It isn’t just people from Demopolis who visit Roger Roberts’ restaurant. They come from all over the area to have a good dinner and an after-dinner cocktail at The Red Barn.

That’s why it seemed odd to see Roberts’ signature on a no-smoking petition delivered by a group of local restaurants to the Demopolis City Council. At The Red Barn, patrons often visit the upstairs lounge where cigarettes are as common as peanut shells.

At Thursday night’s meeting, Mayor Austin Caldwell read the petition to members of the city council. Immediately, the question about restaurants like The Red Barn arose.

Roberts was quick to point out the details of the petition.

For Roberts, having a restaurant that allows smoking makes for bad business these days.

Other restaurants that signed the petition were: Roberts Family Restaurant, La Gran Fiesta, Ellis V, Almo’s, McDonalds, The Foscue House and Mr. G’s.

Members of the city council made no decision on the petition Thursday, but Caldwell indicated he would ask for a vote at the next scheduled meeting Dec. 4.

In other action at Thursday’s council meeting:

Robertson Bank has given the city of Demopolis the Gary Malone Building and the Library parking lot. Council members quickly approved the gift. The building will be used to house the beautification committee and City Horticulturist Amanda Smith’s office.

Caldwell officially announced the $250,000 Community Development Block Grant given to the city for construction of the Theo Ratliff Community Activity Center.

City offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, in observance of Thanksgiving.