Bar patrons can still light up when they order a drink at local watering holes -- at least for now. A proposed amendment to the city's new smoking ordinance that would abolish smoking in bars won't be discussed by the City Council for another week.
Council President Reggie Copeland put the proposed amendment on the budget today but taking up the matter would have required unanimous consent by the council. At least one member wouldn't agree so the item will be moved to next week. He said he wants to level the playing field and make it fair for all business owners.
If smoking is allowed in bars and not restaurants, as it stands now, restaurant owners fear they will lose customers to the bars, where people can buy a drink and still have a meal. The new proposal would ban lighting up in all bars and the outdoor seating sections of restaurants but allow smoking on most downtown sidewalks. Here’s what else the proposal would change, if passed:
1. Ban smoking in outdoor areas of restaurants after 8 p.m.
2. Change how far smokers must be from a non-smoking establishment from14 to 20 feet. A new non-smoking ordinance that allows smoking in bars and on outdoor restaurant patios after 8 p.m. is set to take effect in Mobile on Oct. 1. Copeland's proposed amendment would allow smoking in private clubs.
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