Prattville’s bowling alley will go smoke free June 1, 2010. The announcement was made in a recent letter to league players. Last month the City Council narrowly defeated an ordinance that would ban patrons and employees under the age of 19 from smoking restaurants. Bama Lanes is considered a restaurant because food is served there.
About seven years ago the council forced restaurants to decide if they were going to be smoking or non-smoking. The overwhelming majority went non-smoking.
Chris Zinn, manager of the bowling alley didn’t return phone calls seeking comment Monday. The letter pointed to council action as an impetus for the change.
“While the motion was not accepted, the vote was very close, and the council member indicated there could be another motion for passage in the future,” the letter read.
District 4 Councilman Tom Miller, who sponsored the age-related ban, is applauding the business’ change.
“Bama Lanes is popular with young people and teenagers in the community,” Miller said. “I received several calls from parents who were concerned about the smoking environment at the bowling alley and the risk it poses to the health of their children.
“I know parents who don’t let their children go to the bowling alley because it is smoking. So I’m sure business is going to pick up after they go smoke free.”
That’s one benefit the business is expecting.
“Many phone calls are received regularly by people wanting to bring their youth groups, church groups, wanting to have birthday parties, office gatherings or other types of groups to an exciting, fun and non-smoking facility,” the letter read.
“Making this change to our facility will enable us to secure these groups, increasing the interest in bowling, which should have a domino effect for the stimulation of the economy in the area.”
The change won’t be a major headache for Dustin Kelly, who regularly bowls at the alley.
“Most public places don’t allow smoking anyway,” said Kelly, who smokes. “I didn’t smoke in the bowling alley because I don’t smoke around kids — my kids or your kids. But I see why people want a place where kids go to be non-smoking.
“Maybe I don’t have a bad habit like some people do, but I can go an hour or two without lighting up. It’s no big thing for me.”
Customers who smoke will be able to do so in the lounge, since it is served by a separate ventilation system.
source: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
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