Smokers in Howard County have about three weeks until their habit is against the law in all bars and restaurants.
“We intend to strictly enforce this,” said Howard County Health Officer Peter Beilenson, adding he doesn?t expect a “huge problem” from business owners and patrons.
The Health Department will take the lead on enforcing the law, which takes full effect June 1, sending out inspectors to establishments that are the subject of complaints.
If a patron refuses a business owner?s request to stop smoking, the police will be called, Beilenson said.
“We?re really looking for voluntary compliance,” Police Chief William McMahon said. “It?s not in my interest to have police out arresting people.”
Chander Tschand, owner of MiCasa Mexican Restaurant in Ellicott City, welcomed the ban, which he said would make it even easier for him to enforce a two-year smoking ban in his restaurant.
“I thought I?d never see a day like this,” he said.
He began to notice the smoking section wasn?t filling up, and his staff had to clean cigarette residue constantly from dishes, he said. So he gradually became non-smoking, starting with weekends before stamping it out entirely.
However, not all restaurant owners and patrons welcome the change.
“I fought it and challenged it, but when it comes down to it, I am going to comply with the nature and spirit of the law,” said Mark Hemmis, owner of the Phoenix Emporium on Main Street in downtown Ellicott City.
Hemmis plans to build a deck to give smokers an outside haven. Before June 1, he will post signs at the entrances and remove ashtrays.
Last August, the ban went into effect at public meetings, workplaces, newly opened restaurants and bars, concerts, sports events, and events such as firework displays and festivals.
PENALTIES
» First-time violators of the smoking ban will receive a warning.
» Second-time individual offenders face a $100 fine, and restaurant or establishment owners will get a $250 citation.
» A third offense could result in a $250 to $500 fine for owners.
Residents can report offenders by calling a Health Department hotline at 410-313-6263.
Source: Howard County government
