People Ban: TX Rowlett

Council puts off smoking ban vote
Rowlett: Nonbinding resolution on plan for restaurants weighed

August 10, 2007
By IAN McCANN / The Dallas Morning News, imccann@dallasnews.com

Rowlett City Council members delayed taking action Tuesday night on a proposed smoking ban in restaurants, saying they want more public input.

Council members voted, 3-2, to seek further comment from residents and business owners before deciding whether to join Rockwall, Plano and Frisco, among other cities, in banning smoking in restaurants. Steve Maggiotto abstained, and Dennis Alsup was absent.

Council members have heard through e-mail and other communication that many oppose the proposed ordinance. A few people, all against the proposal, spoke at Tuesday’s meeting.

Council member Al Alberts said he doesn’t want to simply follow along with the cities that have the bans, especially if Rowlett residents and the business community are opposed. Mr. Alberts voted with the majority Tuesday.

“I don’t want to get into a ‘me too’ situation,” he said.

Several council members, including Mayor John Harper, said they might support a nonbinding resolution on the November or May ballot to help them gauge what people think of a ban.

“I want to make sure we’re representing the will of the people,” said council member Todd Gottel, who voted along with Mr. Harper against a motion to table the proposed ban.

Rowlett’s proposal would prohibit smoking within 20 feet of restaurant entrances, in addition to the interiors. Rowlett wouldn’t ban smoking on restaurant patios.

Some council members said they are concerned by reports of decreased business at some Plano restaurants since that city’s ban went into effect June 1. And Keri Samford, Rowlett’s development services director, said she’s heard that business has increased in Rowlett since Rockwall’s ban went into effect in May.

Chuck Lande, majority owner of Rowlett Bowl-A-Rama, said the bowling alley can weather any decrease in business from a smoking ban. But he questioned how Rowlett would enforce a ban and fears that the city will lose a competitive advantage over Rockwall restaurants if the city prohibits smoking.

Smoking isn’t allowed in most of Bowl-A-Rama, but it is permitted in about 500 square feet around the bar.

“Maybe the best thing to do would be to take a hands-off approach – maybe demand air purification systems,” Mr. Lande said.