CC Min 1994-01-31 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Affidavits of publication and notices of hearing are on file in the office of the City Clerk. ------- REPORT: Assistant to the City Manager, January 24, 1994 Mayor Pro Tem Claire and Assistant to the City Manager Centeno. advised that the proposed amendment to the ordinance was first discussed and introduced for first reading on November 29, 1993 and continued to this date and time in order to receive more public input and the results of a survey sent to Redwood City businesses. Mayor Pro Tem Claire invited members of the audience to address the Council regarding this proposed amendment to the Ordinance. The following people spoke against adoption of the amendment: Nora Bambach, 510 Iris Street, Redwood City, it is a personal and civil right, people have the right to choose to not go to a restaurant; Richard Bambach, 510 Iris Street, Redwood City, statistics used are not correct and Council should not be influenced by them. David Cacci, General Manager of Hotel Sofitel, advised his hotel had responded to non-smokers with 7 of 8 floors designated non-smoking, restaurants are 50% smoke-free, employees dining area is designated smoke-free, and asked Council to let businesses respond to non-smokers in their own way. Mr. Cacci advised that 40% of the hotel's clientele were international travelers and a great majority of them smoke. Robert Johnstone, 3 Woodsworth Avenue, Redwood City, it is a personal decision and governments shouldn't tell businesses to permit smoking not permit smoking; John Lee, 150 Shoreline Drive, Redwood City, stated that the current ordinance is working, smoking is a legal activity and people who do not like smoking have a clear choice not to go to restaurants that allow it. Mr. Lee stated he had read that 85% of employees who work in bars and restaurants smoke, and they do have the choice to work there or not. Mr. Lee described the smoking restrictions in his place of business in response to his employees wishes, and advised that retail businesses respond to the will of the customer. Mr. Lee asked Council to consider if this type of regulation could lead to unwarranted restrictions of other areas of choice. Councilmember Greenalch and Mr. Lee engaged in dialogue regarding the values surrounding the decision to allow or prohibit smoking in restaurants or employees dining areas: personal choice, free enterprise in the business community, some restaurants have chosen to be smoke free, obligations of employers to protect their employees, and the obligation of the Council to protect the health of the community. Barbara Rolandelli, 2466 Oregon Avenue, Redwood City, stated that Mr. Lee had said everything she had wanted to say. Duane Sandul, 509 Starboard, San Mateo, referred to the letter to the Council signed by 23 members of the Chamber of Commerce in opposition to the amendment; Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO. 52 January 31, 1994 Page No. 120 Page 4