Atlantic Station weighs outdoor smoking ban | News

ATLANTA -- Atlantic Station will decide whether to ban outdoor smoking by the end of the week based on comments from customers on Facebook.

With more than 27,000 fans on Facebook, managers at Atlantic Station expected a big response when they asked people to weigh in over the weekend.

"I'd say over two-thirds of the responses that we got were in favor of going smoke-free," said General Manager David Anderson. "We're coming up with a plan to head in that direction."

There are plenty of people who voted "no," suggesting it would hurt business.

But managers said they've been considering the idea for more than a year.

Under Georgia law, smoking is already banned in stores and any bars or restaurants that serve or employ anyone under the age of 18.

The new proposal would apply to all outdoor areas at Atlantic Station, which is private property.

"Is there a downside to a smoking ban?" 11Alive's Jennifer Leslie asked Anderson.

"I don't think so," he said. "To maintain a family, fun, friendly environment, I think there's a place for smoking and making sure we separate that activity to special, designated areas."

In May, the city of Norcross voted to ban smoking in public parks and sidewalks.

That decision had an influence on Atlantic Station managers.

They'll make a decision by the end of the week. If they go with a ban, it could start as early as next week.