Police cite first violation of smoking ban

Saturday, January 26, 2008

A Greencastle bar is the first local business to receive a citation and fine for alleged violations of the city's smoking ban that was passed by the city council last year.

The owner of Moore's Bar, Carolyn Hammond, along with three patrons of the establishment, were handed tickets Thursday by Greencastle police officers responding to repeated complaints about smoking inside the business, Police Chief Tom Sutherlin told the BannerGraphic Friday.

"There was full cooperation from the owner, Mrs. Hammond, and the three patrons that were cited," Sutherlin said.

Sutherlin said he and several officers from the police department walked into the bar on Thursday to investigate complaints and observed three patrons of the bar smoking. Hammond was also cited because she is the owner, Sutherlin said.

Hammond was ordered to pay a $100 fine and the patrons who were smoking will each have to pay $50, as required by the ordinance passed by the city council last year. Sutherlin said they have 10 days to comply.

In light of the recent citations, Mayor Sue Murray said she wanted to remind the public that the ordinance went into effect on Sept. 1 of last year and that smoking in all public establishments in the city, except for private clubs, is prohibited.

"It is indeed what the council passed and it did become law for the city of Greencastle," Murray said.

Hammond declined to comment on the situation Friday.

Police Chief Sutherlin said his department will continue to respond to complaints and issue citations, including at Moore's.

"My comment to the owner was as long as we get complaints, we will come back for enforcement," he said.

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  • we have things in this county like a teenager that died from a drug overdose, a teacher that some are trying to rairoad, and then we here this. where are the priorities in this county. im not a smoker and i could care less if these people smoke, its a bar, thats what they do.government is going to far, from the local, all the way to the federal. a little power and they go out of control. this county really needs to get it together, the government here could set an example, but yet they choose to be just like the rest. trying doing whats right for once! you might feel good about yourself. take care of your people, they are the ones that employ you, you commissioners might want to think about this too, nobody on 243 wants a shale pit! would you if your house was here.

    -- Posted by usmalein on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 6:17 AM
  • Cigarettes and tobacco products cause a tremendous amount of death, disease and suffering. Cigs contain powerful addictive chemicals that are no match for even some outstanding members of our community. Yet tobacco companies LEGALLY produce these products.

    I find this fact more appalling than any law to ban smoking.

    The same with alcohol. It's legal to produce it, sell it and buy it, but if you get intoxicated with it pubicaly, you are going to get arrested.

    -- Posted by strings on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 7:45 AM
  • The whole ordinance should have never happened. It should have been left up to the local businesses to determine if they wanted to be smoke free or not. The non smokers could then determine if they wanted to patronize those businesses or not. On the other hand, I am glad to see the ordinance enforced. It doesn't do any good to pass a law then not enforce it.

    -- Posted by purple_heat on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 8:49 AM
  • I hope that the tiny minority of constituents that the mayor and city council have chosen to represent can support our local bars and restaurants with their patronage. They have forgotten that these establishments survive on the comfort of their customers. I won't frequent a place if I can't relax with a cigarette after a meal or with a cocktail. The incident at Moore's was caused by a person that's not even a regular customer, doesn't have a valid complaint when you consider the nightly regulars, most of whom are smokers. The Mayor and her geniuses on council better open their eyes. There's a freight train barreling through town and it's called ECONOMIC RECESSION, possibly another depression before it's all over with. Our businesses can't afford to have their patrons run off by political correctness. We all know smoking's not healthy but neither is living on the street or going without meals because the business you worked at is gone.

    -- Posted by westforty on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 10:12 AM
  • I am so glad Greencastle is following some other towns and cities with this smoking ban. I'm even happier that they are enforcing it!

    -- Posted by indtonyc on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 11:15 AM
  • "This is the dumbest thing i've ever heard if you want clean air why would you go to a bar... bars survive on customers comfort if the customers leave because of this, the bar makes no money and closes down.. you prissy people don't get it i guess if you want clean air go to heaven cause look around the earth isn't clean were losing our rights more and more... Greencastle cops-Nazi's i think so whats next a Drinking Ban? Cops eatin donuts ban i mean come on people grow up... The funny thing is i don't smoke but were losing our rights one by one... money money money thats what they want...

    -- Posted by rooster33 on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 11:39 AM
  • SO GLAD TO KNOW THE CRIMINALS AND DRUNK DRIVERS ARE OUT RUNNING AROUND WHY OUR OFFICERS ARE IN BARS CITING PEOPLE FOR SMOKING.I THINK PUTNAM COUNTY HAS BIGGER ISSUES TO FOLLOW UP ON. IM NOT A SMOKER BUT I FEEL IF YOUR AGAINST SMOKING DO NOT PATRONIZE THE PLACE OF BUSINESS WHO DOES. SMOKERS HAVE RIGHTS JUST LIKE YOU!!!YES THEY DO PAY TAXES EVEN MORE THAN YOU!!

    -- Posted by skittlebadoodle on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 11:49 AM
  • Moore's never made patrons stop smoking! They just made them conceal it as best they could! While the other bars in town are enforcing the smoking ban, Moore's is allowing smoking and GETTING AWAY WITH IT! There were people smoking inside Moore's after the cops left Thursday! This is ridiculous, if you're going to pass a law then it needs to be enforced! I am in no way, shape, or form in support of the smoking ban, but if it's in place it needs to be enforced. The cops should be stopping in Moore's every evening, then something might actually get accomplished.

    -- Posted by bobbittle on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 12:47 PM
  • I don't even know where to start, I AM A SMOKER!! Yes, I have the nasty filthy habit, but I enjoy a cigarette, especially after a meal. It is no different than someone enjoying a drink with a meal, No, it doesn't affect the air you breathe when someone drinks around you, but it will affect you or your children who are on the road with these people. I do respect non smokers and if I am at someones house or out to dinner or even at my own home and my company that I am with doesn't smoke, I respect that and wait until later. Cigarettes aren't the only thing in this world that is bad for you, come on people!! I think the comments are right, it should have been up to the business owner to go smoke free. I thought this was a "free country". This is all too much, to all the self righteous, hypocrits out there, take a look at what you do or you enjoy, there may be a ban on that someday also. Just remeber too, you voted for the people in office. I myself thing there needs to be more focus on other issues like homelessness, welfare, getting people up off their lazy ***** to work, finding something better for teenagers to do (to keep them out of trouble).......do I need to go on?????? I don't think so. Anyways, that was just my two cents!!

    -- Posted by mlbaker22 on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 2:36 PM
  • Yes, I believe the antismoking law should be enforced too, every bit as much as our illegal immigration laws...

    -- Posted by westforty on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 2:59 PM
  • Thanks for enforcing the smoking ban, but could something be done about the smokers gathering at Krogers and wal-Marts doors? Smokers could move to the end of the building instead of standing right at the door. Also Greencastle Schools you state you are a smoke free campus but that doesn't seem to apply to teachers and staff. Anf why allow chew?

    -- Posted by Trying hard on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 4:22 PM
  • Well, Moore's has won my patronage, even if they have to recognize the ban from now on for taking a stand against it but I'll drive to Brazil or Bainbridge before any of the establishments that have gone with the ban get another cent from me.

    -- Posted by westforty on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 4:55 PM
  • Let's weigh the options.....drinkin in a bar....driving home.... or smoking.........this is such crapola!!!!!And I don't SMOKE!!!!!!! Grow up people!!!!! This is hurting businessess, if you don't like it leave??????????? Just like the T.V. Station......Change the channel or leave. Get a grip PEOPLE!!!! Do you realise how many tax dollars are paid by smokers??? Ya'll complain about taxes...Where do you think think the money is gonna come from if they all quit????? That's right......your pocket!!!!!!!!

    -- Posted by sad_but_true on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 5:22 PM
  • Why would the Greencastle police cite smokers,and not look for the drug houses prior to a death. Is the "force" not capable? Another issue in Putnam Co, a teacher, who was working with children with anger management issues, be critized for "playing around" with a student. What would have happened if the teacher's finger was broken? From the news reports, the teacher was "attacked-playfully"?!. Where were the parents prior to the anger management? From the news report, it appeared that the mother was only looking to get a financial settlement. She did not seem concerned about her son's injury. I would like to see something about the good of the anger program for other students and the teachers should be praised for even getting involved in this program. With the mentality of abusers in Putnam Co., why weren't the officers more involved with prevention? Where were the Putnam Co police when the anger issues developed for these children? Out catching smokers? I grew up in Greencastle and it does not seem to have changed from the 60's. The important issues haven't changed. The police don't seem to be qualified to do more then issue speeding tickets. In my county, any abusive behavior by a student, would be dealt with in juvenile court.

    -- Posted by pbyers on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 8:31 PM
  • Let's remember one thing here. It is still private property. I don't care if the city council passed an ordinance, they should not have that power. What's next? No smoking in cars? Then no smoking at home... Wake up people. Your rights are being stolen away from you, and most are happily letting it happen.

    -- Posted by hoop2077 on Sat, Jan 26, 2008, at 11:14 PM
  • Thank you so much Greencastle Police Department for enforcing this ordinance! It's very important to many people in this community that this ordinance be followed and enforced. Personally, it's important to me because exposure to smoke, even outdoors, can send me into a terrible asthma attack immediately. I don't go to the bars, but it does cause me a lot of trouble when people smoke at the doors of local grocery stores. My niece has the same allergy-induced asthma attacks from smoke, and it breaks my heart when I see this happen to her. I don't care what goes on in the bars around here, but please don't let these bitter people discourage you from doing your job throughout this community. This ordinance exists for a very important reason. You are deeply appreciated by many people!

    -- Posted by galfromgreencastle on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 7:08 AM
  • Heard they were voteing next on takeing away our right to our own religion. Studies show prying on our knees causes soars and opened wounds that can get infected. Bowing our heads causes severe kneck strain and the folding of our hands causes carpel tunnel.

    -- Posted by mad-mom on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 9:50 AM
  • And use of Spell Check also causes an unexpected elevation in IQ.

    -- Posted by Sour Grapes on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 10:12 AM
  • Okay all you people that think second hand smoke is CRAP! I and my family has a right to take in fresh air! Do you go to a restaurant to eat or smoke? Do you go to a bar to drink or smoke? Who cares if a business has lost money because smokers will not go there. What about the millions of extra dollars we are paying for health care cost for you people to smoke? I have severe asthma from second hand smoke which could turn into something more severe later. If you want to smoke, go outside or stay at home. Yes, you have a right to smoke, but I have the right to take in clean air. Have some respect! You are killing people. This is a known medical fact! Also, this has the nothing to do with unprotected sex or drinking and driving. If you are think that is okay too, then you really have issues.... The three things have nothing to do with each other!!! Grown up and realize what you are doing hurts other people!

    -- Posted by greencastle2003 on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 10:15 AM
  • I support a smoking ban. I wish people weren't allowed to "crack their windows" in their cars while they smoke. Why don't they keep it all contained?

    -- Posted by mal on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 12:46 PM
  • If people are not complaining about this, they would find something else to complain about. Instead of looking at the positives in life, people look at the negatives. If you do not like the laws in the community, then move! Does that sound just as idiotic as when people say if you don't like the smoke, don't eat there? Same concept, same thought. I have been trying not to comment about these ridiculous responses, but I just cannot hold back. People, if we are all against eachother, how do we expect this world to get better. Not caring about the health of people is a major sore in our society and community. This ordinance protects both smokers and non smokers. No one is anti-smokers. If anything, I wish those people the best of luck if and when they ever try to quit. It is a battle. Hopefully this law will encourage some of them to try, if not, respect that it is helping others either stay quit, not start or not engest the toxic air that cigs produce. Can any of you honestly say you want to see more children and teens start smoking? THis is a GREAT way to help prevent that from happening. I would be happy to back up the paper on writing a factual story on Second Hand Smoke. I will contact them shorty. Thanks for clearing the Air Greencastle. You did the right thing.

    -- Posted by concernedcitizen2 on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 3:03 PM
  • WELCOME TO THE NEW USSR. Until we demand that our "hired officials" make laws according to the Constitution's provisions, we will continue to loose more and more right's in this joke of a democracy we have in the US. The public servant's of today are nothing but greedy-crooks.

    -- Posted by WONDER on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 8:43 PM
  • Smokers rights? Give me a break.

    Get an education....

    -- Posted by localman on Wed, Jan 30, 2008, at 9:20 PM
  • "Secondhand smoke can be harmful in many ways. In the United States alone, each year it is responsible for:

    * an estimated 35,000 deaths from heart disease in non-smokers who live with smokers

    * about 3,400 lung cancer deaths in non-smoking adults

    * other breathing problems in non-smokers, including coughing, mucus, chest discomfort, and reduced lung function

    * 150,000 to 300,000 lung infections (such as pneumonia and bronchitis) in children younger than 18 months of age, which result in 7,500 to 15,000 hospitalizations

    * increases in the number and severity of asthma attacks in about 200,000 to 1 million children who have asthma

    * more than 750,000 middle ear infections in children

    *You wanted facts barlow...there you go....That's from the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.

    http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_2X_Secondhand_Smoke-Clean_Indoo...

    -- Posted by putcoresident on Fri, Feb 1, 2008, at 12:07 AM
  • what a tragic turn of events , it seems the non-smoking public will rat on you if you are smoking in public. i dont like chewing gum , what are the odds of getting an anti chewing gum law passed in our fair city?

    -- Posted by Mad Bovine on Sat, Feb 2, 2008, at 7:29 AM
  • Wow......UhOhNoNo.....did you forget your grammer lesson? I thought so.

    -- Posted by GR8T2BME on Wed, Feb 13, 2008, at 4:37 AM
  • Being self-righteous can be just as hazardous to your health as smoking. As far as the roll your windows up comment, the contaminants released by all the smokers in the world does not equal 1 factory's permitted release level. Smoking is hazardous to the health of the smoker and others, and they all know it. Those who smoke, do it with the knowlege they are not as healthy as they can be. Those who are exposed to smoke are at even greater risk, they are also informed. Fortunately the United States has not completely legislated morality, even though there have been cases where they have tried (prohibition)...

    If you want to drink and smoke, do it. There is a lot of tax money raised on vices. I still think no smoking bars is a bad idea. If there truly was a market for such a place the free market would have made many people rich with this idea. I dont see alcohol as a good thing, but if alcohol isnt illegal then neither is smoking.

    The next holier than thou person on here should open a non-alcohol bar, no smoking, everyone wears a yellow star on their left breast pocket, shirt and tie, vegan, right handed person only club. Let the masses decide, Oh and NO LOUD MUSIC OR LAUGHTER! Those can cause disability and death (BTW, so can water.).

    -- Posted by fireman on Wed, Jan 28, 2009, at 9:12 AM
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