Citizens question smoking ordinance enforcement

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile City Council just passed the new smoking ordinance  Tuesday, and a lot of people have thoughts on the issue.

That includes Shawn Crane, one of the owners of B & G's Diner in downtown Mobile.

 The ordinance bans smoking in most public places in Mobile including inside, and even directly outside, restaurants.

Crane said, "I think it’s (the ordinance) really a plague on downtown and our business."

 There is one section of the ordinance Crane is really concerned about.

It’s a provision that will leave it up to owners to ask a person to stop smoking, or leave their restaurant.

 How easy will it be to enforce?

Crane said he thinks it will be "totally impossible; one hundred percent impossible. It could be dangerous for us."

He also thinks a provision banning smoking in outdoor seating areas before 8pm is confusing.

Smoking will be banned within 15 feet of entrances to buildings where smoking is prohibited.

 Roy Pope owns Busaba's Thai Cuisine. He said he doesn't like the ordinance either.

He said, "I'm not an enforcement officer for the government. I don't get combat pay."

 Some city leaders think the first big enforcement challenge for the new ordinance will be Bayfest, which takes place next month.

 Bayfest President Bobby Bostwick told FOX10 News he wants to review the ordinance and talk with his legal team before making a comment on how the ordinance would affect the festival.

 Some people like the new ordinance.

That includes Hayes Harris, who ate lunch Wednesday at B & G's Diner.

 Harris  said, “ (The ordinance) doesn't bother me. I'm glad I don't have it (smoke) in my food or in my face."

The Mobile City Council unanimously passed the ordinance Tuesday.