Voluntary Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect In Jefferson County
Food Scores Could Be Affected By No Smoking Ban
October 19, 2006
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — A restaurant or bar’s food score could soon be reduced by a few points if the Jefferson County Health Department has its way.
By installing a $100,000 separate heating and air conditioning filtration system, Costa’s Famous Barbecue in Trussville is already in compliance with the city’s smoking ordinance, but the Health Department could soon be deducting points from the restaurant’s food score because it allows smoking.
“Even though we do all that, from what I understand, they may take food permit licenses, thereby we would be out of business and that is unfair and needs to be looked at by Jefferson County,” said Chris Hale of Costa’s.
Jefferson County is considering the proposal that would allow a four-point deduction and require restaurants and bars that allow smoking to place a sticker in their window, warning of the dangers of smoking.
“Most restaurant owners, even if they want smoking in their facility, think it’s a good idea to warn people before they come in. That’s not really been an issue,” said Wayne Studyvin of the Jefferson County Health Department.
The biggest issue has been the four-point deduction, and it will be what the health department calls a “critical item.” That means it would have to be corrected immediately with a required reinspection. County officials aren’t sure if the deduction will follow the same rules.
Jefferson County said this is its way of protecting the public that can’t speak for themselves. The issue will go before the Board of Health in December and, if passed, could go into effect at the beginning of 2007.
Voluntary Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect In Jefferson County
August 1, 2006
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — A voluntary smoking ban went into effect Tuesday in Jefferson County’s restaurants.
The Jefferson County Health Department has asked restaurants who aren’t acknowledging the ban to post signs showing their smoking section, along with information about the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
The health department approved the ordinance in early July.
