City attorney: Smoking ordinance will be complaint-driven

Complaint can be levied against Jefferson City business, smoker

Pub owner Alan Tatman of Paddy Malone's wonders whether a patron stepping outside to smoke before making it 10 feet away from the door would be in violation of Jefferson City's new smoking ordinance. The business is smoke-free inside already.
Pub owner Alan Tatman of Paddy Malone's wonders whether a patron stepping outside to smoke before making it 10 feet away from the door would be in violation of Jefferson City's new smoking ordinance. The business is smoke-free inside already.

For many Jefferson City residents and business owners, the one aspect about the city's new smoking ban that is drawing the most questions is how it will be enforced.

When the ordinance that bans smoking from public places, including bars and restaurants, goes into effect on Jan. 31, 2011, the ban will primarily be enforced by complaints, filed either via a hard copy available at City Hall or a digital form at www.jeffcitymo.org.