City Council Minutes 2002 07 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting July 16, 2002 Page 4 REGULAR BUSINESS DISCUSSION/DIRECTION - SMOKING RESTRICTION ORDINANCES Davidson called for Staff presentation. Deputy City Manager Julie Boyd reported on two draft ordinances addressing smoking in public places. The Smoking Task Force and the Outback Steakhouse and other restaurants each proposed an ordinance. The first ordinance allows smoking in indoor public places, provided that the "smoking area is physically separated and has independent ventilation". The ordinance exempts taverns, as 75% or more of the business's revenues are received from the sale of alcoholic beverages. The second ordinance provides for a total ban on smoking in indoor public areas. The ordinances do not address enforcement. Boyd noted that several letters were received from citizens, as well as a petition for 100% smoke free environment submitted by the Louisville Coalition for Clean Indoor Air. Both the petition and the letters are available for citizen review. PUBLIC COMMENT Judy Champion, 1703 M Cottonwood Drive, Louisville, CO, voiced her support of the smoking ordinance. She explained that she has chronic bronchitis and her sister has asthma and neither can tolerate cigarette smoke. She explained that, for smoke-free dining, they frequent restaurants in Boulder rather than Louisville. She stated that they would rather spend their dollars in Louisville. Chuck Stout, 1169 Hillside Lane, Louisville, CO, Executive Director of the Boulder County Heath Department, addressed the smoking ordinance and warned of the danger of second-hand smoke. He stated that there is no safe exposure level and pointed out that smoke free environments, do not have a negative economic impact on restaurants or businesses. He explained that 58% of the restaurants in Louisville are already smoke-free. He stated that he only patronizes restaurants that are smoke free. He urged Council to approve an ordinance that would apply to all work sites, including restaurants, bars and taverns. He stated that smoking advocates may request an ordinance requiring separate ventilating systems, and cautioned that such systems do not work. Susan Morris, 939 W. Maple Court, Louisville, CO, stated that she is a member of the Mayor's Task Force on smoking and thanked Council is moving forward on the smoking issue. She explained the current ordinance was written in 1985 and needs updating. She addressed the negative effects of second hand smoke and the importance of responding to the information. She reported that, the Task Force tried to compromise on an ordinance acceptable to restaurant owners and residents. When that was not forthcoming, the Louisville Coalition for Clean Indoor Air, was formed. The Coalition supports a 100% smoke-free standard. With the assistance of several health organizations, a survey polled 250 Louisville residents, with the following results: 4