HSB Tobacconist

Greetings

Last week at the Council Hearings on the smoking ban Councilman Fraser introduced another smoking ban bill. The second bill she introduced has no exemptions for bars or casinos. This is the bill that she will put up for vote this Tuesday. If that bill fails she plans to reintroduce the bill with casinos and bars that serve less than 25% food exempted (very few bars serve less than 25% food, only a handful of bars could legally allow smoking).

We found out late last week that the bill that doesn't exempt casinos and bars was written by Councilman Quinn. Quinn is Republican and he wants to force Charlie Dooley to veto at least one bill. Dooley is up for re-election next year. If he vetoes at least one of the smoking ban bills they will label him a pro-smoker and big tobacco lackey. It appears that both bills could pass by a 4 - 3 margin forcing a veto or allowing it to pass.

Our efforts to get calls and emails to the Council have been marginally successful. We concentrated on Councilman Stenger and he has received numerous calls. What we are hearing is that those that oppose the ban need a reason to do so. Councilwomen Erby, Councilwomen Burkett and Councilman O'Mara have received very few calls to oppose the ban. Please take the time to send them an email. You can copy and past these three and County Executive Charlie Dooley and send them all at once.

herby@stlouisco.com, kburkett@stlouisco.com, momara@stlouisco.com, cdooley@stlouisco.com

 Let them know you oppose any ban.

 The next council meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday August 4th, PM at the County Administrative Building. If possible, please attend and testify against the ban. Smoke-Free St Louis City is planning a rally just before the council hearings.

Help us protect the choice of the business owner to set their own smoking policy. Help us to protect our right to enjoy a cigar at a business that wants us and welcomes us.

Tony Palazzolo

(314) 630-5332