DeKalb is engulfed in the debate over the priority between smoker and non-smoker rights.

Movements to ban smoking have come to city councils through different avenues. The DeKalb smoking ban came about after the former chair of the DeKalb Environmental Commission, Jim Grosklags, began the DeKalb Smoke-Free Coalition citizen’s group. The coalition began because the environmental commission could not devote appropriate time to promoting a smoking ban proposal. A former biology professor at NIU, Grosklags is now the president of the DeKalb Smoke-Free Coalition.

Second Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen came to a DEC meeting a couple of years ago to explore information about a possible ban. At the time, Povlsen was the alderman most interested in a smoking ban, said Julia Fauci, chair of the DEC. Since then, his determination has not waned.

The commission discussed to what degree a smoking ban would be appropriate and unanimously recommended a total smoking ban to the city council.

A statewide ban potentially could be introduced in the next few years that would supersede any city decision. In that case, one of the potential side effects of a smoking ban would be alleviated if smokers did not have an alternate destination nearby, like Sycamore, where smoking is allowed.

Some state lawmakers are pushing a proposal through the House that would allow individual counties to ban smoking, proposed by state Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago).

Fauci also sits on the DeKalb County Board and said if counties could ban smoking in public places she would be in favor of a ban at the county level.

“A statewide or county ban would be smarter so that DeKalb and Sycamore aren’t warring over customers,” Fauci said.

One local business owner would not be against a smoking ban if it would not adversely affect business revenues.

“I wish it was a statewide ban, I could support that. It would make it a level playing field.” said Debbie Witmer, owner of O’Leary’s Irish Pub and Grill, 260 E. Lincoln Highway, at the Jan. 23 city council meeting.

At the city council meeting Feb. 13, the smoking ban will come up for a first reading in an ordinance calling for a ban including bars and restaurants. If there is no opposition, the council can skip the second reading and pass the ordinance.