Dom Gautrau of Centerville, a lead organizer of the newly-formed group, told the board that there should be no compromise when it comes to public health. In his presentation to the board, Gautrau claimed to represent seniors, parents, waitstaff and restaurant employees, all of whom he believes are not adequately represented within the overall discussion. The board is presently reviewing a proposal from health director Tom McKean that would ban all smoking in restaurant, and require complete walled separation and a ventilation system for combination bar and restaurants. That does not include any other attendant work constructing dividers and the like. Over the summer, subcommittees of both the Barnstable and Yarmouth health boards met with business and restaurant leaders to try and create an agreeable regulation.
Some differences remain between the restaurant owners and the boards, as well as from town to town.
The Barnstable board is expected to take final action on its regulations at its Oct. 26 meeting. The two members present discussed the idea of holding another public hearing prior to that date, but were not sure if it was necessary, given the length of time spent on the issue. Both of the board members present, Susan Rask and Sumner Kaufman, said they were pleased to hear from the citizenry on the issue. Working from recent headlines, Gautrau drew an analogy for the board with the evacuation of millions from the Atlantic seaboard as a precaution against Hurricane Floyd.