1983-06-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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381 The Board said to set aside the proper number of seats, mark the area as such for non-smokers. It would not be the job of the waitress or waiter but the manager to see that people comply with this by-law. The Board had added cafeterias to their proposed regulations. The Town Meeting had only specified restaurants. The Board felt that cafeterias should also be included as employees eat there every day and it is a problem for the non-smokers that eat in these cafeterias. Mr. Smith said that he get complaints from employees of the different business but they remain anonymous because they are afraid they will get fired. They find the smoking in the cafeteria very annoying. Most restaurant managers seemed to be afraid to offend their customers. The girl from Chadwick's said people ask them to tell someone tb put out a cigarette and she tells the person that is offended to speak to the smoker themselves. She also feel the penalty should be done away with. She also wants the percentage of seats to be 18% instead of the 25%. It is unclear among the group of managers just who is responsible for the penalty. The penalty (#5) of the proposed regulations, is unclear to the managers of the restaurants. Mrs. Miley, former Selectman, said a Selectman in Acton had gone into a restaurant in that Town and was asked where they would like to sit, (smoking or non-smoking). The restaurant said that business had really improved since he separated these sections. There were several people in the audience that stressed they would prefer to go to restaurants with a non-smoking section. Laura Derby, one of the proponents of the bill, said she doesn't expect restaurant owners to spend large amounts of money on ventilation systems, she is just asking that the restaurant owners set aside a section for those that do not smoke. A discussion took place with representatives of the cafeterias. Some were all for these by-laws, others were concerned about the % of seats being set aside. Roger Marshall from the Raytheon food services, feels that he is in agreement with this by-law. He said that there is a reduction in smoking and that they are taking out 3 cigarette machines because of lack of interest in using them. Dr. Roemer said at the beginning, this will be a trial period to see how things are going. She said we should meet again with the people here to discuss what has happened. I think you will see it is working out just fine, she said. Marshall Derby, one of the proponents, asked since there is going to be a phase-in period, he would suggest that no variances be given during this period. Robin Ong, Yangtze River Restaurant, asked when this will be in effect. Mr. Lambie said that we have no date until the Attorney -General signs the by-law. Mr. Lambie did say that he hopes the restaurants and cafeterias could go ahead now and set this up on their own. Dr. Roemer stated, to those in attendance, that she is one member of the Board that does not believe in variances, they always cause problems.