July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Action on ban delayed (12/03/07)
Jay County Commissioners
By By TRAVIS MINNEAR-
Despite urgings today from the health department, Jay County Commissioners decided to postpone a vote on a proposed public smoking ban.
Dr. Stephen Myron, county health officer, addressed benefits and concerns associated with prohibiting smoking. At the heart of his argument was protecting children and others who might be at risk for being exposed to the hazards of second-hand smoke.
Myron said commissioners should take a "leadership stance" and implement at least a partial ban that would affect a large part of public locations in Jay County.
"I think this is definitely the right thing to do," Myron said, adding that at least 30 counties in the state already have taken steps to ban smoking in public areas.
But commissioners only agreed to review material provided by Myron and meet again on the issue in January.
The health officer, accompanied with Dale Widman, health department board president, said this morning that the purpose of a proposed ban is not to infringe on individual rights, but to safeguard the well-being of the majority of residents. Myron cited information from the American Cancer Society that stated 73 percent of Hoosiers do not smoke.
Widman said he recognizes there may be a need for flexibility if commissioners decide to draft an ordinance to ban smoking in public areas. He said the health department may suggest a partial ban in which bars and private clubs that do not serve children are able to allow patrons to smoke.
"We had some people that wanted a total (ban), and I don't think that's the right thing to do," Widman said.
The health department recommended that commissioners ban smoking in public locations in Jay County earlier this year. In July, a public hearing was held to allow citizens to debate this issue. At the meeting, nine people spoke in favor of the ban while 30 others spoke against it, according to a summary presented by the health department.
Myron brought in a "model ordinance" this morning from Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights to present to commissioners with ideas for how a countywide prohibition might look in Jay County. It contained information on where the ban could take place, including distance requirements for outdoor smoking.
Commissioners Milo Miller Jr. and Faron Parr were hesitant to move forward with the recommendations from Myron and Widman. Commissioner Gary Theurer was absent from today's meeting.
Parr said he believes spreading awareness on the dangers of tobacco use could be the most effective measure for public safety.
"I think we definitely need to educate people on smoking, which I think we have been."
Miller said enforcement of a ban could be difficult.
He said forcing county police to ensure businesses are in compliance could take away valuable public-safety resources and cause serious "repercussions." He added that he doesn't want to be "pushing regulations on people," but sees benefits in a partial ban.[[In-content Ad]]
Dr. Stephen Myron, county health officer, addressed benefits and concerns associated with prohibiting smoking. At the heart of his argument was protecting children and others who might be at risk for being exposed to the hazards of second-hand smoke.
Myron said commissioners should take a "leadership stance" and implement at least a partial ban that would affect a large part of public locations in Jay County.
"I think this is definitely the right thing to do," Myron said, adding that at least 30 counties in the state already have taken steps to ban smoking in public areas.
But commissioners only agreed to review material provided by Myron and meet again on the issue in January.
The health officer, accompanied with Dale Widman, health department board president, said this morning that the purpose of a proposed ban is not to infringe on individual rights, but to safeguard the well-being of the majority of residents. Myron cited information from the American Cancer Society that stated 73 percent of Hoosiers do not smoke.
Widman said he recognizes there may be a need for flexibility if commissioners decide to draft an ordinance to ban smoking in public areas. He said the health department may suggest a partial ban in which bars and private clubs that do not serve children are able to allow patrons to smoke.
"We had some people that wanted a total (ban), and I don't think that's the right thing to do," Widman said.
The health department recommended that commissioners ban smoking in public locations in Jay County earlier this year. In July, a public hearing was held to allow citizens to debate this issue. At the meeting, nine people spoke in favor of the ban while 30 others spoke against it, according to a summary presented by the health department.
Myron brought in a "model ordinance" this morning from Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights to present to commissioners with ideas for how a countywide prohibition might look in Jay County. It contained information on where the ban could take place, including distance requirements for outdoor smoking.
Commissioners Milo Miller Jr. and Faron Parr were hesitant to move forward with the recommendations from Myron and Widman. Commissioner Gary Theurer was absent from today's meeting.
Parr said he believes spreading awareness on the dangers of tobacco use could be the most effective measure for public safety.
"I think we definitely need to educate people on smoking, which I think we have been."
Miller said enforcement of a ban could be difficult.
He said forcing county police to ensure businesses are in compliance could take away valuable public-safety resources and cause serious "repercussions." He added that he doesn't want to be "pushing regulations on people," but sees benefits in a partial ban.[[In-content Ad]]
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