14 February 3 - 16, 2007
Community
www.SanTanSun.com
Smoking ban from Page 1
The current proposed draft rule is that smoking with more than 50 percent of sales from tobacco routinely inspected for compliance to the law.
would be prohibited 15 feet from an establishment’s and smoking done in the course of television or “We won’t be sending out inspectors to look at
entrance, but that could be subject to change after the fi lm production. Outdoor patio smoking is permitted offi ces. That’ll simply be if somebody calls and fi les a
ADHS receives public feedback at hearings March 6 in as long as it’s within the required distance from complaint,” he adds.
Phoenix, March 7 in Tucson and March 8 in Flagstaff. entrances and doesn’t enter the building’s ventilation In the meantime, Murphy says that the ADHS’s fi rst
The public can also submit opinions in writing to system or windows. goal is compliance, not enforcement come May 1.
the ADHS through March 8. Murphy says the Health “At the beginning, clearly, if there’s an issue,
Department’s goal is to have the measure’s rules Education key to compliance probably the response is going to be a letter or a
fi nalized by mid-April. Compliance with the new smoking ban includes phone call. We don’t want to be the heavy hand of
“The $65,000 question, I think, especially for bars, is removing ashtrays, putting up “no smoking” signs, government because a lot of people may not be aware
the 15-foot rule and also for patios. At this point, we’re which will be available from the ADHS, and educating of the requirements of the law or are simply trying to
saying smoking on patios is fi ne as long as it does employees. Murphy says education is particularly comply but may have misunderstood.”
not drift into the establishment or into areas where important for restaurant and bar employees so they For more information on Proposition 201, The
smoking is prohibited. And I think that probably also know how to deal with customers who may light up Smoke-Free Arizona Act, go to www.smokefreearizona.
will be subject to review,” Murphy explains. anyway. org or call the Arizona Department of Health Services
Business patrons, employees and others who witness at 1-877-AZSTOPS. Mail comments to Arizona Smoke-
Prop 201 means more restrictions smoking violations after the law’s implementation on Free Program Offi ce of Environmental Health, Arizona
Passed last November as “Proposition 201, The May 1 can fi le a complaint via a toll-free phone call, Department of Health Services, 150 N. 18th Ave, Suite
Smoke-Free Arizona Act,” the statewide smoking ban email or online form. Smoking violations may cost 430, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3247.
is far reaching. businesses anywhere from $100 to $500 each, with a
“It’s going to affect virtually all businesses, stiffer penalty for repeat offenders.
Sharon Schnakenburg is a freelance reporter who can be
restaurants, bars, recreational facilities, bowling “If a court fi nds the violations are willful or evidence
reached at Sharon@SanTanSun.com.
centers – just about all indoor public places,” explains a pattern of noncompliance, the court may impose a
Murphy. fi ne of up to $5,000 for each violation,” according to
Ready to stop smoking? Visit
According to ADHS’ new website, www. information provided by the ADHS.
www.SanTanSun.com for a
list of ways to kick the habit.
smokefreearizona.org, the law also prohibits smoking Enforcement will be carried out solely by the
in gaming facilities, grocery stores, indoor sports ADHS.
arenas, healthcare and licensed childcare facilities, “The inspectors
hotel and motel common areas and no less than 50 will be county health
Chandler Chronicles
percent of hotel/motel rooms for rent. Smoking is also inspectors, in other
forbidden in “lobbies, elevators, restrooms, reception words, the people who
Dennis Strachota recently came on board as the City of Chandler’s new budget
manager. Strachota, author of The Best of Governmental Budgeting: A Guide to Preparing
areas, hallways and any other common-use areas go to restaurants to look
Budget Documents and co-author of The Use of Performance Measures in City and County
in public and private buildings, condominiums and for health violations will Budgets, was formerly chief fi nancial offi cer for the Oregon Department of Transportation.
other multiple-unit residential facilities.” Most places also now be contracting
Chandler’s Water Distribution Division staff “exercised” 8,598 water and fi re
of employment must also be smoke-free. with us,” Murphy says. hydrant valves last year, opening and closing the valves several times in succession to
Murphy says that exemptions include fraternal and Private businesses
ensure they operate properly when needed. If left unchecked, valves on water mains and
veterans’ halls during nonpublic hours, the second 50 and offices, on the
fi re hydrants can get out of shape, hindering operation in the event of a water main break
or a fi re.
percent of motel or hotel rooms, retail tobacco stores other hand, will not be
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