Bar owners divided on smoking ban for patios

The smoke may have cleared over lighting up in workplaces and public spaces, but a new fire has ignited the debate among restaurant and bar owners.

While municipal politicians consider a possible smoking ban on outdoor patios, some local business owners are divided on the issue.

"I'm not in favour of it . . . not because I approve of smoking, but because I approve of choice," said John Lechlitner, owner of Cecil's Eatery and Beer Society.

He said that's why he has a patio at the back of his businesses for customers who smoke, as well as a covered veranda at the front of the establishment for those who don't.

City council agreed Tuesday to direct staff to work with the health unit to examine possible smoking ban on outdoor patios at restaurants and bars.

Lechlitner suggested such a ban would send a message to travellers that North Bay is "closed for business," especially when they will have the option of going to nearby communities such as Callander or Mattawa and to light up on an outdoor patio.

He said business that want to prohibit smoking on patios have that choice.

"If you think it's good for business — do it," he said.

But Lechlitner believes banning people from smoking on outdoor patios will create difficulties for businesses such his by pushing smokers out onto the streets.

He said that will make it even tough to monitor drinks and clean up after patrons.

Jo-Ann Rick, owner of Don Cherry's Sports Grill, said if her customers who smoke aren't permitted to light up on the outdoor patio, they will be likely be in the parking lot a few feet away.

"That's unsafe," she said, sharing Lechliner's concerns about added difficultly in monitoring customers.

The city adopted a city-wide ban prohibiting lighting up in all workplaces and public places in 2004, making its restaurants and bars smoke free two years before the province introduced the Smoke Free Ontario Act.

After seven years, Rick said smokers don't mind going outside to light up. And she said most are courteous when it comes to puffing around non-smokers.