SHEFFIELD, Ala. (AP) - Anti-smoking advocates say they hope to strengthen smoking restrictions across northwest Alabama after Sheffield passed a tighter ordinance.
However, restaurant owners say the city is hurting their businesses and smokers urge a boycott of Sheffield.
The city ordinance banning smoking in public spaces begins Oct. 31. Smoke Free Shoals Coordinator Melanie Dickens tells the Times Daily that her group hopes to get Florence, Muscle Shoals and Tuscumbia to follow Sheffield’s move. However, officials in Florence and Tuscumbia say they’re uninterested in changes.
While tight nonsmoking ordinances are common nationwide, the Alabama Department of Public Health says most Alabama cities have looser restrictions.
Sheffield sports bar owner Scott Whittle says his patrons won’t be able to smoke just outside the bar. He tells WHNT-TV that Sheffield officials are overstepping their role.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.