It looks like Greenville’s smoking ban could spread to more public and private places. The original ban passed in 2006, and with one more City Council vote a change could be on the way this summer. Greenville City Council members said they’re looking to clarify some of the gray areas in the new ordinance that limit where people can smoke Virginia.
They said the new rule would be an enhancement of the existing ordinance, which they called very successful.
“We’ve had a lot of new businesses, new restaurants and bars that have opened downtown,” said Councilman David Sudduth. “It really wasn’t the doom and gloom that people said it may be.”
Questions were raised about lighting up in outdoor eating-areas and private clubs. Council wanted to clear the air by banning smoking on restaurant patios and private bars.
For eleven years the Park Avenue Pub, a private club in Greenville, has allowed smoking. They said patrons are not pleased with the potential ban, but they’ve known it’s coming.
“The first couple weeks, there’ll be a lot of complaining and stuff like that,” said Park Avenue Pub manager Courtney White. “Once people get back into a routine, I think everything will flow smoothly.”
The ban would also expand to city parks near playgrounds.
“I think it’s outright ridiculous,” said Tabutha Clark, a resident. “I do smoke, and I think you should be allowed to smoke in open areas.”
“Even if you do smoke, I don’t want anyone smoking around my child, blowing it in their face, or anything like that,” said Chastity Arden, another resident. “I think there’s a proper place for it, and it’s not around children.”
City Council said it expects the ban to be mostly self-enforced, but if the council, or police, receive repeat complaints from businesses not complying, offenders will be fined.
Monday night, the Greenville City Council voted unanimously to pass the first reading of the ordinance. The second reading will be at their next city council meeting in July, and the community is welcome to comment before the council votes.
If passed, the ban extension would take effect August 1.