Enforce the law!

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To the Editor,

This weekend, something that I heard about last summer came back to my awareness. Why is it that there is a bar in Wyanet which the “law” does not apply to, that the law enforcement agents claim they are unable to enforce when they are requested to? I am referring to the No Smoking Ban in Illinois. Personally, I have really enjoyed being able to go into any business and not be assaulted by cigarette smoke. Last summer, my children came home from Sock’s Place in Wyanet and smelled of cigarette smoke. They said the place was filled with smoke. When they asked the local police why they could do this, they were told the health department is the only one who could do anything about it. It was hard to believe, but I let it drop at that. This information has inspired me to thank all the business that choose to follow this law.

This past weekend, my son-in-law wanted to shoot some pool and listen to music, so he went to Sock’s Place. My husband went with him. He returned in just about a half hour, complaining that the smoke was so bad he had to leave. My son-in-law, the following morning, complained about it also. Last evening my husband and I were out for a walk and simply walked by the bar. The cigarette smoke was overwhelming all the way out on the sidewalk.

Today I contacted the health department and was told shortly after the law went into effect there was a meeting held which clarified who was to ticket and prosecute the violators. It was decided the law enforcement agents would be the enforcers. This only makes sense since most violations happen in the bars with people who have usually been drinking, and the health department officials are not trained to deal with people in these situations. Their job is to educate the owners of the law, not enforce it. When I asked the health department how they deal with violations when they see them, they responded they will notify the law enforcement agency, usually with a phone call while they are still in the violating establishment. The person I contacted at the health department stated they receive the most complaints about Sock’s Place. In fact, the last time they were inspected, the law was being violated. When the inspector left Sock’s Place, she went directly to the Wyanet Police Department and was told that they would look into it.

It really seems strange to me that Sock’s Place seems to be the only place in the county that is allowed to break this law. The fact that they allow smoking must have increased their business because they recently made improvements to the exterior of the building.

I would again like to really thank the businesses in the county and the state who have chosen to follow the law, even though it is “not necessary” — at least not if you know the right people. I would also like to plead with the local law enforcement agencies to please enforce this law equally and fairly.

Corry Guier

Wyanet