Chatham County Commission To Discuss Proposed Smoking Ban

Chatham County Commission To Discuss Proposed Smoking Ban (Added: February 08, 2012)

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. - County leaders had been considering exemptions for certain businesses, but support for the revised ordinance seems to have changed. (more)

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Bars Preparing for Hit When Smoking Ban Takes Effect

Savannah's smoke-free ordinance went into effect in 2011 and bans smoking at businesses.

By: Tuquyen Mach | WSAV News 3
Published: February 08, 2012
Updated: February 08, 2012 - 11:46 PM

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) --

It's been more than a year since smokers were told they could no longer light up inside Savannah businesses, and soon the "no smoking" policy could extend to unincorporated Chatham County.

But Chatham County commissioners have disagreed about the scope of the "no smoking" ordinance.

The commission at first discussed a smoking ban similar to the one currently in place in Savannah.

The city ordinance went into effect in 2011 and basically bans smoking at businesses around Savannah.

Last month, a divided Chatham County commission directed staff to draft a smoking ban that would exempt tobacco shops, bars serving people ages 21 and up, and private clubs, plus allow e-cigarettes.

But Commissioner Harris Odell, who is also chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chatham County Health Department, said Wednesday he has changed his mind about allowing exemptions.

"We've known for a good period of time that second hand smoke kills. If you're an employee you should not be exposed to a substance that could be toxic," he said.

Odell also points out that adopting an ordinance similar to the city policy would make it easier for police to enforce.

He said the board for the health department approved a resolution Wednesday supporting the smoking ban without exemptions.

The Chatham County Commission is set to hold a first reading of the ordinance at their meeting on Friday.