Bar and restaurant owners flood state leaders with phone calls
BAY CITY -- MidMichigan smokers have about three weeks left before the state ban on smoking in public places takes affect on May 1, but state officials are still working out who will enforce it. The ban will cover workplaces, bars and restaurants, but leaves more questions than answers at this point.
“Just who is going to police it? Who is responsible for making sure people aren’t (smoking)? Because people are still going to smoke,” said Danielle Helm of Midland Street Jack’s Grill and Lounge in Bay City.
Officials with the state Department of Community Health said they are working with county health departments to enforce the new rules.
“We’re going into different counties, holding training sessions with local health departments in terms of what businesses and restaurants can do and cannot do,” said spokesperson James McCurtis.
“What we want to do is make sure we’re all on the same page come May 1, when the law is implemented,” he added.
He said the enforcement will be similar to the practice and procedures that go along with restaurant inspections. He added most counties are supportive of the approach and will be up to speed within a week.
