Citizens group proposes Sikeston go smoke-free

SIKESTON, Mo. — Should Sikeston become the next smoke-free city in Missouri? Several area residents urged the Sikeston City Council to take that action during Monday’s special city council meeting, while the proposal left others fuming.

The citizens group Smoke-Free Sikeston proposed the council adopt a “simple, strong and fair law” for the community that bans smoking in public places.

According to Smoke-Free Sikeston member Brenda Freed, second-hand smoke, not only from cigarettes and cigars but also from air exhaled by smokers, is dangerous to everyone. She said 9,500 Missourians die from smoking annually, including the deaths of 900 nonsmokers from second-hand smoke exposure.

Freed said Scott and Mississippi counties have a higher percentage of smokers and a higher mortality rate from smoking than the state average.

The use of filters on ventilation systems, sitting in “no smoking” sections or next to an open window is not totally effective in removing dangerous particles found in second-hand smoke, she said.

“The only means of effectively eliminating (the danger) is to ban smoking,” Freed said.

Marcie Lawson pointed out tobacco use accounts for billions in lost dollars to businesses in productivity and medical claims.

In the 11 communities that have gone smoke-free in Missouri, none suffered a negative effect, she said. In fact, she said, some saw an increase in business.

“Smoke-free policies are not against smokers,” said Jeff Partridge, but it provides an opportunity to improve the environment for everyone in public places. He urged the council to take a step and be a leader in the area by banning smoking in Sikeston.

Councilman Jon Gilmore asked whether the action to ban smoking in other Missouri communities was council-led or by public vote. A member of the group said initially voters brought about the smoke-free communities. More recently, however, it was through council-led initiatives.

When questioned whether going smoke-free should be incremental, group members said requiring all public places to be smoke-free creates “a level playing field” for the community’s businesses.

A spokesman with the American Legion Auxiliary said participants at their bingo would not like the smoke-free ordinance and would stop attending the games. In turn, she said, it would reduce the amount of charitable contributions the group could provide in the community.

Smoke-Free Sikeston provided the council with a sample ordinance on the banning of smoking in public places.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, Mo.