New S.A. coalition is saying 'no' to changes in city smoking law

By Joe Conger

The “Save Our Jobs” Alliance says they have come together to support the existing San Antonio smoking ban ordinance. And they include not just bar and restaurant owners, but the local NAACP and LULAC.

“We’re not saying that it’s not bad for you. What we’re saying is that we need a choice,” said Traci Hunter with the NAACP.

San Antonio Restaurant Association President Rueben Cortez said, “It’s working very well in our community. Approximately 97% of S.A. restaurants are now smoke-free.”

He added: “Why put San Antonio not on the same playing field as the communities around us? Because, those smokers will have to go somewhere.”

The local NAACP and LULAC say minority bars and restaurants on the east, west and south sides of town will be hit especially hard in the pocketbooks.

National President Rosa Rosales said: “We’re concerned about 2nd-hand smoke, but we’re also concerned about putting people out of business.”

Interestingly enough, those who support an all-out ban say minorities are some of those worst hit by smoking-related diseases.

Metro Health Director Dr. Fernando Guerra said: “I think it’s more discriminatory for us to not do something about it, especially to benefit those groups that carry greater risk.”