By a split vote, the Smyrna City Council decided Oct. 21 to remind restaurant owners of their ability to prohibit smoking.
Opposed to this measure was Councilwoman Maryline Blackburn who instead wanted to strengthen the measure to be a mandatory ban due to dangers from second-hand smoke.
A few restaurants in the city have chosen to offer areas where smoking is allowed, Mayor Max Bacon said.
The Council’s resolution reads, “In an additional effort to better the health and welfare of the community, the Mayor and Council of the City of Smyrna do hereby remind all restaurant owners that they are legally able to prohibit smoking and encourage those who desire to prohibit smoking to do so immediately.”
The Georgia Smokefree Air Act of 2005 specifically provides that restaurant owners may declare the enclosed area within the entire facility as well as the outdoor area of the facility as nonsmoking areas.
Then in 2014, Smyrna city officials prohibited smoking within any indoor or outdoor public facility subject to certain exceptions.
The result of the state and city laws has been to reduce or eliminate smoking from most public areas and private businesses, including restaurants, according to a city statement.
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