City Council Minutes 2002 08 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting August 20, 2002 Page 4 Johnson addressed separate smoking areas in establishments and stated only completely self-contained areas are smoke-free. He commented that it was a wise decision to include outdoor events. He voiced his support of the Council and the ordinance. Garrett McCarthy, 740 Front Street, Louisville, CO, stated that he is the owner of the Old Louisville Inn. He applauded Council for banning smoking in restaurants and outdoor eating areas. He voiced his opinion that the smoking ban would increase his business. He commented that the ordinance is heavy-handed and asked that the taverns be exempt from the ordinance because their principle business is not food service. He stated that he supports non-smoking for restaurants and requested consideration for taverns. Susan Morris, 939 W. Maple Court, Louisville, CO, thanked Council for moving forward with the smoking ordinance. She explained that, although the Coalition for a Smoke Fee Louisville has not sought additional signatures on their petitions, 100 residents have volunteered their support of the ordinance. She stated that Paul Austin, of Austin Chiropractic, has pledged support of the smoking ban. She commended Council for their leadership on the smoking issue. James Hayden, 217 S. Cleveland Avenue, Louisville, CO, owner of Gentleman Jim's Bar & Grill, explained the smoking ordinance would ruin his business. He stated 85% of his customers are smokers who come to his establishment to drink and smoke and noted the ordinance is extremely unfair to smokers. He explained his business is a bar that serves meals and not a restaurant that serves alcohol. He noted there are plenty of smoke-free restaurants in Louisville where non-smokers can dine. He stated his understanding the ordinance proposes to protect employees of bars and restaurants and commented that employees have a choice as to whether to work in a smoking establishment or not. He explained that he is a smoker, and started when the dangers of cigarette smoke were not known, and now, he cannot quit. He asked Council to reconsider the smoking ordinance. Chuck Wright, 103 S. Washington Avenue, Louisville, CO, voiced his opposition to the ordinance. He explained that he is a sixteen-year resident of Louisville, and both he and his wife are non-smokers. He reported that they recently visited a local smoke-free Italian restaurant, however, smoking was allowed in the patio. He stated the restaurant did not have a smoky odor and, smokers were enjoying dining on the patio. He stressed the ordinance is too extreme and can turn peaceful people into criminals. He stated people could make their own choices on what type of restaurants they choose to dine in. Robert Castellino, 366 Owl Drive, Louisville, CO, stated that he is an asthmatic and grew up in a smoking environment. He explained that, once he was not living in a smoky environment, his asthma greatly improved. He reported that he breathes freer and is happier away from smoke-filled rooms. He noted that children and non-smokers rights of clean health are taken by second hand smoke. He stated the ordinance is critical for public health and safety.