Alabaster, AL (WIAT) Eating out can be a costly, yet fulfilling experience...
But for many people that experience is ruined the moment someone nearby chooses to light up.
The City of Alabaster is considering two different ordinances to regulate smoking in public.
The first is modeled after Hoover's where it's now almost impossible to find a tobacco friendly restaurant.
The second ordinance is based on an ordinance in prattville where businesses must decide if their smoking or non smoking. If they choose to be a smoking facility they're required to post a sign outside of the front entrance.
Councilman Adam Moseley says, "We are probably close to 30 thousand people now and what used to be a small suburban city. We've grown up and with that we've got to start looking at the way we do business and the way we do things. And this is just one of those ways we're looking at it."
Mark Callahan is a smoker and says banning smoking in restaurants will hurt businesses. "Most people smoke when they drink and i smoke... Been a smoker and i understand that some people don't. But those of us that smoke... We have rights too."
And then there are those in the service industry that say they see the benefit of going smoke free.
Sue Ellen Larocca says she thinks an outright ban would even increase business.
"Over half of the people that come into my work place ask for non smoking... And a lot of people bring their kids and their kids can't be around smoke."
