[C-U Smokefree] URGENT! ACTION AT TONIGHT'S COUNCI L STUDY SESSION!

[Scott Hays]

Hi to all!
 
PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND TONIGHT'S STUDY SESSION!!
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7 pm
Council Chambers, University and Neil.
 
According to press reports, Mayor Schweighart is presenting an alternative ordinance this evening to Giraldo's proposal (the one we support). To the best of our knowledge, this cannot be an actionable item tonight, since there was improper advance notice given by the Mayor to comply with public notice requirements for council meetings. However, we're not exactly certain what maneuvers might be possible.
 
We do not know at this point the details of his proposal and have no idea whether his proposal is any way acceptable, or if we should simply oppose it.  We're trying to get information about the proposal in advance.  From scattered press reports, here is what we think we know:
 
1. It includes a provision for a "smoking license" (we prefer to think of it as a "license to kill") for establishments to purchase so they can allow smoking. The license fee would be $1 per occupant.
2. It includes a provision to punish youth for the possession of tobacco (which, incidentally does not affect youth smoking rates, according to research - I'll provide citations if you'd like them).
3. The license fee would be used for tobacco prevention education efforts for youth (although given the amount of the fee, this amount would be certainly be completely and totally inadequate to have any impact on actual youth smoking).
4. It requires establishments to post signs clearly identifying their smoking policy (and presumably the only ones that can allow smoking have to buy the license).  
 
On it's face, there are lots of problems with this proposal on several levels.  When I have more time and more knowledge of the actual policy, I will detail them specifically.
 
For now, we need as many of you as possible to show up at tonight's Study Session at 7 pm at Council Chambers on Neil and University - and forward this announcement to other friends and to other lists you are aware of.  We won't know whether or not we'll speak until we know the specifics of the proposal and the concrete action that council will take tonight.
 
Thanks, and see you tonight, and...
 
C-U Smokefree!
 
Scott
The Prez
778-2645
sphcusmokefree at yahoo.com

		
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