Atlantic Station Announces Smoking Ban in Public Areas

In a press release Friday, North American Properties and CBRE Global Investors announced that they will soon begin enforcing a smoking ban in public areas of Atlantic Station, its mixed-use development located in the heart of Midtown.

Last weekend, Atlantic Station began asking for opinions on whether to prohibit smoking in the development on its Facebook page, and the news release indicated it had received overwhelming feedback in favor of a smoke-free environment.

It is not exactly clear when the smoking ban will go into effect, but it will be before the BB&T Atlanta Open tennis tournament begins at Atlantic Station on July 14.

When the ban begins, smoking will no longer be permitted in Atlantic Station’s common areas, including the Central Park green space and sidewalks. Non-smoking policies may vary for restaurants with al fresco dining areas. Designated smoking areas, placed around the perimeter of the property in order to continue accommodating all guests, will be identified with “Smoking Spot” signs.

Since acquiring the development in late 2010, North American Properties has used social media as a tool to communicate with the community. According to the release, feedback has driven decisions ranging from parking improvements to new retailers to special events.

Since posing the question to its Facebook followers less than a week ago, almost 600 people have commented on the possibility of a smoking ban at Atlantic Station.

“We asked the community what they wanted and it was clear they supported a smoke-free shopping and entertainment experience,” David Anderson, general manger at Atlantic Station, said in a news release. “We want Atlantic Station to be a place where families can enjoy themselves and we’d love to see Midtown become an even healthier community.”

What do you think about this decision to ban smoking in Atlantic Station's common areas?