Highland Park toughens its ordinance

When Illinois lawmakers approved a statewide ban on smoking in indoor public places starting Jan. 1, the idea was to have the same standards for every town.

But officials in one prominent North Shore city don't believe the statewide law related to secondhand smoke goes far enough.

Highland Park has approved an amended local law that bans smoking in outdoor places, such as public golf driving ranges, city-owned lots and Metra commuter rail platforms. The stricter rules also take effect Jan. 1 and will trump state law.

Democratic state Sen. Terry Link of Waukegan said while he won't discourage Highland Park and other towns with home-rule powers from enacting more restrictive smoking laws, caution should be exercised.

"If you make it too much different from what we did, you're going to have that (city-by-city) confusion again," said Link, who sponsored the Smoke Free Illinois Act that bans puffing in bars, restaurants, public buildings and workplaces.

Before the General Assembly's action this year, a hodgepodge of suburbs and counties enacted indoor smoking bans. The uneven landscape prompted concerns about bars and restaurants in areas that prohibited indoor smoking losing business to places with no such laws.

Link said he hasn't heard of another city in Illinois that's made a move similar to Highland Park's since Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed the statewide smoking law in July. Highland Park's stricter smoking ban ordinance was passed by a 7-0 city council vote last week.

Mayor Michael Belsky said Highland Park's local law was beefed up because smoking is a public health issue. The city enacted Lake County's first smoking ban in June 2005.

"We were a leader with respect to passing a smoking ban in Lake County," Belsky said. "We don't mind a leadership position here."

Smoking will be forbidden at all parks, beaches, school property, Metra platforms, public golf driving ranges and Port Clinton Square -- home of summer concerts in downtown Highland Park. Ravinia Festival already prohibits smoking.

Golfers still can puff stogies and cigarettes as they play public courses, but not within 25 feet of the first tee or clubhouse, according to the updated ordinance.

In addition, smoking will be banned in city parking lots, in miniature golf courses and on public sidewalks within 25 feet of an outdoor eating area.

The additions to Highland Park's smoking ban have nothing to do with public health, argues one critic, Garnet Dawn Scheuer of Lake Bluff. She's the Midwest regional director for The Smoker's Club Inc.

"They're trying to lead the charge is what they're trying to do," Scheuer said. "They want to be the most extreme."

Highland Park Assistant City Manager Patrick Brennan said there is strong support from businesses and residents for the enhanced no-smoking ordinance.

Someone smoking in prohibited areas in Highland Park will face fines of $100 to $750 for each violation. The state law calls for $100 to $250 fines.

Link said he considers Illinois' smoking law to be the toughest in the United States. He said indoor secondhand smoke was the primary concern.

Tough to smoke

Highland Park's city smoking ban ordinance is more restrictive than the Smoke Free Illinois Act. Both laws are effective Jan. 1.

Hotel/motel rooms

• Highland Park: No more than 10 percent may be designated for smoking

• State law: 25 percent.

Common residential areas

Highland Park: Smoking prohibited

State law: No such ban.

Entrances to public places

• Highland Park: Smoking prohibited within 25 feet

• State law: Smokers must be 15 feet away from any entrance.

Fines

• Highland Park: $100 to $750 for each violation

• State law: $100 to $250.

Source: City of Highland Park