Complaints prompt Cromartie to consider law covering all workplaces
By ADAM BEAM - abeam@thestate.com
By ADAM BEAM - abeam@thestate.com
A deal might be in the works that would ban smoking in all Columbia workplaces — including bars.
Councilman E.W. Cromartie, one of the four council members who voted to exempt bars from the city’s smoking ban, is having second thoughts about the issue.
“I think we may have to look at that again,” Cromartie said. “It has been some time since the last time we voted.”
Only one council member would have to change his or her vote for the issue to be reconsidered.
The change comes after hearing complaints from restaurant and bar owners.
Andy Yogherty, owner of the Publick House on Devine Street, pleaded with council members earlier this week to change their minds. He said excluding bars penalizes businesses, like his, that have both a restaurant and a bar.
If there is to be a smoking ban, he said, it should be enforced across the board. Yogherty apparently struck a chord with Cromartie.
Councilman E.W. Cromartie, one of the four council members who voted to exempt bars from the city’s smoking ban, is having second thoughts about the issue.
“I think we may have to look at that again,” Cromartie said. “It has been some time since the last time we voted.”
Only one council member would have to change his or her vote for the issue to be reconsidered.
The change comes after hearing complaints from restaurant and bar owners.
Andy Yogherty, owner of the Publick House on Devine Street, pleaded with council members earlier this week to change their minds. He said excluding bars penalizes businesses, like his, that have both a restaurant and a bar.
If there is to be a smoking ban, he said, it should be enforced across the board. Yogherty apparently struck a chord with Cromartie.
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