As Wichmer explains, the ban applies to all business, including those created for smoking. The Albatross Hookah Lounge is one of those places. And folks are mad. ''We have two months to solve our problems. After that, if we can't get something taken care of soon, we will have to shut down'', said the Albatross owner, Drew Summers. He said this new ordinance will make it difficult for him and his employees to support their families.
It's interesting to note many of the town's residents are vehemently opposed to this
new law. ''After what I've done for this country, which I’m very proud of and, if I were physically able, I'd do it again, but I don't think they ought to be able to tell me I can't have a cigarette when I want a cigarette'', said Dean Agnew, a military veteran who says he fought for and earned the right to freedom from these intrusive laws.
There's reason to have hope. Many city ordinances around the nation have been found unconstitutional. Others have found a ''medium road'' that addresses the concerns of smokers. For instance, in some cities, it's illegal to smoke inside public businesses, but many of those businesses have installed patios, where smoking is allowed.
And if city attorneys were wondering who would be checking the city's businesses for compliance, that question was answered earlier this week. The county's health department will be overseeing the compliant basis visits.
Mayor Jim O'Neal isn't earning any fans with his stance. He's taken a non-plussed stance that ''some businesses will move out or close''. He says he's OK with that, though, because it means more businesses ''will move in and thrive as more customers enjoy the smoke free atmosphere''. Maybe no one told Mayor O'Neal that the country's still pulling out of a catastrophic recession.
