Based on an article in the AJC late last week reporting on the gaining popularity of government smoking bans around metro Atlanta, I inquired to City Manager Peggy Merriss about Decatur’s current smoking ordinance as it applies to city-owned open spaces.  Here is her reply…

Smoking is banned at all built City facilities. We have not amended the ordinance or issued administrative regulations to have it apply to open spaces such as City parks but it is likely we will be reviewing that issue this year. In January, 2013 outdoor dining areas associated with restaurants that have an alcoholic beverage license will have to be smoke free. There have also been some very preliminary discussions about designating other open public areas, such as the Square and MARTA Plaza as smoke free.

Should be an interesting conversation.