Smokers, including those using electronic smokeless cigarettes, can no longer light up on Bullitt County government property.
The county’s fiscal court approved a smoking ban Wednesday 4-1, with some residents saying the new measure doesn’t go far enough.The ordinance says using tobacco products within "15 feet of any public entry or exit point." This includes the use of cigarettes, cigars, tobacco pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff and e-cigarettes.Supporting magistrate Bob Hunt says the law extends to 10 county buildings, but many want the ban to reach all public places, including bars and restaurants.“I think there’s a push for it out there. I can see it coming. I would probably vote for it," he says.Hunt says he doesn’t think a smoking ban would hurt businesses (there are several studies on the subject, but some caution using them to enact policy - see this article from Forbes) but past efforts to extend the ban have failed.The Bullitt County Board of Health approved a regulation in 2011 banning smoking in all public places. But the board’s power to enact the regulation has been legally challenged. The case is pending before the Kentucky Supreme Court.(Image via Shutterstock)
