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February 27, 2010

The ongoing smoking-ban debate is getting a new spark from convention leaders trying to light a fire under lawmakers, who have been reluctant to approve the kind of comprehensive smoking ban that health—and now tourism—officials say is needed here.

The smoking-ban debate in this city and state is getting a new spark from a fired-up group of tourism and convention officials.

They’re trying to light a fire under lawmakers, who have been reluctant to approve the kind of comprehensive smoking ban that health—and now tourism—officials say is needed here.

Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association CEO Don Welsh and other area tourism and convention officials say Indianapolis officials’ unwillingness to strengthen anti-smoking legislation is imperiling the city’s growing tourism trade.

“In many cases, the ordinances have been driven politically or solely due to the desires of local citizens,” Welsh said. “While I understand that, the desires of visitors who spend billions of dollars in our community every year have not been considered.”

On the state level, the Indiana House on Feb. 24 passed a measure that would ban smoking in all enclosed public places except casinos and horse tracks. Several local tourism officials said they plan to get in the ear of state politicians as the bill progresses through the General Assembly.

A number of cities in the United States and abroad have passed legislation outlawing smoking in all public places, including hotels, restaurants and bars. Welsh said he recently heard from visitors from New York who were disgusted by Indianapolis’ policy.

“When Paris passed their anti-smoking legislation 18 months ago, that set the tone globally,” Welsh said. “It’s what people come to expect, and Indianapolis is being left behind.”

Welsh is far from alone in his concern.

Jeff Sweet, president of the Greater Indianapolis Hotel and Lodging Association and general manager of Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites, said the complaints he hears from visitors about Indiana’s smoking policies are becoming louder and more frequent.

“Our guests, quite frankly, are taken aback by the smoking in our city,” said Sweet, whose hotel is in the process of going completely smoke-free. “There’s no getting around it. It’s starting to affect the city’s image, and not in a good way.”

Dirk Ebener, CEO of Atlanta-based NuernbergMesse North America, which represents more than 100 trade shows globally, said a city’s smoking policy has a major impact on its image. Ebener, who recently conducted a site inspection in Indianapolis, said the smoking in entertainment hot spots here is a definite drawback.

“There are a growing number of conventions in various sectors that definitely prefer a non-smoking city,” Ebener said. “A city’s smoking policy says a lot about it. It speaks to cleanliness of the city, demonstrates the health awareness of the city, and calls attention to its overall progressiveness.”

In 2006, the City-County Council enacted an anti-smoking law, but there are several exemptions, including bars and other establishments that don’t allow anyone under 18 and businesses that don’t employ anyone under 18.

In October, the City-County Council voted against an ordinance that would have strengthened the existing smoking ban to include bars and the vast majority of workplaces. Council members then decided in a 14-13 vote to table the legislation, which means it can return to the council agenda at a future meeting.

Local patrons like Kenneth Fegett still enjoy a smoke at the Front Page and other area bars. (IBJ Photo/ Perry Reichanadter)

Mayor Greg Ballard has said he would veto such an ordinance if it reaches his desk.

That stand, Welsh said, is endangering a critical sector of convention business the ICVA is trying to develop.

“Many in the life sciences, bio and medical fields are vehemently against smoking in public places,” Welsh said. “I’m not sure it’s always a show stopper, but it’s certainly an unnecessary worry and concern that we shouldn’t have.”

Medical and life sciences conventions and corporate meetings are key to the city’s plan to grow downtown and its convention business, Sweet said.

“Bio and life sciences is a premium-rated business,” he said. “There’s a huge benefit to getting a foot in the door with that industry. Since that sector is growing rapidly, now is a critical time for this city to put its best foot forward with those organizations.”

Sweet said the current policy hurts the city’s otherwise pristine reputation among convention-goers.

“In order to be perceived as being a more progressive city, we have to have a smoking ban,” he said.

The city’s rapidly growing tourism and convention business means there’s plenty at stake.

A 2006 study by Washington, D.C.-based industry analyst D.K. Shifflet and Associates showed the city’s annual visitor spending hitting $3.6 billion.

Life sciences currently generates 4 percent of Indianapolis’ convention and visitor business, but within a few years, Welsh said, it could account for 20 percent. Sports is the city’s largest convention and visitor moneymaker, he said, making up 24 percent of the pie.

While the money spent on life sciences and medical conventions is considerable, it’s just part of the benefit. ICVA and its partners in the endeavor to grow that sector hope exposure from the medical and bio gatherings gives the region further gravitas as a life sciences hub. That, BioCrossroads President David Johnson said, will help build the credibility of companies located here.

“If we could make Indianapolis ground zero for these types of meetings, that would be a tremendous way to show the strengths of this community in a way others in the industry don’t normally think of,” said Johnson, whose organization heads economic development for Indiana’s life sciences initiative.

Not everyone in the local convention and tourism sector favors strengthening the city’s anti-smoking law. John Livengood, president of the Indiana Restaurant & Hospitality Association, said there’s an intense divide among members of his organization.

While some agree with Welsh and Sweet that Indianapolis’ smoking laws are scaring off certain visitors, he said others fear an all-out smoking ban will hurt the city with other patrons.

“There’s only one policy that works for everyone,” Livengood said. “To have no policy and let each company decide for itself. It’s a free enterprise issue.”

Waiting for local businesses to conclude that smoking must be banned, Welsh said, could have detrimental consequences.

“I understand civil liberties, but there’s enough medical documentaion to know smoke—firsthand or secondhand—is bad for you,” Welsh said. “Our current policy makes this city look not very progressive.”•

# # # Smoke Free Indy is a coalition of state and local public health organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association of Indiana as well as other groups, businesses, and Marion County residents, that support making all workplaces smoke free. We are dedicated to reducing secondhand smoke, tobacco usage and tobacco initiation through education, prevention and advocacy.

Stronger smoking ban

gets new life

City-County Council votes to revisit proposal that had been in limbo

By Francesca Jarosz

Posted: November 10, 2009

After a setback last month that put its future in question, a proposal to ban smoking in most Indianapolis workplaces will return to the City-County Council in a few weeks.

A 16-12 council vote Monday brought the measure out of limbo, reinvigorating a heated, months-long battle pitting public health against personal freedoms. The proposed ban, which would strengthen an existing ordinance to include venues such as bars and bowling alleys, is scheduled to go before the council at its Nov. 30 meeting.

…

[Click here to read full story]

Smoke Free Indy supports the proposed Indianapolis smoke free air ordinance by the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council.

Smoke Free Indy Position Statement 

Smoke Free Indy will present to the City-County Council Community Affairs Committee on December 3, 2008. The presentation will educate city council members on the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure and the benefits of having a comprehensive smoke free workplace law in Indianapolis.

WHAT: Smoke Free Indy presentation to City-County Council Community Affairs Committee

WHEN: Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 at 5:30pm

WHERE: Room 260 of the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204

NOTES: Speakers include Mickey Maurer, Board of IBJ Corporation Chairman; Bruce Hetrick, Hetrick Communications Chair and CEO; and Sam Denton, American Heart Association Grassroots Advocacy Director.

The meeting is open to the public. ALL SMOKE FREE SUPPORTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

Breathe Easy Indy… 

Take the challange and quit for a day on November 20th. Smoke Free Indy will be at the IUPUI Campus center from 10am-2pm celebrating the Great American Smoke Out. Come play a Wii and particiapte in our Polaroid Project.

Smoke Free Indy will be raffling off a Wii and other prizes including Pacer Tickets.

 Location:

425 University Blvd, Indianapolis, 46202

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008811060324

Report cites decline in Marion County but finds cancer needs more attention.

Check out the article in the Indianapolis Star!

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080926/LOCAL/809260443/1083/LIVING01

Join Indianapolis’ Voice Youth at the 2008 Skatepark Jam at the Major Taylor Velodrome on June 21, 2008 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m..  Along with awesome skateboarding the Voice Youth will host an interactive display with contests and giveaways. 

Skatepark Jam is an amateur skateboard competition for beginner through advance skill levels. Participants  compete for prizes and awards on a 15,000 square foot concrete bowl that is a street oriented course and includes a five sided transition pyramid, tons of bank, ledges, walls, a few rails and smooth flowing lines. Skateparkjam.com is your source for all the latest info and news for the Tom Wood Scion Skatepark Jam. For more information visit www.skateparkjam.com.

Join Smoke Free Indy for Kids Day at the Marion County Fair on July 26, 2008.  The day will feature smoke free activities, a cheerleading contest, 4-H exhibits and other fun filled possibilities.  If you cannot make it on this day, make sure you come another day because this year the ENTIRE fair is smoke free!