Unalaska, AK – Almost 50 people attended parts of this week's 5-hour long city council meeting. Most came to discuss the proposed smoking ban. The work session aimed to tailor the ban to Unalaska's specific needs.

Tom Enlow from Unisea spoke up in favor of the ordinance but says it needs clarification and the businesses need more time to plan for it. He says Unisea would want time to build a designated smoking areas near their businesses so people are not smoking out front and making the area unsafe and unpleasant for other patrons. He also wants to know how the ban would affect company housing. Enlow's concerns and thoughts were echoed by community members and council members. Many seemed to think banning smoking by main entrances but not ancillary ones was a good idea. Council member Roger Rowland also wanted to know how the ban would affect city housing.

Council member Dennis Robinson expressed concern about third-hand smoke and thought it should be addressed by the ban. Third-hand smoke is the residual smoke left in clothing, furniture, hair, and other places that still contains carcinogens and other toxins.

Community members continued to express concerns over banning smoking in bars and the affects on businesses. Others expressed concerns over any smoking being allowed anywhere. Vic Fisher, who pushed the ban at previous city council meetings, said Unalaska should not be known as Seattle's playground for smokers.

Council members said they want to work with the entire community and the businesses to make sure everyone is happy with the ban. It may or may not come up for a community-wide vote but will be discussed at future council meetings.