Jasper to reconsider smoking ban

Jasper to reconsider smoking ban

The Jasper City Council could amend the city's smoking ban at their regular meeting Tuesday.

The law took effect in October and prohibits smoking in public places. It's been a hot-button issue in Jasper and the talk of the diner at Jasper's Diner.

"We lost a lot of our regular customers," said Margaret Free, owner of Jasper's Diner.

Since the city passed the ban less than three months ago, Free says regulars and hours are diminishing.

"We've had to cut our hours down. We're having to close at 3:00 p.m. now because we've had to make some adjustments on the money wise," said Free. The loss of profit has forced free to let go of four employees.

She says the ban needs to be lifted but people like Steve Odom say it's refreshing to finally visit a smoke-free business.

"I like the idea. It's nice to go out to a restaurant and there's no smoking going on and I can enjoy my meal," said Odom.

The smoking ban may be appealing, but Odom doesn't agree with it completely, saying, "it's not helping the bars and I've done heard that some of the restaurants in Jasper they're losing money because there's people not going because of that."

They may have different views on smoking, but both Odom and Free agree it should be the residents deciding vote, not the officials.

Jasper council members are set to meet at 10am Tuesday morning.

Residents are welcomed to attend the meeting.

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