Local health inspectors get few complaints on new smoking ban

Local health inspectors get few complaints on new smoking ban

October 10, 2007

By KRISTYN HENTSCHEL
6 News Reporter 

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- It's been nearly two weeks since a statewide smoking ban took effect and so far, Knoxville area restaurants seem to be abiding by the law. 

Health inspectors have a checklist of sorts they use when visiting restaurants.

First, they make sure no smoking signs are posted at the front and back of the restaurants.

"When we do our inspections of the restaurants, we will go through and see if there's obviously any smoking and scent of smoke. We will also make sure employees aren't smoking," says Knox County inspector Scott Bryan.

So far, the Knox County Health Department has only received a handful of complaints and they were easily resolved.

The biggest no-nos they've seen are from customers.

"We get people maybe smoking too close to the front entrance and they're not aware it can't even come into the building," Bryan says.

Daniel French, manager of Dan McGrew's, the former Charlie Pepper's, in West Knoxville says it's been an easy switch to no-smoking and they haven't had any major problems.

"Most of the time, it's a mistake and error on the customer like they just forgot or they are not used to the new smoking law since it's pretty new," French says.

Things are running smoothly and no violations or warnings have been issued so far.

"We're not out to give people fines or violation letters. We're out to communicate the new law and help everybody in the process," Bryan says.