Whether you think the Chillicothe City Council is misguided or right on with its decision to enforce the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, one thing is clear — aldermen spout the need to “level the playing field” for all establishments in town.
It should comfort residents to know that the council, comprised of citizens just like those who read this newspaper, care about obeying the law.
One business should not have an advantage over another for not enforcing the law.
Whether residents or business owners like the law is immaterial — it is a law, not just a mere suggestion.
The root of this lingering smoke began with a poorly written law by state legislators in respect to how to enforce the law they wrote.
Is not enforcement just as important as what the actual law says?
What should surprise residents is that Chillicothe is one of the few municipalities to actively enforce the law in the state.
For far too long, this spot is used for saying the council does not enforce its own ordinances and uses the “complaint-driven” system.
While this also will be complaint-driven, it is refreshing to see aldermen take a stand.
Thumbs up to the council in trying to uphold the law, not turning a blind eye to it.
