Nicole Misencik/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - The designated smoking areas at Indianapolis International Airport are going up in smoke. Starting Monday at midnight, no smoking will be allowed outside the terminal area. The only place you'll be able to light up is in a car.
"I don't think it's right. It's discrimination against smokers," said Florence Maupin, a smoker.
Like it or not, the Indianapolis International Airport becomes smoke free Tuesday as a new ordinance takes effect. A designated smoking area just outside the terminal will be taken down and smokers will have to fight the urge.
"Any airport property owned by the Airport Authority will be smoke-free," said airport spokesman Mike Medvescek. "We're thinking of the health of the general public or employees, also."
According to the American Nonsmokers Rights Foundation, the ban is the first of its kind in the United States.
"I don't know if I can say I'm changing anybody's life. I'm changing a behavior pattern, at least. The ordinance is changing a behavior pattern," said Bob Duncan, airport director.
But smokers say it's their right to smoke outside, especially if they're isolated away from others.
"What you're smelling is exhaust fumes from all these buses and automobiles, everybody picking up luggage. How can that be worse than second hand smoke?" wondered Darryl Politz, smoker.
"It's outside. How could it bother anybody? If it bothers you, just walk somewhere else," said Hansel Herrera, smoker.
As a smoker, Scott Heilman has learned the welcome mat is not always rolled out to greet him.
"I often feel like an outcast, big time," he said.
The designated smoking area is currently at the end of the terminal. Non-smokers say the smoke ends up carrying down the hall of the terminal.
"I'm not a smoker. I hate smoking," said Pat Rayburn. "But I think they should have rights to smoke in designated areas."
Rayburn's sister, Pam, who is also a non-smoker, agrees that the new rules are unfair.
"You're working here 8-12 hours. What are you supposed to do? Be penalized because you smoke cigarettes? Nobody is penalized for coffee," she said.
"I believe in individual liberties as much as anybody else but when your liberties sort of starts to infringe on somebody else's health, then it becomes an issue," said Winfred Weah, non-smoker.
Now the issue becomes how public safety officers at the airport will enforce the ordinance. Some smokers won't have a hard time putting the cigarette down. Others don't want to quit.
"It won't control me. It will just influence my behavior, that's all," said Mike Davie.
The airport says it's not trying to penalize anyone. They say with the new airport set to open, it's time for change.
Florence Maupin says quitting isn't an option she's considering. "I'll stay at home before I do."
Through 2008, anyone smoking will be asked to put out their cigarette and reminded of the new policy. Beginning next year, the first violation could bring a $50 fine. The fine goes up after that to $200.
Airport smoking ordinance
(Eyewitness News reporter Emily Longnecker contributed to this story.)
