Unalaska, AK – Unalaska is now officially going smoke-free. The city council unanimously passed the smoking ordinance Tuesday night. It will go into effect immediately and will be fully enforceable in 90 days, on August 9th. Before final passage Dennis Robinson proposed two amendments. The first allows businesses to build separate, stand-alone smoking designated outdoor buildings.

"I thought that given the environment that we're in, it's only fair to allow a company, if they so choose to provide an enclosed area that's separate from any other building for smokers," he explained.

Robinson's second amendment requires smokers to stand at least 15 feet away from any patio or deck doors when smoking outside of a bar. Both amendments passed. Robinson said he's happy the ordinance is finally complete.

"I think, as they've seen in other communities, you always hear the argument that it's going to be tough on businesses. But the facts are, that maybe it might be for a week or two but generally after that the business does pick up," he said. "I'm excited about it. It's a trend all across America."

Unalaska's smoking ordinance prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places, at places of employment, and in the homes of commercial childcare providers. It does not prohibit smoking in any private or employee owned housing or in 50 percent of the hotel rooms. The ordinance will not go up for a public vote.

In other business, the council voted to keep the mil rate, which determines property tax payments, at 10.5. Council members said maintaining a low rate is a good way to help community members. Council member Dick Peck also noted that the new DH Ports project will add about $1 million to the tax base, which will help the community financially.

The council also voted to postpone the passage of a vehicle registration tax that will help pay for getting junk cars off of the island. Council member Roger Rowland wants to have further discussions with staff about how the tax will be applied to non-conventional vehicles.