Peterman Steve
Peterman is named as plaintiff, but he tells us he’s not the only one helping pay for the lawyer who filed the case.
“Several small business and bar owners in town got together,” Peterman says. “We did our investigation, got the lawyer, and filed the injunction under ‘it’s not right.’ ”
Peterman says there are 25 to 30 different businesses involved, along with several individuals. Peterman says if other businesses or individuals would like to join the fight, and help pay for the lawyer, they are welcome to contact him directly at his bar.
In the lawsuit, Peterman and lawyer Jonathan Sternberg question whether the smoking ban violates provisions of the Missouri Constitution that prohibit special treatment or priveleges for specific businesses. Peterman says the ordinance as written clearly favors St Jo Frontier Casino, which was exempted from the ban.
Peterman is also disappointed with the City Council members who voted to rewrite the language contained in the petition in order to exempt the casino.
“You’re putting two businesses against each other,” Peterman said. “You’re telling one business, yes it’s alright to operate this way and another one, no it’s not.”
“We have now voted in several new council members, and they are all pro-business. And, I like that.”
Peterman estimates he would lose 40% or more of his business if the ban were put into place as written. That falls into line with estimates out of other Missouri towns that have implemented smoking bans. He says it could nine months or more for businesses to start seeing their bottom line bounce back, if ever.
He adds that the location of his bar, in the middle of the block with businesses on either side, doesn’t offer a lot of options, should smokers want to step outside to light up.
“We have nowhere to go but stand out in the middle of St Joe Avenue.”