A controversial smoking ordinance is up for vote in Palmer Tuesday. Citizens will decide if there is no more smoking at public places and places of employment.
Many bar owners are against the smoking proposition saying it will hurt business, the tricky thing is most of them can't cast a vote on the issue.
On Tuesday only residents living in the city of Palmer will vote on an ordinance that prohibits smoking. Last year a presentation was made to the city council on the issue but no decision was made, that's when a petition was started. Over 133 signatures made it possible to put the ordinance to a vote.
"You just find fewer and fewer places that allow smoking. Not just in Alaska but nationwide," said Janet Kincaid. Kincaid manages the Valley Hotel. She's a supporter of proposition 3, her hotel already bans smoking in the rooms, cafe and bar. It's an issue close to her family, since her non-smoking husband died of Ephazema.
"It's a horrible disease. When you live with someone and care for someone who is dying if it believe me you never want to see another cigarette ever," said Kincaid.
Just down the street, bars want to continue seeing cigarettes. A bar tender at the Moosehead Saloon says its her choice to work in a smoking environment.
"I've been bar tending in Alaska for over 30 years and I don't smoke it's my choice to work here," said Ferguson.
Ferguson says business will take a big hit and it could even cause bigger problems.
"if we can't smoke in these bars anymore then people will go out to four corners, they'll go to other bars that are closer by and now you're going to have people out drinking and driving," said Ferguson.
While the repercussions of banning smoking are still unknown ones things for certain, not everyone has a say in the issue.
A person in violation of the ordinance, if it passes, could face a $100 fine for a first time offense.
Contact Mallory Peebles
