Alaskans speak up about bill to smother smoking

The Alaska Senate is again considering a bill to prohibit smoking in bars, restaurants and public places across Alaska.

Senate Bill 1 was the first piece of legislation proposed in the Senate last year, but it was sidelined by the need to address the state’s $3.7 billion budget deficit. On Monday morning, the Senate Finance Committee heard public testimony on the bill, with 45 people from across the state giving their opinions.

Opponents of the proposed ban said it would restrict personal and business freedom. “We are against Senate Bill 1 because we believe business owners have the right to make their own choices,” said Carmen Lunde of the Kodiak Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant, and Retailers Association (CHARR).

Ban proponents – who significantly outnumbered opponents – said a smoking ban is a matter of workplace and public safety. Employees are forced to breathe smoky air, and there is no doubt that smoking causes cancer.

“Secondhand smoke is no different than any other workplace hazard we have laws against,” said Jenny Ohlendorff of Soldotna. “Signing this bill into law will protect all Alaska workers.”

Bill Ross of Anchorage, delivering an emotional speech, said his wife died in his arms from smoking-related cancer. Since then, he’s made it his duty to oppose smoking wherever possible.

“It is our right to engage in hazardous activities and behaviors, but it does not give the right to kill other people with the same behaviors,” he said.

The bill exempts fishing boats, private homes (excepting those used as day cares or senior care facilities) and long-haul trucks.

While Juneau, Anchorage and other Alaska cities have already restricted indoor smoking, some communities, including Kodiak, have voted not to.

“If the state moves forward, the state will invalidate the actions of those communities,” said Dale Fox, president of Alaska CHARR.

The bill puts e-cigarette use under the definition of smoking, effectively banning e-cigarette use indoors. There is an exemption allowing smoking in special rooms within tobacco stores and e-cigarette shops, but that exemption does not cover marijuana smoking in retail marijuana shops.

Fifth-grader Maureen Narus said by phone that she was in Fred Meyer when she met someone using an e-cigarette and puffing out a big cloud of vapor. Her mother told her to hold her breath while she walked by.

“I think that it is important that I have the right to protect my lungs in public places,” she said.

After the public hearing, MacKinnon said the bill would be set aside for the time being. On Monday afternoon, it did not appear on the calendar this week, and committee staff said it is uncertain when the bill will appear again.

If approved by the finance committee, SB1 will head to a vote of the full Senate. If approved there, it will go to the House.

• Contact reporter James Brooks at james.k.brooks@juneauempire.com.

More in News

The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore docks in Juneau in October, 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Ships in Port for the Week of June 4

Here’s what to expect this week.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Monday, June 5, 2023

This report contains information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Water and wastewater rates in the City and Borough of Juneau will increase 2% starting July 1. (Clarise Larson/ Juneau Empire File)
Water, wastewater rates to increase starting July 1

The 2% increase is to match inflationary costs, city says.

A progress pride flag flies in the wind below an U.S. flag outside of the Hurff Ackerman Saunders Federal Building on Monday evening. Last week the flag was raised for the first time by members of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and will remain up through the month of June. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
LGBTQ+ pride flag raised at federal building sparks backlash, support

Varying reactions to the flag that was raised for the first time outside the building.

Cars and people move past the City and Borough of Juneau current City Hall downtown on Monday. The Assembly Committee of the Whole unanimously OK’d an ordinance Monday night that, if passed by the full Assembly, would again ask Juneau voters during the upcoming municipal election whether to approve $27 million in bond debt to fund the construction of a new City Hall. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Voters could see proposal for a new City Hall back on the ballot this fall

City signals support for $27 million initiative, after $35M bond last year fails.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Sunday, June 4, 2023

This report contains information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Saturday, June 3, 2023

This report contains information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Courtesy Photo / Chris Blake
The <strong>Hōkūleʻa</strong>, a double-hulled and wind-powered traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe, navigates throughout Southeast Alaska in May. On Saturday the canoe and crew members will be welcomed to Juneau in preparation for the canoes launch days later for its four-year-long global canoe voyage called the <strong>Moananuiākea</strong>.
Celebration of four-year Polynesian canoe voyage to kick off Saturday at Auke Bay

Voyage set to circumnavigate 43,000 nautical miles of the Pacific Ocean beginning in Juneau.

Most Read