Two weeks after getting stubbed out on the floor of Macon City Council chambers, an ordinance to further tighten anti-smoking rules is ready to ignite again — with some changes and possible cooperation with Bibb County.
A number of council members co-sponsored an ordinance in April, modeled on the law now in effect in Savannah, to ban smoking tobacco products inside all bars and restaurants, in parks and other public recreational locations, and move smokers away from building entrances. The council approved it April 19, but the measure was vetoed by Macon Mayor Robert Reichert. On May 3, the council failed by a single vote to override Reichert’s veto.
Smoking Ban in Public Place
Critics asked for several exceptions or changes to the proposed ordinance, saying it hadn’t had nearly enough public discussion and could drive bar and restaurant business to establishments outside the city limits.
Reichert indicated he might sign an ordinance that allowed for more discussion and included complementary legislation from the Bibb County Commission.
At 3:08 p.m. Thursday, an e-mail was sent to council members announcing a public hearing on the revived ordinance, to be held at 4 p.m. Monday. It bore the names of council members Lauren Benedict, Larry Schlesinger and Nancy White, who were among sponsors of the failed ordinance.
“Interesting that three members can call a public hearing, particularly when the co-sponsors are not aware of it,” Councilman Rick Hutto said via e-mail 28 minutes later. He also was a sponsor of the previous ordinance.
At 4:01 p.m., a public hearing cancellation notice was e-mailed. Benedict said a short time later that the meeting was canceled because it was set up on such short notice.
This time, backers want to allow plenty of time for publicity and discussion, she said.
They’ve been individually discussing minor changes, such as slightly loosening proposed standards for smoking in parks and other recreation areas, Benedict said. Ordinance supporters also want to try to get Bibb County commissioners on board to pass matching rules for unincorporated areas of the county.
At first glance, however, county support may be lukewarm at best. Commission Chairman Sam Hart said Thursday afternoon that there’s been no discussion yet of a county smoking ordinance. He was noncommittal on the idea.
Commissioner Lonzy Edwards, however, said he opposes new smoking restrictions in the county.
“I’m not in favor of telling people how to run private businesses,” Edwards said.
Sponsors of the city ordinance will take the next two weeks to work out the details, then present it at the June 7 council meeting, Benedict said.
A public hearing, probably in council chambers, will be scheduled for some time soon after that, she said.
The ordinance likely would move through both the City Council’s Public Safety and Ordinances and Resolutions committees, and be back for a final vote at the June 21 council meeting, Benedict said.
