Proposed Palmer smoking ban ignites opposition

PALMER — Palmer could be become Alaska’s next smoke-free community under an ordinance introduced at the city council’s regular meeting Tuesday night.

The ordinance would prohibit smoking in all indoor work places and places of employment within city limits to protect non-smokers from the health risks associated with second-hand smoke. But in practice, just four bars would be forced to enact a ban: Klondike Mike’s Dance Hall and Saloon, the Moose Head Saloon, Palmer Bar, and the Caboose Lounge, located within the Valley Hotel.

The ordinance comes up for official public hearing before the council on Sept. 13.

At a crowded meeting Tuesday night, however, the council heard vocal opposition from owners, patrons or employees of three of the bars, as well as the Moose Lodge.

All said a ban would punish smokers and put business owners at a disadvantage because smokers could just drive a few more miles to bars outside city limits.

“It’s going to hurt our business, it’s going to hurt yours,” Palmer Bar owner Mary Lou Coddington told the council, referring to what she’d expect to be a dip in tax revenues to the city.

Supporters of the ordinance include Breath Free Mat-Su, a coalition of local businesses and organizations that favor smoke-free policies; the Mat-Su Health Foundation; and Alaska Family Services Inc., a nonprofit social services agency based in the Mat-Su.

There are currently 10 smoke-free communities in Alaska, among them Anchorage, Nome, Petersburg, and Juneau, said Becky Stoppa, Alaska Family Services communications director and tobacco prevention and control coordinator. Several Mat-Su bars have voluntarily banned smoking, including the Windbreak Cafe in Wasilla, Rumrunners at the Mat-Su Resort, and the Colony Inn in Palmer.

The experience of smoke-free establishments has been either neutral or positive, Stoppa said during a break in the meeting. “By allowing smoking, they’re hanging out a ‘closed for business’ sign for non-smokers.”

Under the ban, smokers must stay at least 20 feet away from bar entrances. Owners must post no-smoking signs, report violations, and cannot discriminate against an employee who reports a violation. Fines for violators range from $100 to $500. Business owners could face fines of up to $1,000.

Palmer City Council members Kevin Brown and Kathrine Vanover requested the ordinance be placed before the council. The administration recommends adoption.

The public hearing on the ordinance is at 7 p.m., Sept. 13 at Palmer City Hall, 231 W. Evergreen Ave.