Barbecue restaurants and other eateries could face limitations on smoke emissions.[/caption]
UPDATED (4/2/15 2:37 p.m. CST): The resolution was changed by the April 2 meeting to apply to restaurants and food vendors within 100 feet of the nearest property line. The previous draft pertained to businesses within 150 feet of the nearest residence.
UPDATED (3/23/15 12:55 p.m. CST): The resolution to initiate a new city law that would require smoke emissions from restaurants has been moved to the April 2 Austin City Council meeting. The proposal was previously scheduled for the March 26 meeting.
A new city ordinance may be created to restrict grilling methods for barbecue restaurants close to residential areas. Restaurants and mobile food vendors that use a wood- or charcoal-burning stove or grill would be required to install exhaust systems known as "smoke scrubbers" or other devices that mitigate smoke emissions if the business is located within 100 feet of a residential area, according to a proposed resolution sponsored by District 3 Councilman Sabino "Pio" Renteria. The resolution will be considered during the April 2 Austin City Council meeting. The request asks the city manager to craft ordinance language for City Council to consider no later than May 21. The move comes after neighborhood residents near Terry Black's Barbecue on Barton Springs Road andLa Barbecue on East Cesar Chavez reached out to Renteria and other council members with complaints about smoke from the restaurants coming into their homes, Renteria said through a member of his staff. Terry Black's Barbecue is looking into getting a smoke emission device, according to a manager named Mike who would not provide his last name. He said the restaurant is now involved with legal matters regarding the issue with the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association. Kevin Lewis, president of Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association, said there is currently no legal battle between the organization and the restaurant and he is not aware of any related lawsuit that has been filed. It is not the desire of the neighbors to punish a local business, he said. The neighbors affected tried previously to settle the matter by talking with the business owner about their concerns, but no changes have since been made by Terry Black's Barbecue, he said. Ali Clem, general manager of La Barbecue, could not be reached for comment before this article was published. Creating the ordinance would help better the health and quality of life of Austin residents, according to the resolution. Smoke emissions from such business are not currently regulated by any city law.
