Larry Leamon had a cigar in one hand and a leash for his flat-coated retriever in another while taking a stroll Monday night through the streets of downtown Norcross.
He comes here regularly to enjoy the dinner-hour bustle and to watch the train pass through about 9 p.m. But starting next month, Leamon will have to leave the cigar at home.
The Norcross City Council Monday approved a ban of the use of all tobacco products on or near city property, including parks, sidewalks, recreational fields and city buildings, among other places. The ban would includes smokeless tobacco.
The new ordinance would mean the end of designated smoking areas for city employees and the removal of ashtrays on city sidewalks.
City Manager Rudolph Smith said the law won’t go into effect for another month, giving residents and visitors a chance to get informed about the new restrictions.
“It allows us time to make sure that we get signage up in areas,” Smith said. “We’re going to let people know in advance … that this is going to be the protocol.”
According to the law , the minimum fine is $50. The fine for subsequent offenses will double up to a maximum of $800. City employees who violate the ordinance could face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
The only council member to vote against the ban was David McElroy, who argued the ordinance wasn’t necessary and could cause problems for local restaurants and businesses that serve smokers. McElroy also argued against using more city money on attorney’s fees to create such ordinances.
“I really think it could take some of the business out of town,” said McElroy, who said he isn’t a smoker. “I just don’t think we have a need for this.”
Councilman Ross Kaul, who sponsored the law, said he was concerned about the dangers of second-hand smoke and wanted to create a safe and healthy environment in public spaces for non-smokers.
For visitors like Leamon, news of the ordinance was a surprise. Leamon said he understands the argument for limiting smoking in public places but thinks that cities are going too far with the bans.
“I’ve always felt people who smoke have been relegated to the most demeaning places,” he said. “I think this is overstepping by the city.”
Originally written By Joel Anderson, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
