No-Smoking Zone in Downtown Concord
It may soon be lights out for smokers in downtown Concord as city leaders push to expand the no-smoking zone in public areas. Business owners complain that the ban on smoking Lady cigarettes in Todos Santos Plaza has forced smokers to move across the street to the sidewalks.
The proposed expansion of the smoking ban would apply to sidewalks and public areas covering 17 blocks in downtown Concord around the plaza. Smoking in the plaza itself is already prohibited.
Dirk Wentling, who owns a photography business, told KTVU the ban would be good for his Colfax Street busines.
“We’re trying to create a pleasant environment in the downtown area, and that isn’t accomplished by people smoking,” said Wentling.
He already has a “no-smoking sign” in his studio window, but supports this ordinance that has more teeth.
“We cater to babies and children and families and nobody wants to bring their strollers through a cloud of smoke to come in and have their portraits taken,” explained Wentling.
But some smokers were airing frustrations over the proposed ban, arguing it goes overboard.
“As a business owner, I have to provide a place for my employees to smoke. I can’t give them a half an hour break to walk five blocks away. It’s not fair or right,” said Rebecca Lindsay, who owner a marketing company.
Smoker Dawn Wong wondered if this was what the city leaders should be focusing on.
“We’re in a recession,” said Wong. “People need jobs.”
Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister said other cities in the county have far greater smoking restrictions.
“We’re only looking at a downtown area to address what our business community has said are some real strong concerns they were receiving from their customers,” said Hoffmeister.
The City Council is set to vote on the ban on Tuesday. If approved, it would take affect in 30 days.
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