Jump to full article: Tate County (MS) Democrat, 2009-10-27
Author: Melissa Turner, News Editor
Intro: Alderman Penny Hawks, who owns a non-smoking restaurant, said that some of the businesses in town which allow smoking - such as the Huddle House near the interstate - targeted a "specific clientele" which would not come if smoking were prohibited.
Alderman Lana Nail also said she was in favor of a smoke-free community, but feared the economic impact that the move might have on local restaurants.
Alderman Mike Putt, who manages a non-smoking chain restaurant, said that he also did not want to tell local business owners what to do.
The lone supporter in the group was Alderman Michael Cathey, who also manages a non-smoking chain restaurant.
"It's going to happen sooner or later, but maybe the city isn't ready," he said. "The question is, are we going to be proactive or reactive?"
"It looks like we're going to be reactive," he added.
No board action was taken on the matter, and no citizens appeared at the meeting to express their opinions on the subject.
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