Athens —
Athens finally has a smoking ordinance to call it own.
The Athens City Council approved the ordinance, 5-0, at it's Monday afternoon meeting.
It does have some exemptions.
Bars that get 75 percent of their business from alcohol, and only 25 percent from food sales are exempt.
In addition, assisted living centers that have a vented smoking room, are also excluded.
Otherwise, the ban is city wide, not only in public buildings, but in places of employment that may not have outside traffic.
The new ordinance comes after extensive planning, and attempts to include the public's input, said City Manager Pam Burton.
The city attorney and staff have worked on the ordinance, which was urged by two council members from the outset, Jerry Don Vaught and Carol Barton.
The item has been on four city agendas and two public hearings.
The only bar, city officials say, which qualifies currently on the 75 percent rule, is Eddie's on Flat Creek Road.
Burton said there's a general trend toward smoking ordinances in most communities, and now Athens has one of its own.
Local News
Smoking ordinance approved by City Council
Exemptions include some bars, assisted living centers
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