The very fact that Iola retailers feel the effect of an ordinance restricting the sale of tobacco products to those under 21 means that it is working.
Supposedly, the ordinance is making such a dent in sales that retailers want city officials to rescind it.
At least, that’s according to Jim Talkington, a county commissioner who appeared at Monday night’s city council meeting.
Talkington didn’t provide any specific information as to how many retailers have complained to him about the ordinance.
It would behoove council members to pin down some facts before they go about rescinding the ordinance that speaks volumes about the direction city leaders are trying to take Iola — a path toward more healthy behaviors.
Ultra-conservatives like Talkington see the ordinance as too Big Brother. “We have every right to kill ourselves,” they say.
But there are all kinds of laws on the books that try to encourage healthy behaviors, including the use of seat belts, gun registration, speed limits, car seats for children, blood alcohol limits for drivers, and in some states, helmets for motorcycle riders.
Talkington’s angle that the ordinance suppresses sales misses the mark of the greater benefit of keeping our youth from becoming addicted to tobacco and the net drain on society and the workforce caused by chronic smokers.
Smokers miss more days of work compared to non-smokers due to tobacco-related illnesses. Smoking compromises their lungs, circulation and hearts; that’s why their health insurance premiums are more expensive.
Start the habit young, and it’s the dickens to quit later on.
The Tobacco 21 initiative says we care about our youth and their future.
To rescind it, says we don’t give a fig.
— Susan Lynn
