Attorneys To Review Smoking Ordinance

Spokane County commissioners balked Tuesday at a plan to force restaurants to post their smoking policies at entrances.

Warned that the proposed regulations may overstep county authority, commissioners voted to send the ordinance back to their attorneys for modifications.

The move frustrated Commissioner John Roskelley, who wanted to pass the ordinance and make any necessary changes later.

“There’s definitely a safety issue” because of the threat of secondhand smoke, Roskelley said.

Roskelley was cautioned by Commissioner Steve Hasson not to rush the ordinance, which was the subject of a public hearing earlier this month.

“I know how passionately you support this venture,” Hasson said. “But if you just say ‘Let’s just push it forward regardless of any foibles,’ you leave it open for challenge.”

Roskelley voted with Hasson in favor of the review, to keep the issue alive. Commissioner Phil Harris voted against the review, saying he thinks the proposed regulations cannot be made legal.

Last month, the Spokane City Council voted to require the signs, which are modeled after traffic signals. A green sign means smoking is banned; yellow means it is allowed in some areas; and red means it is allowed at all tables.

Harris contends only the Spokane Regional Health Board has authority to require the signs outside city limits.

The health board, which includes the three commissioners, voted earlier this year to let local governments decide the matter for themselves.

, DataTimes