Residents React, how local citizens feel about the new smoking ban

The new smoking ban, which ends smoking on patios of restaurants in the state of Maine is now in effect and some citizens have conflicting opinions on the subject.

The two opposing arguments of the new law pits smokers against non-smokers. Smoker, Giuseppi Diflumeri feels as though it is not fair to have more rights stripped away from smokers after already dealing with high taxes and the ban of cigarette smoking in restaurants in 2003. On the other hand, non-smokers feel that it is a smokers choice to smoke and non-smokers should not have to put up with smoke while dining outside in the state of Maine.

Kevin Parsons of Old Town does not agree that he should have to put up with cigarette smoke while eating or drinking on outside patios.

It is still unknown if the new law will affect businesses financially is still up in the air. One theory is that the new law will attract non-smokers to more restaurants and bars while others believe there will be no correlation between business revenue and the new law.

Josh Kahn, Old Town resident talks whether or not he would be for the new law even though he owns a business.

Many residents agree, that although this law is a big impact on the state and the local community, it will not affect businesses financially, positively or negatively. Maine's climate will become colder in the coming months rendering outdoor dining areas useless regardless of smoking policies and should balance any of the unlikely financial changes restaurants will experience.

Smoker Giuseppe Diflumeri feels that there may be a small amount of change in how patrons react to the new law and whether or not it will affect the economics of businesses.

Maine bans smoking on business owned patios

Enacted September 12, it is now against the law for businesses to allow smokers to smoke on outside patios of restaurants. With this new law it makes Maine the third state in the country to ban smoking in outside dining areas. Governor Baldacci signed the new law in an effort to decrease second-head smoke exposure.

Locally the new law affects businesses and smokers. The City Park Grill in Old Town has a patio where previously smokers used to be able to have a drink or something to eat while smoking. The restaurant is located alongside the Penobscot river where many people walk and ride bicycles nearby.

The state of Maine followed suit after Portland passed a similar bill earlier. Many smokers are against the law and feels as though it single them out. While many other smokers do not feel as though it affects them as much.

Cody Bishop, Old Town Resident discusses how the new law is unconstitutional.

Most of the aggravation against the new law isn't from smokers, it's from business owners. Restaurant owners are upset that they spent money into making outdoor smoking areas in order to attract smoking patrons, only to see that money now gone.

Josh Kahn of Old Town has a restaurant that has been in his family for several years. Kahn is actually in favor of the new law and feels as though it will be a good thing for Maine

Check in often for more updates on this pressing issue. More points of views from Old Town residents will be shared along with further insight into the new law and how it is affecting our state.

Coverage of Old Town City Council Meeting

There will be coverage of the Old Town city council meeting Monday, October 5th at 7:00. It is possible that the site will include live updates about the status of the meeting. Be sure to check back often for updates and other breaking Old Town news.

Scenes of Old Town Maine

To go along with the new Maine Distracted Driver law is video showing scenic shots of the city of Old Town.

Maine's New Distracted Driver Law

Maine citizens must now be wary of three new laws have gone into effect this week in the state of Maine. The distracted driver law allows police officers to pull over and ticket drivers who become distracted by electronic devices. Some of these devices that would cause these distractions would be mp3 players, cell phones and GPS’s.

The new distracted driver law can hold drivers responsible for up to five-hundred dollar fines

The other laws include being able to purchase sixty-four ounce containers of beer, also known as growlers. The other two laws that will go into effect is the Maine distracted driver law as well as the banning of smoking on restaurant patios.

The previous laws affect the state of Maine in different ways. Whether it be a more rural area or urban, there will be some change in the communities of the state.

The law that will be discussed in deeper detail, and more arguably the law that will have more impact on the state will be the Maine distracted drivers law.

This new law is affecting local citizens driving habits. Businesses will be directly affected, especially those that are in the business of deliveries.

Pizza delivery driver James Bell says not using technology will slow him down and keep him from communicating with customers. Calling customers is one way that Bell verifies addresses.

Although the law does emphasize drivers becoming distracted from technology, any form of distraction while driving in the state of Maine is legal as of this week.

Old Town Profile

Old Town is a small island community located in Maine known most notably for the Old Town canoe company which sells canoes worldwide.

Old Town is followed by many local Bangor news agencies and the Bangor Daily News. The area is also notable for the Penobscot Native American reservation.

The City Council meets the first Monday of each month. If the first Monday is a holiday, the Council meets the following evening. Council meetings are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Information provided by the city of Old Town

The following is a list of contacts for the city of Old Town

Councilor President Dave Mahan

Councilor Jamie Dufour

Address:

58 Cedar Street

Old Town, Maine 04468

Phone:

Home - 478-6932

Work - 581-1051

e-mail:

david.mahan@umit.maine.edu

Term Expires:
Dec. 1, 2011