By Kelsey VanArsdall, The Republic

SEYMOUR — Representatives from Seymour-area businesses and industries raised concerns about who would be held accountable for violations of the city’s upcoming smoking ordinance in a meeting with city officials Tuesday.

During the more than two-hour meeting, Seymour Mayor Jim Bullard explained the 13-section ordinance with the help of council member Mary Voss, ordinance administrator Brent Goben and city attorney Jeff Lorenzo.

“We’re not here to discuss the ordinance in regards to its quality, whether I like it, you like it or what,” said Bullard. “We’re here to understand what’s going to happen.”

The city council approved a partial smoking ban May 23. The ordinance is effective July 31.

The ban does not apply to bars that serve only those age 18 and over, private residences or clubs, such as the Elks Lodge.

“Our intent is not to write as many tickets as we can and arrest as many people as we can,” said Bullard. “It is to regulate smoking the best we can.”

Goben will investigate violations and complaints and the Seymour Police Department will enforce possible ramifications.

“As long as I see a good faith effort to abide within the specifications of the ordinance I see no violation,” said Goben.

Business owners have the obligation to regulate the ordinance on their property; however, said Bullard, customers unwilling to comply can be referred to the police department.

Members of the business community raised questions about obtaining “no smoking” signs and the possibility of establishing buildings designated for their employee smokers.

Bullard said the city is working on getting signs from the American Cancer Society and the American Tobacco Association and that those materials shouldn’t cost the business owner.

“Buildings can be erected for smokers as long as they’re not attached to the main business and not enclosed,” said Goben.

As the ordinance states, any building with at least four walls is considered enclosed, and smoking is banned in enclosed public buildings within the city limits.

Bullard said community members who wish to propose amendments to the ordinance should attend a city council meeting and offer their proposal.

City council meetings are the second and fourth Monday of each month.
© 2024 The Republic