Whatever happened with the Georgia smoking ban?

[Dulcinea]

Can people still smoke in bars or not?

[CottonBear]

1. There's no statewide ban yet.

Each city, town or county can pass its own ordinances. My city has a ban on smoking in restaurants and bars before 11 pm. Of course, many establishments never allow smoking at all. It's mostly clubs and bars that allow smoking after 11. The Diverse Universe club and Nuci's Space are always smoke-free, however, both have outdoor seating on decks and patios for smoking. Many downtown bars have sidewalk seating and patios.

[candy]

3. Why is smoking allowed after 11:00 PM in some places?

Why doesn't the health of the employees and customers who are there after 11 count?

Makes no sense to me.

[CottonBear]

4. The Mayor & Commission voted on that version for the ordinance.

There was much public discussion and input from the citizens as well as business owners. It was the best choice. The Mayor and Commission could revise the ordinance in the future if required.

Athens is a very progressive town. The ordinance was a hot political topic for months! Bar and Club owners were worried they would lose business if there was a total ban. People come from allover the US and the world to enjoy our music, arts, film and theater scene.

Athens is a college town and is renowned for its music scene and diverse nightlife. Most chain and local restaurants don't allow smoking at all. And, like I said earlier, our weather allows for plenty of sidewalk cafes, patios, and decks for outdoor smoking and dining.

It's your choice to work in one of the places that allows smoking after 11 pm. Anyway, it's very hard to get a job in the most trendy clubs.

My husband's band just played a gig at Diverse Universe which only allows smoking outside on the deck or patio. I really enjoy the clean air inside! There are dozens and dozens of clubs and bars here: something for everyone!

[candy]

5. Thanks---it sounds like a great town!

[candy]

2. The ban went up in smoke!

[napi21]

6. Interesting you should ask! Here's a story from the Atl. Bus Jrnl.

Gov. Perdue may not sign smoking ban
Erin Moriarty
Staff Writer
The debate over the statewide smoking ban could be rekindled.

On the final evening of the legislative session, the Georgia General Assembly approved a watered-down version of the bill that bans smoking in many public places. But less than 24 hours later, Gov. Sonny Perdue said he's not sure if he will sign it into law.

Sen. Don Thomas, a Republican from Dalton who is a physician, has been working on the ban for several years. When the Senate approved 46-4 the final version of the bill, supporters applauded him and surrounded him to shake his hand.

The bill is now on the governor's desk.

"This is a tough one for me personally," Perdue said. "I respect Dr. Thomas as much as any member of the General Assembly and he's extremely passionate about it... but I haven't finally decided."

The governor also said he is worried about the state restricting personal freedoms.

"I am very concerned about the state of the state with government being the be all, end all nanny for everybody."



© 2005 American City Business Journals Inc.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2005/03/28/daily45.html?f=et50

As far as I know, you would be permitted to smoke in bars, and places you have to be 18 to attend.

[dxdem]

7. Augusta

Columbia County, Augusta, recently passed a smoking ban for restaurants. Not quite sure, but I think bars got away with it. Restaurants I can understand, maybe, but bars?

There's an institution making good money in Richmond County (no ban yet) because they are a smoke-free environment (bar). I'm almost for market regulation on this one...