasons not to ban smoking in Parks,rec facilities, trails and play grounds. Many respondents felt designated areas away from children and gathering places(shelters,playground, etc.)should be provided to allow for smoking. Smokers reminded surveyors that"they paid taxes too." Several comments mentioned litter and enforcing those regulations as a way to address smoking. Bus Stops(79.0%Support, 16.8%Against):A majority of respondents stated that people should be allowed to smoke outdoors, second hand smoke was only deemed problematic if the bus stops were enclosed/shelter or there was not adequate distance or space between smokers or non-smokers.Several respondents spoke to the need of designated areas for smoking and demonstrating common sense and courtesy to those that do and do not smoke—do not smoke if it bothers others,move away from smokers if you are bothered. Generally,second hand smoke in an outdoor environment was not considered a problem under any circumstances for those against the ban. As reflected elsewhere,respondents spoke to government intrusion,civil rights,public taxpayer places,and the freedom of choice. Entertainment&Sports Arenas (82.1%Support,13.6%Against): Of those opposed to regulating a Smoke-Free Public Places Rule in Entertainment and Sports Arenas,the majority state that if the venue is an outdoor facility,it shouldn't be regulated.The general theme seems to reflect the belief that smoking outdoors is not dangerous to those around.However,there was also significant support to provide designated smoking areas that are outside and removed from nonsmoking patrons.The other overarching theme was that business owners should be able to dictate whether or not their facility allows smoking.