Smoking complaints hit more than restaurants, bars
Fraternal organizations, a fair group and a community college are among the businesses and institutions in eastern Iowa that received letters of potential violation of the statewide smoking ban since it went into effect July 1.
The Iowa Department of Public Health has received 728 complaints and sent out 89 letters regarding potential violations in the ban’s first five weeks. Four businesses have received a second letter regarding a potential violation.
Five Clinton County bars have been sent letters, while five Scott County organizations and businesses were notified, as well as four, including Muscatine Community College, were sent letters in Muscatine County. One letter was sent in Cedar County, and none in Jackson County.
“The letters are informational and educational,” said Brent Saron, a community health consultant for the state health department. “It is not a legal document or a citation; it is just to let them know what happened on that date.”
Most of the letters go to restaurants and bars, like Manning’s Whistle Stop, in Clinton, which has been sent two letters regarding possible violations. Loren Manning, listed as a co-owner of the bar and contact on its liquor license, couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday.
Muscatine Community College was sent a letter dated Aug. 5 regarding a potential violation. The incident occurred at the Iowa Workforce Development office on the school’s campus, Eastern Iowa Community College spokesman Alan Campbell said. He called the letter surprising since the college’s buildings have been smoke-free for 15 years, although the grounds went smoke-free when the ban started July 1.
The Knights of Columbus and Moose Lodge in Davenport were sent letters Aug. 5 and July 21, respectively.
Don Smith, a manager for Knights of Columbus, said he was unaware of any letter and said he’s never been told of any complaints. A representative for the Moose Lodge couldn’t be reached for comment.
The health department’s Web site devoted to the smoking ban law received 45,000 hits in the first four weeks, and sample signs downloaded 50,000 times in that same time frame, Saron said. Iowa has about 82,000 businesses.
“What we are hearing is that businesses want to know about the law and comply,” Saron said. “That is a great testament to businesses wanting to follow the law and post the signs.”
Smoking ban letters
Here are some of the area businesses and organizations that have received letters of potential violation of the statewide smoking ban since it went into effect July 1.
Cedar County
Cedar County Fair Association, 1195 220th St., Tipton, letter sent July 17.
Clinton County
Grafitti’s, 2442 Camanche Ave., Clinton, letter sent July 21.
Hooks Pub, 318 N. 4th St., Clinton, letter sent July 21.
Jonsey’s Pub, 319 S. 2nd St., Clinton, letter sent July 21.
Paul’s Tavern, 1106 S. 8th St., Clinton, letter sent July 21.
Manning’s Whistle Stop, 416 N. 2nd St., Clinton, letters sent July 21 and Aug. 1.
Muscatine County
Fro’s, 309 Cedar St., Wilton, letter sent July 17
JB’s Grub & Pub, 1110 North Columbus St., West Liberty, letter sent July 21.
Marina’s, 1110 North Columbus St., West Liberty, letter July 21.
Muscatine Community College, 152 Colorado St., Muscatine, letter sent Aug. 5.
Scott County
Firehouse Bar & Grill, 2006 Hickory Grove Road, Davenport, letter sent July 17.
Moose Lodge, 2333 Rockingham Road, Davenport, letter sent July 21.
Grumpy’s Saloon, 2120 E. 11th St., Davenport, letter sent July 21.
Knights of Columbus, 1111 W. 35th St., Davenport, letter sent Aug. 5.
Drunken Monkey, 3015 N. Lincoln Ave., Davenport, letter sent Aug. 5
To report a violation, call (888) 944-2247 or visit iowasmokefreeair.gov.
Kurt Allemeier can be contacted at (563) 383-2360 or kallemeier@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.