Georgia
Georgia's state law (Senate Bill 90) went into effect July 1, 2005. The law prohibits smoking in some enclosed public places and workplaces. Smoking is allowed in restaurants and bars that do not admit or employ people under 18 years old. For information, contact the America Lung Association of Georgia at (770) 434-5864.
Georgia
law does not preempt the passage of local smokefree laws. Read
more about current tobacco-related legislation in Georgia.
2013-2014 State Legislative Session: 1/14/2013 - 4/18/2014 (Est.)
State Quitline Number: 1-877-270-STOP (270-7867) or 1-877-2-NO-FUME (266-3863) (Spanish)
American
Cancer Society Quitline: 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
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Smokefree & Related News
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Georgia
Public Health Association recognizes six Bartow residents Burkhart's
tests going smoke-free indoors A one-night stand at Burkhart’s has turned into a week-long trial run that may mean the longtime gay Atlanta bar is getting hitched to the idea of banning smoking indoors. … As many of you know, various establishments are changing their policies in an effort to restrict indoor smoking. We have been monitoring these changes and are ... Aviation
commission votes against smoke-free terminal KSU
Considers Banning Smoking on Campus Midtown
Gay Bars Make Moves to Become Smoke-Free You won't have to worry about smelling like smoke after a night in one of Midtown's gay bars or clubs anymore. Most of them are banning smoking inside or have created designated smoking areas. … What
Do You Think of a Smoke-Free Mary's Bar? Longtime
Atl. bar that fought smoking ban opts to go smoke-free GRU
Campus Set to Go Tobacco Free This Fall Stand
up for a smoke-free campus Manuel's
Tavern to raise prices, change hours ... and be smoke-free by 2014 More
downtown bars opting to ban smoking GRU's
Summerville campus going tobacco-free in the fall Pop
Rocks: Bars ordering up smoke-free nights GRU
Campus Set to Go Tobacco Free This Fall Tobacco
ban in parks approved Smoking
Ban DeKalb
County bans smoking in public parks, service lines DeKalb
County Bans Smoking at Public Parks Georgia
State Bans Smoking and Tobacco Use Tobacco
ban to be implemented in fall of 2014 Health
board pushes for smoking ban in outdoor areas in DeKalb Stolen
Eagle Recovered, Smoking Ban Debate Continues and Suspected Robber Captured
Nearly
half of Ga. school districts tobacco-free Loco's
Grill Under New Ownership, Going Smoke-Free Republican
Ballot Question Could Relight Smoking Ordinance in Augusta LETTER:
We all pay for 2nd-hand smoke you are currently paying $600 per month for their second-hand smoke.
That is what your insurance premiums and taxes are paying today (after
my co-pay and their "volume discount" adjustment) for my COPD
medication. I have never smoked Armstrong
attempts to alleviate need for nicotine Atlanta
Curbs Smoking, Part of Wave of Southern Bans Smoking
ban in parks The Atlanta City Council voted this week to ban smoking in public parks,
joining Alpharetta ... From the size of your soft drink cup to banning
McDonald's Happy Meal toys, .... choice has a negative impact on several
others, it should be banned. … Ban
Smoking in Decatur Parks? Do you think Decatur should take this step and ban smoking in parks? ... Related Topics: City Government, Smoking, Smoking in parks, and smoking bans ... Should
Cobb Ban Outdoor Smoking? Atlanta is one step closer to having smoke-free parks and recreational areas. First, Atlantic Station adopted a smoking ban, and on Monday night, The Atlanta ... Atlanta
passes smoking ban Atlanta's City Council has approved a ban on smoking in the city's parks. Patch
Poll: What's Your Take on the City Parks Smoking Ban? Atlanta City Council votes to ban smoking in public parks. ... The Atlanta City Council approved an ordinance Monday that bans smoking in city parks. Smoke
at Atlanta Pride? That'll cost you $1000 Wan and council colleague Joyce Sheperd pushed through a smoking ban
in a matter of weeks that Mayor Kasim Reed is expected to sign. Then
it'll be a city ... Atlanta
weighs smoking ban for parks, public areas Atlanta officials are moving forward with a plan to ban smoking in
city parks, wading into an issue that has grabbed attention from the
southside to the northern rim of the metro region. … Norcross
City Council Repeals Tobacco Free Ordinance: The council voted 5-0 Monday
to rescind the ordinance that passed in May After a lengthy discussion from the citizens and councilmen, the Norcross
City Council voted 5-0 to repeal the Tobacco Free Ordinance at Monday's
city council meeting. … NORCROSS, GA (CBS ATL/WAOK) - The city of Norcross' smoking ban was
met ... too far banning all tobacco use city wide, and they gave the
council an earful. … Officials say the ban was supposed to go into effect Monday. ... to
scrap the entire ordinance, which would have banned all tobacco use
in the city. ... The council members in February passed a new ordinance
banning smoking in Norcross, ... City
Council Meeting Tonight The Norcross City Council will meet for its July work session and council
meeting Monday. … The tobacco free ordinance, along with other
agenda items, are on the ... Do you think the council will come to a
decision on the Tobacco Free Ordinance? This week a smoking ban kicked off in Norcross after city council approved
the one of a kind ban that includes all city property, even the sidewalks
downtown. … Meeting
Notes: Smoking Ordinance, Millage Rate Councilwoman Susan Coletti said she doesn't like cigarette smoke, and doesn't have a problem with restricting smoking in ... Nash is against a smoking ban.
Norcross
may adjust strict smoking ban before it starts
The city of Norcross was ready to ban smoking outside any public buildings in the city. But now it looks like that ordinance will stop cold turkey. ... Tobacco
Ban Repeal Set for Policy Work Session Monday "After successfully passing the Tobacco Free ordinance, we were
inundated with ... Do you think the council will vote to repeal the
tobacco free ordinance? Atlantic
Station smoking ban passes A proposed smoking ban at the mixed-use development passed Friday.
The ban means that smoking will no longer be allowed in Atlantic Station's
common ... After vetting the question via social media, management at Atlantic
Station has decided to ban smoking in public areas. ... City
Council Meeting Tonight Last Wednesday, Councilman Ross Kaul announced that he has put in a
request to repeal the city's tobacco free ordinance, which bans tobacco
use from all city ... Atlantic Station is considering banning smoking on its property, according
to an ... "We're considering a ban on smoking at Atlantic Station,
but we want your ... So the Midtown mixed-use development turned to its Facebook page: “We're
considering a ban on smoking at Atlantic Station, but we want your opinion
first: ... Councilman
Asks to Repeal Tobacco Free Initiative Councilman Ross Kaul announced at the PDC meeting Wednesday morning
that he has asked the council to repeal the tobacco free ordinance for
its June policy work session. … Many businesses in downtown Norcross have taken part in a petition
against the tobacco-free ordinance that passed during the May city council
meeting. Smoking
bans gain in popularity across metro Atlanta Earlier this month, Norcross approved an ordinance banning use of all
tobacco ... Cobb County is considering a similar measure that would
ban smoking and ... Proposed
Smoking Ban Stinks, Some Say Members of the Stone Mountain city council shared their thoughts --
some of them strong -- on whether a smoking ordinance for the municipality
is a good idea or not during Monday night's work session at City Hall.
… Smoking
area at Houston County Courthouse to be moved The current smoking area is located along the exterior wall under the
... and people must walk through a cloud of secondhand smoke in order
to enter the ... Speak
Out: Will Norcross' Tobacco Ban Do More Harm Than Good? By Sarah Bakhtiari After the news of the tobacco free ordinance passing
at Monday's city council meeting, the city seems to have varying opinions
on whether ... Norcross
residents react to smoking ban at city parks NORCROSS -- Norcross' newest ordinance surely has some smokers fuming, but ask Cheryl Soderholm, and it's fantastic news. Norcross
bans smoking in city parks Councilman David McLeroy didn't support the Tobacco Free Facilities
ordinance. He said he doesn't like to see city money spent on attorney
fees to enforce ... County
parks to go tobacco-free By Colin McCandless Macon County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt an ordinance prohibiting tobacco use in county recreational and park ... Speak
Out: Should Smoking Be Banned in Parks? County-wide
smoking ban will become effective on July 9 During the April meeting of Macon County’s Board of Commissioners, commissioners unanimously approved a county-wide smoking ban at all government owned facilities which are designated for recreational use. All county recreational parks, including the Greenway will now be smoke free. … St. Helen, G.; Bernert, J.T.; Hall, D.B.; Sosnoff, C.S.; Xia, Y.; Balmes, J.R.; Vena, J.E.; Wang, J.S.; Holland, N.T.; Naeher, L.P., "Exposure to secondhand smoke outside of a bar and a restaurant and tobacco exposure biomarkers in non-smokers," Environmental Health Perspectives [Epub ahead of print], April 6, 2012. This secondhand smoke exposure study tested urine and salivary cotinine
samples among nonsmokers who frequented patios and building entrances
of bars and restaurants where smoking is allowed in Athens, Georgia.
The authors found that salivary cotinine and urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol
(NNAL) increased significantly in nonsmokers following outdoor secondhand
smoke exposure, indicating that such exposure may increase the risk
of health effects associated with tobacco carcinogens. DEKALB
CO. | Local universities ban tobacco use Emory, Oglethorpe and Mercer Universities have teamed up to create
tobacco-free campuses, and they're partnering with the DeKalb County
Board of Health. … Breatheasy
Augusta launches education campaign to continue fight for tougher smoke-free
ordinance ... of secondhand smoke at the Augusta Municipal Building on Thursday,
... Their hope is to build momentum for a tougher smoking ordinance
like the one the ... A group of health advocates is calling on Augusta Commissioners to
revisit a proposed ordinance banning smoking in bars and other public
places. … Augusta
smoking ban advocates to launch education campaign Health advocates have scheduled a news conference for 11:30 a.m. Thursday
to respond to the Augusta Commission's rejection of a stricter ordinance
last month and to announce an education plan on the dangers of secondhand
smoke. Duluth
Tobacco Free Signs Unveiled Duluth's tobacco-free policy will be the first in Gwinnett and the
13 th in Georgia. Duluth Parks and Recreation Department Director Kathy
Marelle and ... Councilman
pushes for smoke free Villa Rica EDITORIAL:
Smoking ban: A healthy decision That's why the Chatham County Commission should be credited for voting
7-1 last Friday to adopt a smoke-free ordinance for the county's unincorporated
area. … Chatham County just passed a smoking ban like the one in the City of
Savannah. The Telfair Museums' PULSE Festival hits its stride this weekend,
... The move to ban smoking in Cobb County parks is a move toward reducing
the rights ... then there are any number of other things we should consider
banning. … Blowing
more smoke Bill
that shifts election date leads to political squabbling New
group speaks for small restaurants, bars Smoking
ban passes in Chatham County The Chatham County Commission passed a ban on smoking for the entire county, including incorporated areas in a meeting Friday morning. Supporters
of Chatham County Smoking Ban Hold Rally (more) Chatham County leaders are set to vote this week on a proposal
to ban smoking in bars and other businesses in the unincorporated parts
of the county. Cobb
official seeks smoking ban at parks, on county property Smoking
ban going back to the Augusta Commission with potential tweaks The new ordinance, for instance, would not affect electronic cigarettes.
“It's not a factor in my opinion,” Johnson said. Advocates
for e-cigarettes say ... Could months of work to take on the use of tobacco in Augusta go up
in smoke? ... his bike at May park, he's not so sure about banning smoking
outside here. County
smoking ban: Clear the air Fortunately, Chatham County Commissioner Harris Odell said he plans
make amends today by voting to clear the air and improve the public’s
health. Last month, Mr. Odell came out in opposition of a proposed county
ordinance that would have banned smoking in bars and private clubs in
the county's ... The Chatham County Commission is considering expanding Savannah's existing
smoking ban in businesses in the unincorporated area. (more) A proposal
to ban ... Chatham's
smoking ban could pass with commissioner's added support By Eric Curl Just when smokers thought they could breathe a sigh of
nicotine-tinged relief, a proposed ban on lighting up in certain Chatham
County ... Chatham
County Commission To Discuss Proposed Smoking Ban ... 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. Smoking
Ban Looks At Bars, Cars And The Commission Back Door Augusta
City Leaders Meeting To Tweak Smoking Ban Ordinance Wednesday, Augusta city leaders are finetuning an ordinance to ban smoking in all public buildings, including bars. The proposed plan would also make it ... Indoor
pollution levels greater in Augusta bars that allow smoking, according
to researchers No
Smoking Ordinance Met with Debate in Chatham County Olens
travel tab paid by tobacco lobbyist Before he won election to the attorney general's office last fall,
Sam Olens talked tough about ethics in state government. ... Chatham
considers smoking ban similar to Savannah's Bar owners outside the city in Chatham County’s unincorporated
area may soon see for themselves what impact a ban would have. ... Commissioners
Approve Tobacco-Free Parks Designation Officials accepted the move to tobacco-free parks without discussion,
having considered the idea since October when it was first proposed
by members of the ... Georgia
launches state-wide tobacco-free campaign Middle and high school students from across the state gathered at the
Georgia National Fair Grounds Nov. 11-12 to launch a statewide, youth-led
campaign to establish 100% tobacco-free schools policies in Georgia's
public schools. ... Board
Says More Discussion Needed On Tobacco-Free Parks Proposal Oconee
County leaders eye smoking ban in parks Augusta
mayor pro tem floats exempting bars from smoking ban Augusta's push to ban smoking in public places like bars and clubs is now getting push-back from state interest groups. The added heat has some city leaders ... Augusta
smoking ordinance sent back for revisions Some
Augusta bars don't fear proposed smoking ban “I’ve noticed people over the years are smoking less and
less,” said Greenfield, a former smoker. ... VIDEO:
Second Public Meeting On Proposed Smoking Ban To Be Held Tuesday Tougher new smoking regulations could be on the way in the Garden City.
As we first told you, new regulations would ban smoking in all public
places. I spoke with a few local folks across the CSRA and found out
what they thought about this possible new law. ... Macon
Smoking-Ordinance Backers to Try Again Smoke-free
advocates, opponents air opinions at hearing Augusta
leaders want community input on possible smoking ban
"You can't smoke in bars out there. Out here, it was a nice change of pace for me." Commissioner Jerry Brigham is encouraging people to attend upcoming ... Smoking
ordinance fizzles in Macon city committee
A revised ordinance against smoking in restaurants, bars and other places ... and said they expected a ban on smoking in bars to cause serious losses. ... Rader:
Smoking Vote a Disappointment: The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners'
Sept. 13 decision to vote down a proposal to ban smoking in all public
places, including parks and all businesses, was disheartening
The primary mission of government is to protect the “health, safety and welfare” of its constituents, so the good health of DeKalb County’s citizens should be one of the Board of Commissioners’ (BOC) highest priorities. ... Advocates,
opponents argue merits of tighter Augusta smoking ban ... Proponents of a potentially tougher smoking ban in Augusta are encouraged by its close resemblance to model legislation that should make ... Public
Hearing On Proposed Richmond County Smoking Ban Rescheduled A public hearing on a proposed smoking ban in Richmond County has been rescheduled. (more) A public hearing on a proposed smoking ban in Richmond County has ...
Macon
business owners meet, decry possible smoking ban About 10 business owners attended a meeting Monday to discuss how to combat a proposed smoking ban by the city of ... Macon
business owners discuss possible smoking ban About 10 business owners attended a meeting Monday to discuss how to combat a proposed smoking ban by the city of Macon. ... Round
Two For Council and Smoking Law Smoking
law proposal to be aired Thursday Macon
Council to Hold Hearing on Smoking Ordinance Lorra Lynch Jones sat down with Councilwoman Jaime Kaplan, a supporter
of the ordinance, and Adrenaline Nightclub Manager James Holden, who
is against it, ... DeKalb
County smoking ban fails to pass Patch
Asks: Do You Support a Smoking Ban in DeKalb County? (VIDEO) Macon
City Council committee tables smoking ordinance, deals with ... Swinging
Richards bans smoky butts on Wed's Some love to smoke in a bar as much as others love to bitch about those
who do. ... list of gay bars willing to ban smoking – at least
for one night a week. ... Smoking
down in US; Augusta restrictions on hold The decline in smoking among American adults has slowed but the rate
is still going down, in part due to smoking bans, the Centers for Disease
... Smoking
ban to get second look City
outdoor smoking regulations nearer DeKalb
County Commissioners: Why Doesn't The Safety Of Bar & Nightclub
Employees Count? DeKalb
expected to snuff smoking ban proposal Macon
council confirms new city attorney New
Richmond County ordinance could ban smoking in bars, nightclubs Augusta
smoking ordinance moves forward The Augusta Commission is moving forward with drafting a potentially
tougher smoking ordinance, but the public will get its say first. ... Group
hits roadblock on tougher smoking ordinance It was one step forward, two steps back Tuesday in the quest for a tougher smoking ordinance in Augusta, but health advocates vowed to push on. ... Board
of Health endorses extended smoking ban Advocates such as the American Cancer Society have formed a coalition that is ... in bars and restaurants by American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation. ... Smoking
ban for Tobesofkee rejected DeKalb
mulls expanded smoking ban Columbia
County extends smoking ban The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved a revision to an anti-smoking ordinance Tuesday that now bans lighting up a cigarette, even outdoors, on most county-owned properties. The revision received initial approval earlier ... Macon
council panel squabbles over rules E-Cigarette
Users Battle Smoking Ban Macon-Bibb
smoking ordinance makes more sense Smoking
rules make comeback Two weeks after getting stubbed out on the floor of Macon City Council
chambers, an ordinance to further tighten anti-smoking rules is ready
to ignite again -- with some changes and possible cooperation with Bibb
County. ... Smoking
ban snuffed out as Macon council fails to overturn veto The vote means the smoking ban that would have prevented anyone from lighting up in various places, including Macon's bars, won't take effect later this .. Macon
council members plan to seek override of smoking ban veto Macon City Council will attempt Tuesday night to override Mayor Robert
Reichert’s veto of new smoking rules, council members decided Monday.
... Macon
smoking ban could be altered - or even vetoed Macon,
Ga. mayor mulls new smoking ordinance Macon
Smoke Ban Causes Chaos DeKalb
Considers Tougher Smoking Ban Macon,
Ga. council approves tougher smoking rules It doesn't ban smoking in vehicles or on streets and sidewalks, though
it does prohibit smokingclose to the entrances of streetside businesses.
… Macon
smoking ban hits snag Study:
70 Percent Support Macon Smoking Ban According to a University of Georgia survey, 70 percent of people living
in Bibb County say they support banning smoking in public buildings.
... Pluses,
minuses in smoking ban Smoking
limits on Macon horizon Savannah
adjusts to smoking ban in bars, restaurants No
Smoking in Savannah Bars this St. Patrick's Day As you take a sip of that green beer you may feel the urge to light
one up. ... Posters are going up in Savannah to make sure St. Patrick's Day visitors know something's changed since last year - lighting up a cigarette is no longer allowed in the city's bars and pubs. ... Volunteers
to distribute "Ireland is smoke free, and so are we" posters
to Savannah bars Alpharetta
moves to outlaw smoking in parks The Alpharetta City Council gave preliminary approval to a tobacco ban at the city's six parks and along its more than six miles of greenway trails. ... Alpharetta
may ban smoking at city parks Businesses
Must Enforce New Smoking Ban, Not PD SAVANNAH, GA -- Business operators, and not Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police, will be the primary enforcers of the City of Savannah’s new Smokefree Air Ordinance. SCMPD Police Chief Willie Lovett said his officers will enforce the law by issuing citations when patrons of businesses refuse to comply with the ordinance, but they will not be patrolling restaurants and bars in search of violators. “We will issue citations when the business owners alert us that
patrons are refusing to abide by the ordinance, but we do not have the
manpower to seek out these violations,” Lovett said ... CITY
TALK: Smoking ban comes at tough time ...The new year brings an added pressure for Savannah's bars and some restaurants. The city's new smoking ordinance went into effect on Jan. 1, leaving many bar owners nervous about the bottom line. I have a reputation for being a bit of a pessimist about the economy (I'd call myself a realist, but no matter), but I remain confident that bars will come through the transition in good shape. Maybe even in better shape. I wish I had kept track of the hundreds of times in recent years friends and acquaintances have complained to me about smoke in the bars where I hang out. I know any number of people who swear they'd drop into bars - for music, for conversation, for relaxation - more often if they were smoke free ... New
Year, no smoke once city ordinance takes effect Savannah
bans smoking in bars starting Jan. 1 Effective Jan. 1, under an ordinance approved Thursday by City Council, the era of smoke-filled bars will be gone. Cigarette smoke will vanish, too, from a host of other public spaces and buildings that still allowed smoking under exemptions to the 2005 Georgia Clean Air Act. Savannah's ordinance was endorsed by Mayor Otis Johnson and initiated by Healthy Savannah, the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association, who stressed its value in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. "It's a big win," said Amy Hughes, chairwoman of Smoke Free Savannah, a subcommittee of Healthy Savannah. The next step, she said, will be applying for a $25,000 state grant that would pay for educational materials, cigarette-butt receptacles, signs and smoking-cessation classes. ... Hughes:
A smoke-free city is a healthy city It hasn't been that long since it was considered both legal and acceptable to light up a cigarette in restaurants. Thanks to statewide clean air laws, society has come to accept that someone who wants to smoke in restaurants and other public places simply needs to step outside. Unfortunately when the legislature passed the Georgia Smoke-free Air Act in 2005, special interest lobbyists attached themselves to lawmakers like remora on a big fish, and the final bill included loopholes big enough to drive a cigarette truck through. ... Savannah
smoking ban moves forward Savannah's City Council already seemed aware of the countless studies that show secondhand smoke is dangerous. But they still politely listened Thursday afternoon to nearly a dozen advocates for creating a smoke-free Savannah who offered statistics proving the lethality of secondhand smoke. Likewise, the mayor and aldermen seemed well aware of how important it is to business owners for the city to properly define "reasonable distance" and "outdoor common areas" in any ordinance that would restrict smoking in restaurants and bars, from downtown to Savannah's southside and all points in between. And yet, despite several public hearings and countless e-mails, letters and phone calls from constituents both for and against the measure, some new concerns surfaced during the ordinance's first reading. Such as, who is responsible for enforcing these rules? And what if restaurant owners or managers feel uncomfortable taking on that enforcement role? And who would enforce smoke-free policies when it comes to large public
gatherings, such as outdoor concerts the Savannah College of Art and
Design sponsors at Forsyth Park at the end of each school year. ... Smoking
ban: clearing the air THE QUESTION about whether Savannah bars should go smokeless isn't a case of restricting rights for businesses that cater to the public. Instead, it's a matter of boosting public health. For that reason, we support the effort to snuff out smoking inside local drinking establishments. Clearing the air - literally - will be a breath of fresh air for many workers forced to breathe secondhand smoke as a condition of their employment and for customers who don't like to mix their Jack Daniels with the Marlboro Man. At the same time, however, we encourage Savannah City Council to be sensible about how the proposed restriction would be applied. A measure to ban smoking is bars is expected to be introduced at today's scheduled City Council meeting and have its first reading. The council has already held two public meetings on the proposal. Thus no one can accuse elected officials of not giving everyone in the hospitality industry an opportunity to voice their opinions. Here's ours: Pass the ordinance. It's a logical extension of the city's
1994 ordinance that requires smoke-free areas in restaurants and public
places and a similar statewide law adopted in 2005. ... Savannah
may revise smoking ban SAVANNAH, GA. — Savannah is weighing changes to its stringent smoking ban. A proposal slated to be weighed Thursday will cut in half the distance smokers need to be from outdoor common or seating areas and entrances — from 20 feet to 10 feet. The definition of a playground would be more clearly defined and the
fine for violating the ordinance would be raised from $50 to $100. ... Changes
Proposed for Savannah's Smoking Ordinance Some changes are being proposed to Savannah's controversial smoking ban. News Three has learned at the city council meeting on Thursday a "relaxed" ordinance will be presented. One of the most noticeable changes is the distance smokers need to be from outdoor common or seating areas and entrances. Previously it was 20 feet ...now the proposed distance is 10. The definition of a playground was also changed... before it was rather
vague...now it's an area that specifically has play or sports equipment.
... Third
hearing on Smoke-Free Savannah ordinance set The city of Savannah will hold one last public hearing Aug. 12 on Smoke-Free Savannah, the day the ordinance is read for the first time. City officials say the strict smoking ban, which would eliminate smoking in all businesses, including bars, hookah and cigar bars, and outdoor seating areas, plus outlaw smoking 20 feet from any entrance, could see some changes after the first reading of the ordinance. Two previous public hearings on the issue raised questions about the implimentation [sic] of the law in Savannah, and some city council members have told WTOC they would like to see a compromise, eliminating the ban on smoking 20 feet from any entrance, plus outdoor seating and for businesses, like hookah bars, who are already in business. "Our product is not tobacco. It is 0% nicotine, 0% tar," Tony Marsid told WTOC. ... Vox
Populi: "I thought I was going to have to buy saddles for mosquitoes
... City
Passes Ordinance to Prohibit Tobacco Sales to Minors The ordinance covers all kinds of tobacco products containing biologically
active amounts of nicotine. It specifically states that retailers are
responsible for determining the age of anyone attempting to purchase
tobacco products. Vending machines dispensing tobacco will be prohibited
in retail establishments unless the business limits admission to anyone
age 18 and over. ... Proposed
Smoking Ban Draws Large Crowd at Town Hall Meeting A proposal to limit where smokers in Savannah can light up continued to draw loud support and opposition Wednesday night. The proposed ordinance would ban smoking in all Savannah workplaces, including bars. Areas within 20 feet of business entrances, playgrounds, bus stops, and outdoor restaurant seating would also be off limits. About 30 people lined up at the city's quarterly town hall meeting Wednesday night to voice their opinion. Several business owners have raised both economic and safety concerns about the plan. ... Smoking
ordinance discussed in Moulton Hookah
Bars Worries About Possible Smoking Ban In Savannah there are a pair of hookah bars. At the Mirage it's lunch and dinner during the day, hookah late nights. The owners told me they have only been open about 5 months, and when they applied for a business license, no one told them about a possible ban. Mirage says get rid of the hookah and you made end their business. They make about 25%t of their money off the 10pm and later smoking. . . . And while there are nearly 1000 ingredients and chemicals in cigarettes, Middle Eastern's owner, points out the hookah tobacco is much more natural, and not as harmful. He says most folks just come in to try a hookah once or twice, relax and enjoy. And don't keep smoking afterwards. As for business, it wouldn't destroy his business, but he says most of Middle Eastern's hookah customers are tourists. The ban it would affect his bottom line, a lot. ... Public
Hearing On Proposed Savannah Smoking Ordinance Changes Savannah's City Council is considering a very controversial change
to the city's smoking ordinance that would ban smoking in many places
where it is now allowed. On Wednesday - the first of several public
hearings on the proposed changes was held at City Hall. More than a
dozen people stood up to speak at the meeting - many downtown business
owners - by far the majority speaking out against the proposed changes.
... Savannah's
smoking rules may tighten Smoke-filled bars and the cigar-laden air in private clubs could vanish into cleaner air if a new ordinance endorsed by Mayor Otis Johnson passes. Johnson is supporting an initiative from Healthy Savannah, the American Lung Association and other organizations that would close loopholes in the 2005 Georgia Clean Air Law. The Savannah proposal would eliminate smoking in all bars and restaurants, private clubs, retail tobacco stores and long-term care facilities. It also would prohibit smoking within 15 feet of the entrance of any public building. Under the 2005 law, bars and restaurants that do not hire or allow access to minors may continue to allow smoking, as can establishments that have private rooms with separate air-handling systems for smoke. City
vehicles go smokeless Mayor
Proposes Making Savannah Smoke-Free SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Smokers may not be able to light up inside public buildings around Savannah under a proposed smoking ban. Smoking would be banned in all public buildings around Savannah, including bars, if the city council approves. Mayor Otis Johnson launched the Healthy Savannah initiative in 2007, with a goal of making the city a healthier place to live by 2012. Johnson said achieving that goal means Savannah needs to take on the issue of smoking and the dangers to the health of smokers and non-smokers. "If someone in 2010 doesn't understand the dangers of smoking
and they want to smoke, then they have a right to kill themselves if
they want to, but they don't have the right to kill other people,"
said the mayor. Roswell
close to ban on smoking in parks The Roswell City Council changed direction Monday night and approved a total ban on smoking in city parks. The council voted for the ban after considering different ways to limit park smoking, such as requiring people to light up in parking lots or inside their cars with the windows rolled up. The city's Recreation Commission urged a total ban. . . . In the metro area, the city of Marietta and Clayton and Henry counties have enacted total smoking bans in parks. No
ifs, ands or cigarette butts Among the topics of discussion during the Healthy Savannah Initiative’s first community health forum, hosted at the Civic Center two weeks ago, was the desire to strengthen the restrictions on smoking put in place by the Georgia Smoke Free Air Act of 2005, which banned smoking in most restaurants and workplaces across the state. The state law left open several loop holes, including exceptions for bars, as well as some restaurants with designated smoking areas. “We’d like to close that loophole because of the dangers of second hand smoke, particularly to the employees,” says Cristina Gibson, the Director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention with the Coastal Health District (CHD). “There is no risk free level of exposure to second hand smoke.” In the battle against lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema, among others, the Healthy Savannah Initiative (HSI), with help from the CHD and the foundation Americans for Non–Smokers’ Rights, would like to join the hundreds of communities across the country that have nixed smoking from bars and restaurants. “Our goal is to get to city council this month with a model ordinance,”
says Paula Kreissler, owner of the Wound Care Clinic and incoming chairperson
of the HSI. “That’s the whole push here. Second hand smoke
is what’s driving all this. ... Georgia
prisons ordered to kick smoking The smokers among Georgia’s nearly 60,000 prison inmates will soon have to snuff out their cigarette butts for good. Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens has ordered all state prisons smoke-free by the end of the year, with the first three prisons instituting bans this month. It’s a move that has been tried in the past and comes after most
of Georgia’s county jails have been smoke-free for years. ... Dalton
State goes tobacco-free Dalton State College has joined the ranks of other tobacco free campuses in the University System of Georgia. "Our original plan wasn't to do that," said student body
president Daniel Sanchez. "What we really wanted to do was what
the students wanted." Study
raises concerns about outdoor second-hand smoke Indoor smoking bans have forced smokers at bars and restaurants onto outdoor patios, but a new University of Georgia study in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that these outdoor smoking areas might be creating a new health hazard. The study, thought to be the first to assess levels of a nicotine byproduct known as cotinine in nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke outdoors, found levels up to 162 percent greater than in the control group. The results appear in the November issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. "Indoor smoking bans have helped to create more of these outdoor environments where people are exposed to secondhand smoke," said study co-author Luke Naeher, associate professor in the UGA College of Public Health. "We know from our previous study that there are measurable airborne levels of secondhand smoke in these environments, and we know from this study that we can measure internal exposure. "Secondhand smoke contains several known carcinogens and the current thinking is that there is no safe level of exposure," he added. "So the levels that we are seeing are a potential public health issue." Athens-Clarke County, Ga., enacted an indoor smoking ban in 2005, providing Naeher and his colleagues and ideal environment for their study. ... Roswell
oks law limiting smoking in parks The Roswell City Council approved an ordinance Monday that says smokers will only be able to light up in designated areas of city parks. ... State
to ban tobacco use in prisons Joining their colleagues at the Department of Mental Health, state prison officials said Monday that they, too, plan to ban the use of tobacco at Department of Corrections facilities. Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday that the agency will begin a phase-out of tobacco use beginning Jan. 1. “It’s 2010 in a few days and it’s time to do the right thing,” Owens said. Unlike Mental Health, which told the AJC that it will implement a total smoking ban in all seven state mental hospitals on Jan. 5, Owens said that beginning Jan. 1 smoking and tobacco use will be banned at two diagnostic facilities where inmates are evaluated after being transferred from county jails to the state prison system. Then, on July 1, 2010, the Augusta State Medical Prison — where
the system’s sickest inmates are housed — will go tobacco
free, followed by a total tobacco ban in all state prisons beginning
Dec. 1. ... State
bans smoking in mental hospitals The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has learned that the state plans to ban smoking in the seven state mental hospitals on Jan. 5, a steep challenge considering the high percentage of smokers among those with mental illness. But Tom Wilson, spokesman for the state Department of Behavioral Health
and Developmental Disabilities, said the measure will make the patients
and facilities healthier. He also said the ban could advance patients'
treatment, helping them to give up an often addictive habit. Kennesaw
OKs subdivision plans; Powder Springs eyes smoking ban Powder Springs Smoking
ban back to drawing board Smokers got a reprieve to continue smoking in Roswell's city parks. The Roswell City Council voted unanimously a couple of weeks ago to ban smoking in the city parks, but now they can't agree whether to let folks smoke in their cars, in the parking lot or just a total ban. One difficulty arose over what is the definition of a vehicle – could that include a motorcycle or a bicycle? Councilwoman Becky Wynn wanted "to nail that down." Mayor Jere Wood repeated his concern that without a designated place for smokers – either in their cars or in the parking lots – the city would be driving folks away. ... Roswell
bans smoking in city parks Following the lead of other metro communities, Roswell passed an ordinance banning smoking on city park property except in specially designated areas. The city Recreation Commission, with aim of promoting healthier lifestyles, brought the ordinance forward for council approval. Asked where those "designated smoking areas" might be, Recreation and Parks Director Joe Glover said "in the patrons' cars." Not only that, the ordinance submitted by the Recreation Commission also stated that smokers must light up with the windows up. Councilwoman Becky Wynn asked if that wasn't going just a little too
far. ... Marietta
considers expanding smoking ban in parks Marietta smokers might run out of places to light up in the future. The city is considering expanding its non-smoking ban to all parks. It started with Glover Park inside Marietta Square. Last month, the city council banned smoking in the small area after many citizens complained. But why stop there? Councilwoman Holly Walquist. WALQUIST: "It was a council person or two who had mentioned at that time that they wanted us to address banning smoking in all of our city parks." Marietta has 22 parks. But parks director Richard Buss might only recommend
a total ban in some of them. ... Marietta
to consider smoking ban in city parks Marietta City Council banned smoking in the Square's Glover Park earlier this month. The council's Judicial Legislative Committee will consider expanding that ban to all 21 city parks when it meets Wednesday. Councilman Philip Goldstein, who chairs the committee, said he is open to a smoking ban in all city parks, but wants to hear what other council members say. "You have areas that have children's playgrounds and other folks at parks, and smoke is problematic for some folks," Goldstein said. ... Atlanta's
'green' building ordinance to be tough on smokers? On Tuesday, July 28, an Atlanta City Council committee will discuss the long-planned “sustainable building ordinance,” a beast of a bill that dictates green-building standards for new construction. Supporters say it could make Atlanta one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the country. The legislation — which has been in the works since last summer — is a key part of the Sustainable Atlanta Initiative, a multi-pronged approach to meet Mayor Shirley Franklin’s goal to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. (PDF of Sustainable Building Ordinance) Included in the ordinance are water-conservation measures, energy-efficiency guidelines, material requirements and various other green-building standards. ... Marietta
bans smoking in Glover Park The Marietta City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to ban smoking in Marietta Square’s Glover Park. Council members voted on the ban a week after they received complaints
about excessive smoking on the square during a concert. The ban was
sponsored by council members Annette Lewis and Holly Walquist. ... Smoke
free now includes all Gainesville city parks GAINESVILLE - It is now against the law to smoke in a Gainesville City Park. City Council passed the no smoking amendment to its Recreation and
Parks ordinance Tuesday morning during their regular voting session. Long time 'smoke free' advocate, Councilman George Wangemann, called it a victory. "This is a great victory for Gainesville and its citizens,"
Wangemann said. "This is a pro-health ordinance and I think most
people should be very pleased with what we've done here today." 'No
smoking' signs may go up in Gainesville rec areas We're
halfway there The story, stripped across the top of an inside page of The Telegraph, reported what legitimately can be described as a "national milestone." "For the first time in the nation's history," the Associated Press story said, "more than half of Americans live in a city or state with laws mandating that workplaces, restaurants or bars be smoke-free, according to Americans for Nonsmokers' rights." The article, published Jan. 20, explained that 30 years after the organization began as a "quirky" movement in Berkeley, Calif., the push to ban public smoking had achieved a "national milestone." Loganville
given award for strong anti-smoking law On Thursday, the mayor and council were presented with the "100 Percent Smoke-Free Award of Excellence" from Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, a national nonprofit based in California. The plaque was presented to city officials by Smoke-Free Gwinnett on behalf of the national organization. The award recognizes communities that implement
smoke-free indoor air laws, protecting workers and patrons from exposure to second-hand
smoke. |
Mayor
Gene Matthews and the Loganville, GA City Council receive the ANR 100% Smokefree
Award of Excellence in October 2003 for Loganville's 100% smokefree workplace
and restaurant law.Smokefree
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