Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville could be smoke free for the upcoming summer concert season if a new bill going before the Metro Council gains support.
The bill sponsored by Council Member Dave Rosenberg would ban smoking at the Metro-owned outdoor concert venue, and at Riverfront Park.
“Right now, folks are allowed to smoke wherever they want,“ said Rosenberg, Council Member for District 35. “This legislation would ban that activity so people could be able to enjoy the event in peace, and not walk through a toxic cloud of smoke to get to the concession stand or their seat.”
Rosenberg said he decided to sponsor the bill after hearing so many people complain about cigarette smoke at Ascend Amphitheater during the inaugural season. He said he hoped the bill would ensure everyone can enjoy the venue.
“It’s good for the public health and it just makes sense,” said Rosenberg.
Normally, state law doesn't allow local government to regulate smoking, but the state legislature recently approved legislation that would let Metro ban smoking specifically at Ascend Amphitheater. It is currently waiting on Governor Haslam's signature.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Bo Mitchell and Sen. Steve Dickerson, both from Nashville.
The bill will be presented to Metro Council members on April 19 for the first of three votes. If approved, the smoking ban would go into effect on July 1.
Currently, there are designated smoking areas at both Bridgestone Arena, and Nissan Stadium.
However, since Ascend Amphitheater is completely an outdoor venue, Council Member Rosenberg said it makes the most sense to ban it all together.
