HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Food Service Advisory Committee - 01/23/2001 - Special Minutes
FOOD SERVICE ADVISORY'.BOARD
January 23,2001 —Special Meeting
Corpus ChristiiNueces County Public Health District
Administration Conference Room
Members Present: Gabriel Hernandez, Carlos Moreno,D.W. Haven, Chair, Tom Watson,
Robert Ard, William Schroeder
Members Absent: Suzanne Gilliam
Staff Present: Nina M. Sisley,M.D., Roger Barker and Larry Jones
Guest Speaker: Chris Large, Coordinator for "Citizens for a Smoke-Free Environment" —
American Cancer Society
D.W.Haven, Chair, called the meeting to order at 2:11 p.m.
Program: Chris Large, Coordinator for "Citizens for a Smoke-Free Environment" with the American
Cancer Society spoke to the board members regarding the proposed smoking ordinance. She also handed
out extra information for the board to review regarding a smoke-free environment. Ms. Large read a letter
to the board from C. Everrett Coop, for Surgeon General, regarding a smoke-free environment. She
indicated that there would be no loss of restaurant activity if we went to a smoke-free environment. Ms.
Large also indicated that it has not been proven that smoke-free restaurants will hurt business. She also
mentioned that Corpus Christi should be proactive and move forward as the city continues to grow.
Audience Participation: Dave Pruitt, Hotel Association, mentioned that there is currently a bill to ban
smoking statewide. He indicated that it would make sense for the ordinance to go beyond restaurants.
Bill Whiteside representing the local dental society mentioned that the Dental Society voted unanimously
to support non-smoking in restaurants. Joe Alley, private citizen, spoke on his concerns about smoke in
restaurants. He felt strongly about banning smokingin all restaurants. A private physician spoke
regarding the ill effects that smoke causes in our bodies. She indicated that smoking is .a major
cardiovascular health problem in the United States. Brad Lomax,business owner, feels that this is truly a
private enterprise. He feels that he should be able to choose whether he can have a smoking section in his
restaurant. Gerald Voorhees, M.D., expressed his views on the serious and harmful effects of second hand
smoke. He indicated that second hand smoke leads to deaths in the United States and has been classified
as a Group A carcinogen.
Board Discussion: D.W. Haven, Chair, asked if there was any evidence that "low levels" of second
hand smoke is harmful. Gerald Vorhees responded to Mr. Haven's,question. He indicated that thereis no
safe level of second hand smoke. The only way to avoid second hand smoke is to install a separate
ventilation system. He indicated that side stream smoke dissipates unless you have a separate ventilation
system.
Bill Schroeder mentioned that his business has improved through EPA rules and guidelines. He feels that
smoke is offensive in our homes and in restaurants.
The Board recommended that an AdHoc Committee be appointed to hear the concerns of the American
Cancer Society and Restaurant Association.
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. at the Corpus ChristiV
Nueces County Public Health District, 1702 Horne Road,Administration Conference Room. .
Adiournment: The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
SCANNED