The Great Smoke Debate, Pt. III - Smoking Ban Good For the Arts

The recent "Jersey Boys" controversy has placed so much negativity on Chicago's smoking ban that it is easy to overlook the other side of the debate. An ordinance banning indoor smoking and smoking in public places can actually be good for the arts.

Although they acknowledge that there's a difference between onstage smoking in a large theatre and a smaller venue full of smoke, some performers say that the smoking ban has been beneficial.

Cabaret singer and cabaret show reviewer, Carla Gordon, is thankful for the ordinance, "The smoking ban has helped cabaret music, with live singers, boom in Chicago. Friends of mine who would not come to hear me sing in a smoke-filled club are now there applauding."

Gordon adds, "As a frequent audience member in theaters and small music clubs, the smoking ban has been a godsend. It is even positive that onstage smoking is being eliminated. Who wants to sit in expensive orchestra seats coughing from the actors' second hand smoke? The ban may be inconvenient for smokers, but it is good for the arts and for Chicago in general."

Pianist and vocalist, Mark Burnell, has written letters to politicians and has encouraged other singers to phone and write in support of Chicago's smoking ban. He supports the ban not only for health reasons, but for professional reasons as well.

"One large reason that the ban is good for the arts is for the health of singers. I have had to sing for over 35 years in smoky rooms. It is difficult to breathe, difficult to concentrate, and I have done damage to my vocal chords by breathing in second hand smoke. I do not smoke because I am a professional vocalist, and smoke is bad for vocal health," says Burnell.

The smoking ban was put in place to protect people's health - a fact that 28th Ward Alderman, Ed Smith regularly reminds us. "We passed it because it was a health issue and good for the city. That's what I'm gonna stay with. We've done the right thing. We will not change it," he was quoted in a Sun-Times article published on July 9th.

For some artists, that's perfectly fine.

The Great Smoke Debate, pt. I

The Great Smoke Debate, pt. II