The Ritz Agrees to Pay Fine

February 16, 2011

The Ritz Carlton, St. Louis has agreed to pay a fine of $300 and court costs of $26.50 for violating Clayton’s smoking ban ordinance on Saturday, January 22. The hotel held its annual Cigar Club party in the hotel ballroom on the 22nd. Since the group attending the party was too large for the Cigar Club lounge, which has an exemption, the event was held in the hotel’s ballroom; the ballroom is not exempt from the ban. 

To prevent future misunderstandings of the intent of the City’s ordinance language regarding hotel rooms that can be designated for smoking, Clayton’s Board of Aldermen will review and consider amending the City’s Smoking Ban Ordinance. 

The Ritz Carlton has agreed to comply with the City’s ordinance in the future.