KOFFEE KUP THREATENED OVER SMOKING BAN - "Is Government Going To Control Everything?"

(01/11/2005)

"Tobacco is a legal product. Why don't I have the right to smoke it in a private business?" ask Koffee Kup regular Duane Radabaugh. Radabaugh (pictured left) was one of 400 customers who signed a petition against the smoking ban. "Many of them were non-smokers," he said. Grantsville's Koffee Kup and other restaurants will be made smoke free when the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department votes this month to move ahead with new smoking regulations. Radabaugh said he believes his rights as a smoker are being violated. "Is government going to control everything." he asked. Darlene Rickard, co-owner of the Koffee Kup, said she is concerned about the future of her business with about 80% being smokers. "I just can't understand why the Board of Health will not allow a non-smoking area. We've offered to improve the ventilation, even though it already has a separate system. Rickard attended the public meeting regarding the ban at Arnoldsburg Monday evening, where she voiced her opinion.

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