DDA seeks compromise on proposed smoking ban
The panel wants some place (s) designated for smokers.
Rome’s Downtown Development Authority has agreed to recommend that any action of a proposed smoking ban downtown include a provision to permit some access to designated smoking zones on Tribune Street, as well as East First Street and West First Street.
The city Public Safety committee will meet to review the smoking issue Nov. 20 and that panel has asked both the DDA and Tourism boards to submit recommendations to the panel.
DDA Chairman Bob Blumberg said that when he has spoken with other restaurant operators on Broad Street, the almost universal concern has been the potential to lose employees who want to be able to take a smoke break.
“We’re talking about coming up with a compromise that answers some of the business owners questions, but also for some of the customers themselves. There are people that do smoke and whether we like it or not, not addressing them at all will probably create a pretty big headache,” Blumberg said.
Rome City Brewing Co. owner Jay Shell, a member of the DDA board, said the proposed compromise would make it easier to enforce any change. “For the most part, and it’s something I really watch, employees are very considerate. They walk off to the side, get somewhere away from everybody else and do their smoking,” Shell said.
Connie Sams said she feels like employees often gang up when they smoke and worries about people who may enter a business from the back side. DDA Design Committee Chairwoman Megan Watters suggested that whatever area is designated, that it not be right at the back door to a restaurant or business. Sams said she felt like it should be up to the Public Safety Committee to actually designate specific areas for smokers if they decide to move forward with the ordinance.
“I think that would be a good compromise,” Sams said.
Blumberg and Carter will draft the specific language in the recommendation and get DDA approval by email.
The DDA approved a $3,500 facade grant for Libby Levy to help with the repainting of the building at 401 Broad St. Watters said the total project is expected to cost $14,000. The new paint color will be a light brown as opposed to the current green.
DDA board members Connie Sams presented a $500 check to Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman, executive director of the Coosa River Basin Initiative, representing proceeds from the first Spirit of the Sun event on the rivers on July 4.