Stricter Public Smoking Ban in Durham

The reminders of Durham’s smoking history are all associated with the Bull City with such famous brand names as Lucky Strike, Kent and Camel. But as the comprehension of the hazards of tobacco use and second-hand smoke spreads, that history disappears. “I remember those times when people freely smoked in stores and shopping centers,” Durham County Health Director Gayle Harris stated in an interview.

Now we can face a totally different picture. The changes started in 1993 when government authorities adopted a smoking ordinance restricting the number of places where smokers can light up in public. The restriction were strengthened even more several years ago when the state law too effect, prohibiting tobacco use in restaurants and other establishments. The state also enables local government with more authority and namely the right to prohibit smoking in other places. At present, Harris is making everything to do just that.

“We are known as the City of Medicine, and we would like to be also known as the community of health,” Harris said. The Durham City Council and county Board of Commissioners are discussing a possible ban on smoking in public places, as recreational facilities, playgrounds or within at least 150 feet of them, in case of infringement smokers will have to pay a fine at the rate of about $50. Durham residents are in favor of the given idea. “It is a public health issue for all of us, so if there are some possibilities to protect our children, then it is a very good thing,” she stated.

The advised ban would also cover city and various county buildings, along with the sidewalks outside them as well as bus stops and via offices. “We selected bus stops and sidewalks, as a lot of population are exposed to second-hand smoke namely in these places,” Harris said. Some people state that the given proposal is too severe.

“They have already prohibited smoking in many places, but to not have the right to smoke in a public area, this is ridiculous, I am against that,” stated Durham resident Kevin Boggs. Harris states limiting places where people can light up is a way of protecting the community. “It is not right to expose people to secondhand smoke,” Harris said. Now, she will expect the decision of local leaders on this matter. The City Council considered the given idea a week ago, but didn’t vote on it. Commissioners could launch discussions in the next months. The proposal needs approval of both bodies in order to become law.