Local

Kennesaw City Council Considers Plan to Limit Smoking

September 18th, 2013

The Smoker by Jacob Garcia via flickr.com / http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacobgarcia/2724818/

The Kennesaw City Council is considering a plan that would make smoking off limits nearly everywhere in the city besides most private residences. The proposal is in the early stages, but if passed, the city would be the first in Cobb County to ban smoking in all privately-owned indoor work places.

Under the draft ordinance, smoking would be prohibited in all of the city’s public places and workplaces, including bars. Currently, Kennesaw smokers can still light up outside buildings, in the parking lots of city parks and in bars with walled off areas or who serve those over the age of 18. City council member Chris Eaton-Welsh has proposed the draft ordinance and supports the plan for health reasons.

“The second-hand smoke issue is a big deal especially in our parks and in our buildings. I have no problem with personal freedoms, but when your personal freedoms interfere with my lungs we have a problem.”

Before moving forward with the proposal, the council will hear from county health officials during its next work session. After that, Eaton-Welsh says the council would likely set up forums and take public comments for several months.

“We’re really just trying to start the conversation more than anything right now and speak to our business owners, speak to our citizens and see how they feel about this and see if this something we should do in our community.”

Eaton-Welsh has yet to hear from any residents who oppose the idea. WABE contacted a number of bars that could be affected by the proposal but was unable to reach their owners.