Business owners given details of smoking ban

A six-page document of frequently asked questions has been released to business owners four weeks before the smoking ban is scheduled to take effect. Debra Bradley, health director, said the city has regularly received calls from business owners concerned about implementing the smoke-free policy. She added the city hopes this document will not only help them understand the ordinance, but also serve as a reminder that the Health Department is available to help any business that has more specific questions. Karelia cigarettes online.

The voter-approved ban will go into effect on June 7.

“We’re hoping that by giving them the basic information and phone numbers on who to call if they have questions, that will help alleviate some of the anxieties,” she said.

The clean air ordinance bans smoking in all indoor places of employment with a few exceptions, including the St. Jo Frontier Casino gambling floor. It also bans smoking within 15 feet of any door, window or air intake.

So far the most pressing question business owners have had relate to outside smoking, Ms. Bradley added. In addition to the FAQ, the city has put together information that specifically answers those.

Of most concern is whether a liquor license will transfer to an outdoor patio. According to the city’s literature, it will as long as the business owner completes a “change of legal description” with both the city and the state, as well as provide a seamless transition from an exit onto the patio.

Bars and restaurants must also comply with the city’s existing Zoning and Building Code.

The city’s FAQ comes a few days after a local bar owner filed a civil suit that seeks to stop the smoking ban on grounds it illegally excludes the casino. Steve Peterman, owner of Peterman’s Shamrock, said he filed the suit, but several bars are backing him morally and financially.

“I was volunteered for this,” he said. “But the main thing I want to get out is this is just not me fighting this, this is half of St. Joe, basically.”

A hearing on a temporary injunction, which seeks to prevent the ban from beginning on June 7, will be held in Judge Randall Jackson’s court at 9:30 a.m. May 27.

In the meantime, the FAQ addresses whether the City Council has the authority to change or alter the smoking ban as passed by the voters. In essence, it does. However, it would not occur unless a majority of the council consents and some time has passed to “provide any potential problem areas the time and opportunity to sufficiently ‘present’ themselves.”

Anyone with further questions can call the Health Department at (816) 271-4636. The ordinance can be read on the city’s website.