Breathe Easy KC leads the supporters of Question Three. This organization cites the dangers of secondhand smoke as reason to pass the amendment. They say that with the ban, people with asthma, heart disease, and other medical conditions can enjoy bars and restaurants without concern for their health. They also cite how parents will be able to take their children to a restaurant they might not have wanted to before because of smoking sections.

Kansas City Business Rights Coalition heads the opposition to Question Three. They insist that the ban would hurt small businesses and aid large corporations. They say the law replaces an existing law that is not in need of a fix, as customers can vote with their dollar. They say that if the casinos are the only place people can smoke while they drink, more people will be inclined to go there instead of their neighborhood bar.

The issue comes before Kansas City after most of the surrounding suburban areas have already passed their own smoking bans. Cities such as Overland Park, Olathe, and Lee's Summit all have similar bans. Other major metropolitan areas have gone smoke-free in the last few years, including New York City, Washington D.C., Omaha, San Francisco, and even Paris.

These bans were also met with uneasiness in the business communities affected, but the sales have proven to stay consistent. Most bars saw their sales stay around their normal levels, and most restaurants saw a slight increase in their sales.

The issue becomes not a monetary one, but the conflict between public health and free-market capitalism. If you feel you have the right to smoke in your favorite bar, vote no. If you feel you would enjoy more bars and restaurants without the smoke, vote yes.

Polls are open from 6am to 7pm on Tuesday, April 8.

Tell us what you think. Write Spectrum at editor@mcckc.edu.

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