West End Word News Briefs - April 1, 2009

"Goldstein said the Clayton hearings will be for Clayton residents and business owners only, and will not include experts on either side, debating either the dangers of secondhand smoke or the benefits of air-filtration systems. She indicated that opinions from experts have already been heard, and the hearings are for people in Clayton to express their views.

The city is currently processing data from a survey regarding smoking in public places that had been commissioned. The adminstration held a private meeting March 31 with restaurateurs to discuss the potential ban. A new group called the Restaurateurs Alliance of Clayton business owners, headed by Frank Schmitz of tapas restaurant BARcelona, has formed in opposition to the potential ban."

http://www.westendword.com/NC/0/1260.html