What are the sign rules?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The new city smoking ordinance has raised questions about how businesses are supposed to inform customers of the ban on smoking. Here are some answers:
Q What are the rules about having “No Smoking” signs in Emporia businesses?
A Signs must be conspicuously posted at all main entrances used by the public, and must clearly state that smoking is prohibited, according to City Attorney Blaise Plummer, who cited city code as his source.
Employee-only entrances are exempt from the mandatory sign-posting, he said.
The “no smoking” signs must have bold lettering not less than one inch tall.
The international “No Smoking” symbol also may be used. It consists of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it, Plummer said.
Q Does every business have to post a sign?
A “No,” Plummer said; “the tobacco shops are exempt.”
Most businesses, however, will have to post a sign or signs under the code section that states signs must be used on any building or other area where smoking is prohibited.
“Unless the business is exempt under the code, or the building is not under the jurisdiction of the city, then a sign must be posted,” he said.
Q Where does the sign need to be posted?
A The no-smoking sign must be posted at all main entrances used by the public. Employee-only entrances are excluded, he said.
“If a building entrance has multiple doors, the sign need only be posted conspicuously at each entrance, not upon each door,” Plummer said. “The sign may be affixed to the door or to the building. The sign must be posted in a manner so that it is conspicuous to persons entering the building.”
Q Does it have to be in English and Spanish, or is that optional?
A Posting in Spanish is optional, Plummer said.
“The code requires, at a minimum, a sign that states ‘No Smoking’ in English,” he said, adding that the international no-smoking symbol also may be used.
“The uses of the word ‘may’ signifies something that is not mandatory. Therefore, the use of the international symbol on the sign is not mandatory but permissive,” he said.
The code itself does not mention whether the sign needs to be posted in Spanish, though sample signs on the city’s Web site include Spanish.
“However, the example was not adopted in the code,” Plummer said. “Therefore, it is advisory only and not mandatory.”
Readers with questions on topics of local interest may send them to Because You Asked, in care of The Emporia Gazette, Drawer C, Emporia KS 66801. Questions need to be signed but names will not be used. Questions submitted anonymously will not be answered.
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
That's just silly. I say we revolt! "signs, signs...everywhere's a sign..."
May 19, 2009 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
If the majority of all business buildings(99.9%) are No Smoking, wouldn't it be smarter to require Smoking Allowed signage in the one or two buildings where it is still legal? Wouldn't it be more intelligent to warn the non-smokers of the pending life threatening steps they would be taking to enter those buildings?
Silly? More like moronic and typical of most government programs intending to "protect public health". They all require the exchange of money from citizens and businesses to other businesses to be in compliance with the new ordinances/laws. Just more proof it was about control, social molding, and $$$$$$.
May 19, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
mythoughts:
didn't you read the ordinance before you voted for it?
May 19, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
I get a really good sarcastic laugh now out of every sign that says "Thank you for not smoking."
Yeah, as if it's a polite hint or something in a town with a ban. I think they should be more truthful and say, "Just over half of this town will put you in jail for smoking," or "We passed a ban and you can't smoke here."
I don't think poorly of the businesses with these signs--I don't know where they are on the matter. I just think that those particular signs are now completely redundant in the city of Emporia.
May 19, 2009 at 10:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Silly & Moronic?
Most definately!
But it is now the law and for the next 10 years can't be changed without a vote of the people. Now that the Gazette published the rules on their front page, Let's get with it all you building owners and managers. Be the first in your block to proudly display your Clean Air/ No Smoking signs. Now we can work on Beer Gardens/Patios and Sunday liquor sales for ole cracky. :>)
May 20, 2009 at 7:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )