Lakeland Mirror

Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Brian Moser A photo from the popular Pub event: karaoke night from fall 2006.

On Wednesday, August 29, Lakeland's pub became a non-smoking area."Throughout the course of the [last] year, students approached me about not going to the events in the pub because there was smoking." Talia Proffitt, director of student activities, said.

During spring there was a survey given to LC-CAB members, which constituted about 60 people. Approximately 60 percent voted to stop smoking in the pub. A couple of days before school started this fall the Executive Council discussed the issue and voted in favor of making the pub non-smoking.

The pub is the main place for entertainment and hanging out on Lakeland's campus and this was a large factor in the decision to make it a non-smoking area. Proffitt stated that only four people have come to her and complained out of dozens who have said they think it is a great idea.

According to Proffitt a lot more students are hanging out in the pub in the evening to talk, lounge, and play cards. She also said that the first event in the pub this year was standing room only, whereas last year there were never that many people in attendance for an event.

Pub manager Tim Romanello also commented on an increase in pub-goers. "Since the pub has gone to a non-smoking atmosphere, our numbers are up. The pub has been busy in the past, with Romanello Regulars visiting Monday through Thursday, stopping in for a drink, pool, the game and homework. The pub has caught the attention of the non-regulars on comedian, band and other activity nights. However, there seems to be a change in regularity. More individuals are walking through the doors just to sit down and enjoy a comfortable atmosphere, most of the time, not even buying a drink."

Lakeland is also joining the ranks of a majority of colleges in Wisconsin. All University of Wisconsin colleges are non-smoking, and out of Wisconsin's private colleges, Lakeland was one of three that allowed smoking in any public access building. The few colleges left that are not completely smoke-free only allow smoking in some of the dormitories. Proffitt said that if Wisconsin becomes "smoke-free" it would have happened anyway.

Junior Dale Yurs said, "I think it is a great idea because everyone can enjoy the programs in the pub without having to worry about their health." However, many smokers are concerned about where they are going to go during the cold winter months. "I think it's really unfair to smokers to make the pub non-smoking because it was the only indoor place on campus to smoke," said sophomore Shastel Baker.

Continued...

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