Orange County bans smoking in public places

Orange County, N.C. — Orange County has officially banned smoking in public places.

The Board of County Commissioners voted 6-1 on Tuesday to approve the smoking ban for property owned by county and municipal governments, including parks and sidewalks. The ban also extends to private property where the public is invited.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and other state-owned facilities will continue to operate under existing smoking regulations, officials said.

"This is about education and empowerment," said Dr. Colleen Bridger, director of the Orange County Health Department. "What we really want is to make sure that we're helping people understand where smoking is allowed and where smoking isn't allowed."

The idea of the ban first surfaced two years ago, when a group of high school students approached the Board of health with the request. A public hearing on the issue was held Oct. 24.

"I am just grateful that the citizens of Orange County will have fresh air to breathe when they are in public places," County Commissioner Steve Yuhasz said.

The ban will take effect July 1, with a six-month educational period beginning Jan. 1. The fine for violating the ban will be $25.

Learn more about the ban online.

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"When standing near a fat person puts me at risk of dieing of obesity I will support such a ban one hundred percent. piene2

So how do you feel about all these folks burning leaves this time of the year Ms. Sensitivity? Rabbitdog"

I do not have much use for them. It is simply a lowlife action. Aside from releasing all the normal carcinogenics it also releases particulate matter that is very damaging. Also I find it amusing that people rake and burn leaves than go out and buy harmful chemicals to enrich their soil. It makes a lot more sense to simply run over the leaves with a mulching mower and return the nutrients to the soil. The Environmental Protection Agency agrees. http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/burn/leafburn2.html

By the way, it is Mister Sensitivity.

piene2
November 23, 2012 9:19 a.m.

"Let's ban being fat in public too, henryk"

When standing near a fat person puts me at risk of dieing of obesity I will support such a ban one hundred percent. piene2

So how do you feel about all these folks burning leaves this time of the year Ms. Sensitivity?

NCHighlander
November 21, 2012 6:56 p.m.

"Next up, Smokers will have to wear a yellow S sewn on their clothing for easy identification. Whatelseisnew"

That is not necessary at all. The stench that smokers emit is worse than that of a bus station Men's room that has not been cleaned in a month. There is no problem at all in identifying smokers.

piene2
November 21, 2012 5:09 p.m.

"Let's ban being fat in public too, henryk"

When standing near a fat person puts me at risk of dieing of obesity I will support such a ban one hundred percent.

piene2
November 21, 2012 5:06 p.m.

I am just grateful that the citizens of Orange County will have fresh air to breathe when they are in public places,"

Only when you are outside is the air really fresh. Yet there are these certain people who messes with that. In a close building or room, I can certainly see that. No pleaseing these people. Next they will have you paying to use the public restroom. LOL

charmcclainlovesdogs2
November 21, 2012 4:57 p.m.