Title
Proclamation thanking the Kiva Han Coffeehouse for serving as a pioneer in the industry by voluntarily enacting a non-smoking policy over five years ago.
Body
WHEREAS, on January 2, 2007, Allegheny County Council adopted an ordinance to prohibit smoking in certain public places and workplaces, and providing for penalties for violations; and
WHEREAS, on May 22, 2007, Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court declared that Allegheny County's ban on smoking in public places is preempted by Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act and is therefore, null and void; and
WHEREAS, the Kiva Han Coffeehouse, a chic coffeehouse with two locations in Oakland, Pennsylvania, decided to continue to protect the health of its employees and customers by remaining a smoke-free establishment, even after the Commonwealth Court's ruling; and
WHEREAS, we commend Mr. John Mutchka, owner of the Kiva Han Coffeehouse, for being a pioneer in the industry by banning smoking some five years ago, and for having the courage to voluntarily ban smoking thereby protecting workers and patrons alike;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize and thank Mr. John Mutchka and the Kiva Han Coffeehouse for offering a smoke-free environment which will protect both employees and customers against the harmful exposure to secondhand smoke.