Mississippi
The Mississippi Legislature enacted House Bill 132 in March and on July 1, 2006, all government buildings in Mississippi became smokefree.
Numerous Mississippi communities, including Meridian, Hattiesburg, the SEC cities of Ole Miss (Oxford) and Mississippi State University (Starkville), and even the smaller cities such as Greenville and little Metcalfe, already have strong smokefree workplace protections...with many more on the way.
Mississippi law does not preempt the passage of local smokefree laws. Read more about current tobacco-related legislation in Mississippi.
2013 State Legislative Session: 1/8/2013 - 4/7/2013
State Quitline Number: 1-800-244-9100
American
Cancer Society Quitline: 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
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Smokefree & Related News
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City
snuffs smoking ban expansion ($$) Ban
on smoking would hurt casinos, gaming exec says ($$) McComb
residents speak out on broader smoking ban proposal Small
turnout for smoking-ban hearing in Pascagoula Pascagoula
smoking ban proposal gets opposition Pascagoula
council eyes no-smoking ordinance Two public hearings have been scheduled this month to gather information and opinions on such an ordinance, which could affect workplaces, restaurants and ... Pascagoula
plans public input meetings on proposed smoking ban Pascagoula
plans public input meetings on proposed smoking ban City
to be asked again to ban public smoking City
to be asked again to ban public puffing ($$) OUR
OPINION: Legislature holds power for itself Saltillo
residents discuss smoking ban Bars
let patrons drink in smoke-free atmosphere Editorial:
Legislature rejects state smoking ban Public
meeting set on Saltillo smoking ban Smoking
ban a possibility in one city Why
can't state pass a law banning smoking in public places? Saltillo
plans public forum on smoking ban Statewide
smoking ban likely to die again Beau
Rivage guest rooms go smoke-free and green OUR
OPINION: Statewide smoking ordinance logical Ole
Miss starts writing fines for smoking ban Health
officials: Pass smoke-free law Renewed
Smoking Ban Afoot Ole
Miss not alone in smoking ban No
Smoking! Ole
Miss starts writing fines for smoking ban Editorial:
Everyone should get behind the lobby to make our state smoke free Mississippi
Gulf Coast Community College going smoke-free, litter-free MSU
hosts smoke-free forums City
considers adopting a smokefree ordinance Hattiesburg
lauded for smoke-free ordinances MSU
Staff Council considers changes to tobacco policy Raising
tobacco tax paying off Tobacco-Free
Coalition praises smokefree cities Billings
favors tobacco rule repeal McMillen, R.; Shackelford, S., "Tax revenue in Mississippi communities rollowing implementation of smoke-free ordinances: an examination of tourism and economic development tax revenues," Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association 53(10): 319-321, October 2012. This study concluded that, "No evidence was found that smoke-free ordinances have an adverse effect on the local restaurant industry. Results from the descriptive analysis indicated that many communities experienced an increase in revenue following implementation of a smoke-free ordinance, and the average change in revenue was a 10 percent increase." Demetropoulos, S.L., "Why
smoke-free?," Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association
53(10): 334-335, October 2012. Cities
honored for smokefree policies Corinth
considers hookah lounge request The issue before Corinth officials is whether the activity violates the city's public smoking ban, according to the Daily Corinthian. A hookah is an instrument ... Casino
tax payments back, smoking banned in Coahoma Co. ($$) Smoke
and the City Pascagoula
council debates smoke-free ordinance So far, 62 cities in Mississippi have passed this ordinance, which bans smoking in all indoor public places. ... Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. ... However, we reserve the right to delete inappropriate comments or ban users who ... Pascagoula
City Council asked to pass comprehensive smoke-free ... So far, 62 cities in Mississippi have passed this ordinance, which bans smoking in all indoor public places. Mississippi Tobacco Free representative Kellie Lamb, ... Smoking
ordinance debate prompts lively discussion among ... PASCAGOULA, Mississippi - A request from an anti-smoking organization asking the city to pursue grant money to gauge interest in a citywide smoking ban ... MSU
tobacco policy under review Houston
bans smoking in city-owned vehicles City
bans smoking in public areas City bans smoking in public areas ... on its plans earlier this month to prohibit smoking in many places around the city following several weeks of consideration of ... Forest
aldermen adopt ordinance banning smoking in businesses ... Forest aldermen adopt ordinance banning smoking in businesses, workplaces
... The ordinance prohibits smoking in all businesses and workplaces. Moss
Point Passes Smoking Ban Ole
Miss: Smoke-free campuses are common More
Mississippi cities adopt smoke-free ordinances The Mississippi State Department of Health says the number of smoke-free
cities ... other public places from the harmful effects of breathing
secondhand smoke. … Ole
Miss staffers confront smoking ban Ole Miss staffers confront smoking ban - OXFORD - Some University of
Mississippi employees oppose the campus-wide smoking ban that is set
to become ... DeSoto
County's Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition pushes ... Fighting for Air was the theme of the field day held recently by the
DeSoto County Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition at the Olive Branch
Family YMCA for local ... UM
set to go smoke-free OXFORD As of Jan. 1, 2013, the University of Mississippi's Oxford
campus will officially become smoke-free, when a new policy goes into
effect. … NATCHEZ When the Wilkinson County Correctional Facility went
smoke-free Sunday, the inmates joined a reality that other area prisoners
have faced for ... Ole
Miss set to go smoke-free in 2013 As of Jan. 1, 2013, the University of Mississippi's Oxford campus will
officially become smoke-free, when a new policy goes into effect. … No
smoking for inmates, employees in Miss. prisons Prisons in the magnolia state are now smoke-free. ... Mississippi Prisons
Go Smoke-Free. Jackson, Mississippi. Prisons in the magnolia state are
now ... Mississippi
municipalities celebrate going smoke free Moss Point was one of 58 municipalities recognized Tuesday afternoon for becoming a smoke free community in Mississippi. ... Cynthia Hallett, executive director of the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation of Berkeley, California, presented the second place Smokefree Air Challenge ... City
moving forward with smoking ban Meeting
set for smoking ban Mayor Chambers said at the time that the Board of Aldermen has decided
to start discussions on the prospect of the city becoming smoke-free.
According to a ... Public
meeting planned concerning smoking ban FOREST - As city officials consider an ordinance regulating smoking
in public places, community input will be sought next week during a
public meeting. Ocean
Springs quiet on smoking ban OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (AP) - Ocean Springs aldermen took no action this
week on a request for an anti-smoking ordinance. … Ocean Springs aldermen took no action this week on a request for an
anti-smoking ordinance. … Alderman Matt McDonnell says Lamb should
visit businesses that still permit smoking and talk to the owners. He
says there are likely some businesses who ... Smoking
ban possible in Forest FOREST Local smokers could have fewer public places to light
up in the near future if a proposal to ban smoking in public places
is approved in the City of Forest. … During their regular meeting
in April, aldermen received information from Tawni M. Basden of the
Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition district that includes ... Madison County has the opportunity to become the first county to in
the state to go smoke-free. "We're targeting Madison County. All
of the cities in the county have smoke-free ordinances and those in
the unincorporated areas don't have the same protections," said
Corey Wiggins with Smoke Free Mississippi. "That's why we're trying
to get a countywide ordinance." … Aldermen
expand city's public smoking ban (WTVA) Booneville aldermen debated with one another Tuesday evening,
and when the smoke cleared, an additional comprehensive smoking ordinance
was passed. 3
towns pass ordinances banning smoking: 52 Mississippi cities now have
smoke-free air ordinances Verona
approves smoking ban VERONA, Miss. (WTVA) -- If you live, work, visit or conduct business
in Verona, you will now be limited as to where you can smoke. Aldermen
voted Tuesday in favor of a new law that bans smoking, ... Even a public
place like the Verona City Park would be included in the ban as well.
… Biloxi
Council to hold workshop about Seafood Museum funding ... Earlier, Councilwoman Lucy Denton told the Sun Herald that though the majority of Mississippians support a smoking ban, "the votes on the Council are not ... Biloxi
Council tables 3 issues The council also tabled a smoking ordinance after Ward 3 Alderwoman
Lucy Denton said the council couldn't agree on one. They also indefinitely
postponed an ... Deer
Island resort, smoking on Biloxi City Council agenda An ordinance that would restrict smoking in most public places, which
had been expected at Tuesday’s meeting, will be tabled. Its sponsor,
Councilwoman Lucy Denton, said there weren’t enough votes to get
it approved. … Legislative
leaders should support, not thwart, smoke-free proposals I am disappointed to hear that, despite overwhelming public support,
the House and Senate leadership seemed to have been actively against
any smoke-free ... Smoking:
Bill deaths bad public policy Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have passed smoke-free laws, ... According to the Mississippi Department of Health, and Smoke-Free Air ... Tobacco
Free Coalition sponsors 'Kick Butts' day As part of this year's Kick Butts Day celebration, the Mississippi
Tobacco-Free Coalition of Coahoma County is working with students at
Clarksdale City ... Biloxi
smoking ban vote expected March 20 AP BILOXI — The Biloxi City Council will vote in two weeks whether to ban smoking in most public places. At the first reading Tuesday, George Sekul spoke ... Revised
smoking ban heads back to council Public
forum will help supervisors decide on smoking ban ... exception for the Island of Capri Casino, the only casino in the
county. If the supervisors vote to ban smoking outright, the state will
give the county ... It's
time for Miss. to go smoke free But the health problems associated with secondhand smoke are ones that could ... would prohibit smoking in most indoor public places including workplaces, ... Push
made to stop smoking in Miss. workplaces But even if every city in Mississippi went smoke-free, that would still
leave about 55 percent of the state's population exposed to secondhand
smoke. … Cities
make a smoke-free first Flora, Ridgeland and Madison were joined by Canton in December in passing
comprehensive smoke-free ordinances that require all public places inside
their ... Two-Thirds
of Mississippi Voters Support Law Making All Workplaces ... ...75 percent believe the right of employees and customers to breathe
clean air in casinos, restaurants and bars is more important than the
right of smokers to ... Hernando
mayor backs smoke-free proposal WLOX
Editorial: Smoking ban would make us healthier Biloxi
council considers smoking ban ... banned in all public places in the city and those who said a smoking ban ... who proposed the ordinance, said it combined points from smoking bans in ... Smoking
ban wouldn't include casinos, bars Those who want smoking banned in all public places in the city and
those who said a smoking ban would be bad for business and personal
freedom presented their arguments Tuesday to the Biloxi Council, which
took no action. SUN
HERALD | Editorial Time for Biloxi to clear the air Biloxi Councilwoman Lucy Denton's proposed ordinance to prohibit smoking
“in certain locations and under certain circumstances” will
be the focus of a ... Bill
proposed to ban smoking Little
fallout from Byram smoking ban Push
is on for ban of smoking New
Albany smoking ban is now in effect …new public smoking ban is now in effect in New Albany, and some
people are not thrilled with the law that took effect Friday. ... State
health department promotes Smokefree Air Mississippi program The Mississippi State Department of Health is working to lower secondhand
smoke exposure to the public. ... Friars
Point council says 'yes' to smoke free air ordinance Byram
Considers Enacting Smoking Restrictions Waveland
going smoke free Another
community approves public smoking ban (WTVA) - Aldermen unanimously voted Tuesday to impose a smoking ban
in restaurants and public places in New Albany. Alderman Johnny Anderson
says the ban ... Mantachie
marks five years of being smoke free It's been five years since the town of Mantachie adopted an anti-smoking
policy, and according to officials, residents and business-owners, the
change has been a breath of fresh air. ... Brookhaven
adopts smoking ban DHA
proposes no-smoking ordinance New
Albany considers smoking ban New Albany officials are considering whether to follow some 40 other
communities in the state by banning smoking in at least some indoor
spaces open to the public. ... Smoking
ban proposal She's all for a smoking ban since her place is already smoke-free. "We're in agreement with it. We think it's a wonderful thing," Shankle said. ... Do
you agree with the Brookhaven Board of Aldermen's decision to enact
a full smoking ban for restaurants and public buildings in the city?
Yes 28 74%
No 10 26% Calhoun
City board votes unanimously to ban smoking in all public During last Thursday's public hearing, the closest thing to a disagreement came from Britt Burt who said he wasn't opposed to the no smoking ban, … All tobacco use banned from new courthouse propertyCalhoun County Journal (MS)- Joel McNeece - August 3, 2011? The board voted unanimously to make the new courthouse a tobacco-free environment. Supervisors began the discussion by expressing concern about maintaining … Supporters
speak at hearing about proposed ban on smoking in all ... Byram
may join list of smoke-free Mississippi cities Calhoun
City board unanimously votes to begin process of banning smoking in
... Good
news: Mississippi sets new health record … Cynthia Hallett has been the Executive Director for the Americans
for Nonsmokers Rights group since 1997. Each year, the organization
gives an award to the state that passes the most 100 percent smoke free
laws. "Let's
Be Totally Clear" Tours State as Thank You to Casino Gone Smoke-Free
Revamped,
smoke-free Palace set to open its doors this morning Smoking:
Miss. needs statewide law Southaven,
Horn Lake only DeSoto cities without smoking ban Olive
Branch Restaurants Now Smoke-Free Biloxi's
Palace Casino going smoke-free June 14 -- that's right, a smoke-free
casino When the Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi, reopens June 14, the casino, hotel, restaurants and sports bar will all be smoke free read more... OB
passes smoking ban The ordinance will allow smoking in bars that don't allow anyone under
21 years of age in their facility. The law was the fourth smoking ban
related law … Olive
Branch to decide on smoking law Alderman
stomp out smoking ban Aldermen
discuss smoking ban Olive
Branch to consider proposed smoking ban New
smoking ordinance goes into effect in 30 days OB
may adopt smoking ban Olive
Branch to consider smoking ban Senatobia
board votes to go smoke-free Only one board member, Penny Frazier, voted against the ordinance, stating that she did not like that businesses will be required to post no smoking signs. ... Byers, P., "This month in the Mississippi Morbidity Report: the health effects of secondhand smoke," Journal MSMA: 80, March 2011. This article summarized information on the health effects of secondhand
smoke exposure in Mississippi from the January 2011 issue of the "Mississippi
Morbidity Report." A link to the full report was included. Miss.
smoking ban dies, JSU stadium bill lives Mississippi lawmakers won't pass a bill this year to ban smoking in public places. House Public Health Committee Chairman Steve Holland says a bill that passed the Senate last month had "no substance" because it would've repeated a state law that already bans smoking in government buildings. Holland chose not to bring the bill up for a vote because he says there wasn't enough support for it. ... Just
blowing more smoke? The chances of Mississippi lawmakers approving a statewide smoking ban this year appear slim, despite a hefty push from health advocacy groups. The state Senate adopted a significantly weakened version of Senate Bill 2726 - the lone smoking bill alive in the Legislature - on Wednesday. In its current form, it would prohibit smoking only in government buildings and cars -which is already against the law. The bill clarifies enforcement for current law and now heads to the House. In that chamber it's unlikely to regain its original intent, as similar smoking ban bills already have met their demise in the House this session. House Public Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Steve Holland
said the bill that passed the Senate would not accomplish much ... Senatobia
next to go smoke-free The city of Senatobia will soon join more than 35 other Mississippi cities to go smoke-free in public buildings. "We've been talking about it for awhile," said Senatobia Mayor Alan Callicott, "and finally came up with the decision that, 'Yes, this is something that we wanted to do.' We wanted to be progressive, we wanted to move forward and we really wanted to join that list of other cities that have taken this step to provide a healthier community." Aldermen Don Clanton, Lana Nail, Penny Hawks Frazier and Michael Cathey all voted last week to draft an ordinance to ban smoking in workplaces, restaurants and retail stores. Mike Putt cast the lone dissenting vote. Callicott, serving his third term, is hoping to have an ordinance drafted
and adopted within the next 30 to 60 days. Senatobia plans to base its
law on ordinances enacted by other cities ... OTHER
VOICES: Mississippi should ban smoking in all public places AN EDITORIAL OPINION OF THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL (Tupelo) The evidence against second-hand smoke is no longer in doubt. Exposure to even moderate amounts raises health risks. Smokers have the right to risk their own health, as foolish as that may be and as costly in the long term to the public treasury through the extra financial burden it places on the health care system. But they aren’t entitled to put others at risk with their toxic fumes; that’s where so-called smokers’ rights end. Thirty-seven municipalities in the state have understood and acted on the dangers of second-hand smoke. They’ve banned smoking in most public places. The world hasn’t come to an end. Few businesses have suffered because of it. In fact, some restaurant owners like the fact that they no longer have to segregate smokers and nonsmokers and hear complaints from the majority of non-smoking customers about having to endure wafting second-hand smoke. ... Pediatricians
support state smoking ban Pediatricians have first-hand experience about what happens when children and babies breathe second-hand smoke. Smoking is a known cause of preterm birth, low birth-weight and very low birth-weight infants. Exposure to tobacco smoke in the womb causes increased miscarriages and neonatal deaths. And smoking-related health problems result in increased health care costs for all of us. Mississippi has the nation's highest prematurity rate and the highest infant mortality rate. Women who work or must do business in buildings where smoking is prevalent suffer an increased risk to their pregnancy even if they do not smoke. The American Academy of Pediatrics has found that second-hand smoke
also contributes to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In 2009, 38
Mississippi babies died from SIDS. The Mississippi infant death rate
is about 130 percent of the national rate. SIDS is the third most common
reason for infant deaths in Mississippi and account for 12 percent of
all infant deaths in our state. ... Senate
smoking ban bill survives Miss.
Senate panel limits proposed smoking ban (AP) The Mississippi Senate Public Health Committee has significantly
limited the scope of a proposed widespread smoking ban. ... Statewide
smoking ban legislation in the works JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Advocates in support of a statewide smoking ban gathered at the capitol Wednesday to ask lawmakers to vote 'yes' on this legislation. "We do not have a strong statewide law to protect all Mississippians from second hand smoke," said American Heart Association Government Relations Director Katherine Bryant. Senate Bill 2726 and House Bill 863 would virtually erase smoking from indoors a public building. This includes restaurants and casinos throughout the state. In addition, it would also enforce that smokers stand 20 to 25 feet
away from a public building if they are smoking ... Statewide
smoking ban possible Most people agree crafting a budget will be the biggest hurdle for lawmakers as they return to the Capitol this week, but they also will have several other issues, including immigration reform and a statewide smoking ban, that could heat up the 2011 session. For the first time, some form of a statewide smoking ban actually may have a chance - thanks in part to a multimillion-dollar initiative that's gaining support across the state. State Rep. John Mayo, D-Clarksdale, has filed a version of a smoking ban bill for several years to no avail, but he said he's seen the added boost for this year. "I think if there's any year we might be able to get something on the floor, this is the year," Mayo said. The Smokefree Air Mississippi initiative is being funded by a $2.9
million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It
is the first organized push for such a ban here ... Mississippi
smoking ban sought She never smoked one cigarette, but Jeanette Gossette sat beside others who puffed away at their desks for 40 years of her career. Thirteen years ago, she went to the doctor seeking a prescription for a prolonged cough. The doctor insisted on a chest X-ray. Gossette declined. The doctor insisted some more. Gossette obliged. The chest X-ray revealed a spot on her lungs. The doctor suggested exploratory surgery. Gossette declined. But over the months, that spot grew and changed shape, and when the doctor suggested surgery again, she agreed. "I don't really think I would have been all that surprised if I had been diagnosed with any other type of cancer," the 69-year-old Meridian resident said. "But the fact that I had never smoked, it kind of came as a surprise to me. It's related to smoking but people relate it to the smoker and not people that are around it. "In fact one of the most frequent questions that I got early on was, 'How long did you smoke?' ... I had pretty much the mindset that everybody else had, that if I didn't smoke, I was not at risk for lung cancer." ... The
Starkville & Hattiesburg Heart Attack Studies (PDF) Grass
roots campaign pushes for smoke free places Mississippi GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) – "I will be sick with an upper respiratory infection, and sinus and allergic rhinitis," said Jennifer Cofer with the American Lung Association. Some speakers shared their personal health problems that they blame on breathing cigarette smoke. And they showed the latest media campaign to educate Mississippians about the dangers of second hand smoke. "I don't think any restaurant in Mississippi should allow smoking, and I'm a smoker," a woman stated in one public service announcement. The Mississippi Health Department hosted a forum in Gulfport on Thursday,
called "Clearing the Air: Eliminating Exposure to Second hand Smoke
in All Public Places, Including Work Places." Various health advocates
also pushed for state legislation to make Mississippi smoke free. They
said every year, 550 Mississippians who've never smoked in their life
die from exposure to second-hand smoke ... Miss.
Department of Health to hold luncheons touting benefits smoke-free air
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Health will hold a series of luncheons to educate the public about the dangers of secondhand smoke. A news release from the health agency says the events are designed to educate the public about the benefits of smoke-free environments. State Health Officer Dr. Mary Currier says there's no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. She says 550 nonsmokers die each year from exposure to secondhand smoke. The luncheons will held Oct. 26 in Cleveland; Oct. 27 in Hattiesburg; Oct. 28 in Gulfport; Nov. 3 in Natchez; Nov. 4 in Starkville; Nov. 10 in Tupelo and Nov. 16 in Hernando. ...AP
Analysis: Smoke-free proposal awaits 2011 session This fall, the Mississippi Department of Health begins airing television and radio spots about the dangers of secondhand smoke, months before lawmakers likely file bills related to the issue. State Health Officer Dr. Mary Currier said "as a public health agency we would support a policy to protect Mississippians from the very real dangers of secondhand smoke." She said her agency is currently focused on the awareness campaign - Smokefree Air Mississippi. The state is using $1.8 million in funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for an educational campaign, said Liz Sharlot, a spokesman for the agency. "We are hoping at some point, there will be public policy that will support smoke-free air in public places," Sharlot said. "How you make that a reality, that hasn't been defined yet." Around the country, momentum has been building for no-smoking laws. Officials with the American Lung Association say 27 states have passed laws that ban smoking in all public places and workplaces, including bars and restaurants. That doesn't count the numerous cities across the country that have passed local ordinances, including 35 municipalities in Mississippi. ...
Smoking
bans become way of life Some are still irked over a financial hit that never came back, while others are torn between personal and philosophical considerations. But when asked about the impact of the City of Hattiesburg's 3-year old smoking ordinance, many respond with a verbal shrug. "At first, we were worried, and, at first, people would complain about it, " said Ron Savell, owner of Mugshots on West Fourth Street. "Then, it just turned into the way it is. "Really, we haven't had the first problem, for our staff or our smokers. Now, people don't complain, and everybody seems to love it. It hasn't affected our business at all." After three or four citations were handed out in the first six months
of the ban, the ticketing of establishments has been few and far between.
... Smoking:
Statewide ban would help The city of Pearl has joined cities in the metro area banning smoking in most public places, including restaurants. Pearl, like other cities, acted in the interest of public health. However, it also is in the interest of Pearl's growing development. Clean, smoke-free environments are desirable and necessary for successful businesses that cater to the public. Pearl is the 47th city in the state to adopt a smoke-free policy. ... Pearl
latest to adopt ban on smoking A new ordinance kicks ashtrays off restaurant tables and cigarettes out of certain public places in what city leaders call a necessary choice to protect residents' health. The smoking ban adopted Monday makes Pearl the second city in Rankin County to adopt tobacco restrictions. "We want to make sure folks can dine in our restaurants and have a pleasant experience," Mayor Brad Rogers said. Cigarettes also are banned in retail stores, adult entertainment businesses, tattoo and body piercing shops and childcare facilities. ... Booneville
eyes tobacco free eateries Booneville appears headed toward a ban of tobacco use in restaurants. The Board of Aldermen voted 3-2 Tuesday in favor of "the banning of all tobacco use in restaurants and businesses that sell food merchandise." The decision came two months after the board defeated a move to ban smoking in all public places. Voting this week for the limited ban were Wilda Pounds, David Bolen and Harold Eaton. Voting against it were Jeff Williams and Mark McCoy. ... State
Health Department Recognizes Meridian Jackson
council amends smoking ban The Jackson City Council has voted to extend a smoking ban to stand-alone bars. The council voted 6-1 Tuesday for the change. Jackson has had a partial smoking ban in place since 2008 that included
restaurants with attached bars but excluded stand-alone bars. ... Booneville
aldermen vote down smoking ordinance in 3-2 vote he Booneville Board of Aldermen has voted down a proposed ban on smoking in public places. The vote was 3-2. ... Committee
gives OK to smoking ban Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said Monday that he is willing to work with the City Council on enforcement issues should the council ban smoking in most public places. A partial ban has been largely unenforced by city code inspectors since it went into effect last year. That law bans smoking in most commercial buildings, with the exception of "standalone bars." But a Clarion-Ledger report found numerous night spots around the city that allowed smoking by their customers. Johnson said he had not seen the proposed ordinance. Although he knew the gist, he said he needed to see it in its final form. ... Council
closer to amending smoke-free ordinance LAUREL — The Laurel City Council took another step towards passing a number of ordinances Tuesday, including one that would amend the city’s smoking ban. In their regular business meeting, the council unanimously approved the second reading of several ordinances. Among those is an amendment to Section 15-2.8, which defines “reasonable distance.” In Tuesday’s edition of the Leader-Call, Linda Reinholtz, superintendent of the city’s Inspection Department, said the amendment would allow for “bars and restaurants with patios and/or outside seating, also known as courtyards” to be exempt from the reasonable distance of 20 feet “as long as the distance of 20 feet is from the main opening entrance of said structure of facility. ... Madison
OKs smoking ban; Jackson next? Madison adopted a smoke-free-air ordinance Tuesday, switching from a voluntary ban on tobacco that all city businesses followed. The change passed unanimously Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler is expected to sign the ordinance today or Thursday. The law will go into effect 30 days after she signs it. The reason for moving from voluntary to mandatory is because of the growth of the city, Butler said. "It only takes one business to decide not to follow," she said. ... City-wide
smoking ban considered in council meeting Laurel
may amend no smoking ordinance LAUREL — The City of Laurel is expected to consider the second readings of several proposed city ordinances, including one regarding amending the city’s no smoking policy. During the council’s April 20th meeting, the council approved the first reading of an amendment to the city’s ordinance eliminating smoking in public places. The amendment addresses Section 15-2.8 which defines “reasonable distance.” On Dec. 4, 2008, the City of Laurel became smoke-free in public places and places of employment. The Laurel City Council — with a vote for 4-3 with Councilmen
Tony Thaxton, Tony Wheat and Johnny Magee voting against it — on
Nov. 4, 2008 approved a smoking ban that prohibits smoking in all public
places in the city ... Smoking
debate rages in Jackson The City Council's latest attempt to restrict smoking in Jackson's bars and restaurants has Victoria Burt seeing red. "If you walk in a bar, you should expect smoke," said the smoker and bar patron. "Where are you going to go to relax? "If everybody has to go to their house to smoke, they can grab a six-pack and smoke there." Burt is the former owner of the Hide A Way Lounge, the type of beer-only
bar that was exempted from the smoking ban when the council last broached
the topic in 2008. But a lack of enforcement of that partial ban has
a majority of council members ready to adopt a total ban they believe
will be easier to enforce. ... Madison
delays smoking ban vote MADISON — City officials Tuesday put off voting on a smoke-free ordinance but shot down the request from Hops and Habanas to open part of its shop for cigar smoking. We will defer action to the first Tuesday in May for a smoke-free ordinance," Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler said.
Council
eyes landmarks, smoking ban Jackson City Council members did not mince words Monday when it came to Council President Frank Bluntson's plan to ease restrictions on renaming streets and public buildings by council members. "This is really going to cause a lot of issues," Ward 6 Councilman
Tony Yarber said during a work session. ... Total
ban on smoking pushed Jackson City Council President Frank Bluntson wants to make Jackson completely smoke free, but not everybody is onboard. "I've been getting lots of calls from black bar owners. They say, 'Mr. Bluntson, you are going to put us out of business,' " he said. Bluntson shrugged. "It's a public health issue," he said, adding that he does not think the effect on businesses will be that severe. Upset with lax enforcement of a partial smoking ban that went into effect more than a year ago, Bluntson said he plans to toughen the law with a smoking ban similar to the ones adopted in surrounding municipalities. All he needs is the votes. ... Smoking
ban vote may come next week MADISON - City leaders are expected to vote on a comprehensive smoking ban next week, replacing a voluntary ban adopted by restaurant and business owners more than two years ago. The proposed ordinance would prohibit smoking in all enclosed public areas and other common outdoor areas like parks and playgrounds. Violators - both individuals and business owners - could face fines ranging from $100 to $500. Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler said they were happy with the voluntary ban, but as more and more businesses came to the city they felt it was important to set more stringent guidelines. "We just feel all it would take would be one that refuses to do it to spoil it for everyone else," Hawkins-Butler said. She commended the student-led Citizens for a Smoke-Free Madison and her own youth council for their hard work pushing for a smoke free city. They began their push for a ban back in 2004. ... Total
smoking ban floated Frustrated by confusion and lack of enforcement surrounding the city's partial smoking ban, Jackson City Council President Frank Bluntson said he will propose a total smoking ban for the city at next week's council meeting. "They are smoking everywhere," Bluntson said. "They know (city inspectors) are not going to do anything. Man, that's bad." Inspectors from the city Code Services office visited several restaurants Monday following a Clarion-Ledger story revealing some were not observing a partial smoking ban put in place more than a year ago. Jason Cockrell, co-owner of the Old Tavern on George Street, said an inspector came by with literature on the ordinance and a couple of "no smoking" signs, but he said he still is confused about how the ordinance is supposed to work. Cockrell said he considers his business "a bar with food" and was under the impression that he was in compliance. . . . Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said the city intends to enforce the law. ... Smoking
ban violations largely ignored When the Jackson City Council passed an ordinance banning smoking in restaurants 1 1/2 years ago, Hal and Mal's Restaurant and Brewery complied. But co-owner Hal White said the law - which exempts freestanding bars
but includes restaurants with attached bars - is being ignored by some
of his biggest competitors because the city has done nothing to enforce
it. Kenneth Taylor, code enforcement director for the city, said his office has not cited any businesses for violation of the ordinance since it went into effect. Officials with his office and the Jackson Fire Department inspect the businesses throughout the year, he said in a council meeting last week. . . . Yet violations are not hard to find. The Clarion-Ledger visited several restaurants last week and found several apparent violations. ... Brandon
Approves Smoking Ban Brandon will soon become the first city in Rankin County to ban smoking. The Brandon Board of Aldermen approve a smoking ban during a meeting Monday. The proposal bans smoking in grocery stores, restaurants and retail stores in Brandon. Smokers would have to go to the back of the building and walk 15-feet away from the building to light up. Friends & Company restaurant owner, Debbie Mallette, supported the proposed smoking ban. ... Brandon
considers smoking ban RANKIN COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - Smokers in a Rankin County city may be
limited to where they can light up, if a proposed ban is passed. It would outlaw smoking tobacco in grocery stores, restaurants and retail businesses. ... Booneville
mulls smoking ban in public places An April 5 public hearing will give Booneville residents a chance to comment on whether the city should approve an ordinance that bans smoking in public places. The hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Booneville City Hall. The city board has been discussing the issue for several months, and so far the reaction has been minimal, said Mayor Joe Eaton. “To date, I’ve received only one negative phone call,” Eaton said. “We’ve also received a letter from Baptist Hospital supporting the proposal.” ... Meridian
hospital going smoke free in April MERIDIAN, Miss. (AP) — A Meridian hospital has announced it's going completely tobacco-free, beginning next month. Riley Hospital says beginning April 1, tobacco will not be allowed
by anyone, anywhere on hospital property. ... 2
cities to decide tobacco policies One metro-area city may be the first in Rankin County to adopt a smoking ordinance, while a Madison County municipality may ban tobacco use on city property. A tobacco ban ordinance will be discussed during an upcoming work session of the Brandon Board of Aldermen and is expected to to be on the agenda of the April 5 meeting. If the ordinance gets the nod, Brandon will be the 33rd municipality
in Mississippi to prohibit smoking in public places. If approved, Brandon would join Clinton, Flora, Jackson, and Ridgeland. Madison has a voluntary smoking ban. ... Tobacco
ban tops Brandon meeting A tobacco ban ordinance is expected to top agendas of Brandon aldermen at their April 5 meeting. If the smoke-free ordinance gets the nod, Brandon will be the first Rankin County city and 33rd in Mississippi to bar smoking in public places. "It's a bad habit," Ward 5 Alderwoman Yvonne Bianchi said. "If our ordinance helps anyone, it's worth it." ... Sumrall
considers smoking ban in public buildings Mayor Gerolene Rayborn wasn't quite sure what sort of reaction she was going to get when she suggested Sumrall consider adopting an ordinance banning smoking from all public buildings. "When I first mentioned it to one of the aldermen, it was, 'Oh, we can't tell people what to do,'" Rayborn said. "But after talking with some people around town, that person came back and said, 'I found out that people are interested in it.'" So, Rayborn and the board of aldermen intend to advertise for and then hold a public hearing to seek the input of residents on a smoking ban. ... Barry:
No veto power on smoking ban A lot of Meridianites have strong opinions on the smoking ordinance that was passed by the Meridian City Council Tuesday, and many of those Meridianites have been awaiting news on whether Mayor Cheri Barry will veto the ordinance. Before Tuesday's meeting Barry said she was inclined to go with what the council passes, but that she wanted to see exactly what the ordinance says before making a decision. But Barry was out of town at the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Tuesday. After Tuesday's meeting Meridian Chief Administrative Officer Mark McDonald said Barry would not be able to read the ordinance passed until she returned to Meridian. ... City
council approves smoking ban The Meridian City Council voted to ban smoking at restaurants and other businesses in a 3-2 vote, with Councilmen George Thomas and Jesse Palmer voted against it. VIDEO:
Council Has No-Smoking Ordinance on Agenda Five years after a smoking ban in public places in Meridian was defeated through a mayoral veto, some members of the Meridian City Council say they it can be revived. The issue is on the agenda for consideration at the council's Tuesday night meeting, and the city has a different mayor now. A possible smoking ban would have a big impact on local restaurants and bars. ... 21
and over: Some restaurants, bars respond to ordinance by restricting
age of ... Council
votes to fund neighborhood parks City
Council expected to pass smoking ordinance The Columbus City Council tonight is expected to issue final approval of a citywide smoking ordinance. The ordinance, which largely is modeled after a Tennessee state law, bans smoking in “all enclosed public places,” including restaurants, but allows smoking in “age-restricted venues” — or bars, restaurants and other establishments which only allow people age 21 or older to enter — and “private clubs,” which restrict access to the general public. Additionally, the ordinance allows businesses with three or fewer employees to designate enclosed smoking rooms, inaccessible to the general public, and provides exemptions for “non-enclosed areas of public places, including, open-air patios, porches or decks.” ... Smoke-free
still burns More than 365 days have passed since all public buildings in the City of Laurel became smoke-free. City officials and business leaders are as divided on the issue now as they were a year ago. Ward 4 Councilman George Carmichael, who was board president when the ordinance passed, said this week that the only thing he regrets is that he "didn't have more than one vote." "Many citizens in the city have thanked the council for making Laurel one of the cities in the state of Mississippi to be smoke-free," he said. "Children from the Laurel School District and Jones County School District have sent letters out. Everyone is very excited to be smoke-free." Carmichael said the city has seen increased revenue from restaurants since the ban. ... FGH
to participate in cardiac studies Forrest General has announced its participation in two upcoming studies to assist national organizations in gathering data on cardiac procedure effectiveness and incidence of heart attacks. The first study, conducted by the Social Science Research Center at Mississippi State University, is designed to determine whether city-wide smoking bans reduce the number of heart attacks in citizens from the area. Hattiesburg, along with several other Mississippi cities, has enacted a local smoking ban for all indoor public places to protect citizens from secondhand smoke. Several recent studies have shown that secondhand smoke increases the risk of myocardial infarction, or heart attacks. This is attributed to secondhand smoke's activation of blood clots, which can cause clots in the blood stream that lead to heart attacks. The study, which will involve the hospital's provision of heart attack admission data, seeks to determine whether the local smoking bans in cities like Hattiesburg, Starkville and Oxford, have led to a change in hospital and emergency room admissions and transfers for acute myocardial infarctions. ... Potential
Columbus Smoking Ban Talked About An all out ban, a modified plan or do nothing, it is up to Columbus City Council to decide. About a dozen business owners and residents spoke Tuesday (11-24) night at a public hearing on a proposed smoking ban in Columbus. Some bar and restaurant owners favor an all out ban that makes for a level playing field. They say allowing loopholes only leads to problems. Others want to keep smoking in places that restrict customers to 21 and older. They say without smoking, some bars will go out of business. Citizens were split, citing health hazards, individual rights and catching up with the national trend. Bart Lawrence a co-owner of the Princess says, "I believe the only way this ordinance could be fair is if it is across the board. I don't think anything good can come from loopholes or exceptions." ... Citizens
to weigh in on smoking ban The Columbus City Council Tuesday scheduled a public hearing — to be held Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. in the Columbus Municipal Complex — on a proposed city smoking ordinance. The ordinance, which largely is modeled after a Tennessee state law, bans smoking in “all enclosed public places,” including restaurants, but allows smoking in “age-restricted venues” — or bars, restaurants and other establishments which only allow people age 21 or older to enter — and “private clubs,” which restrict access to the general public. Additionally, the ordinance allows businesses with three or fewer employees to designate enclosed smoking rooms, inaccessible to the general public, and provides exemptions for “non-enclosed areas of public places, including, open-air patios, porches or decks.” ... Karriem
to ask council to wait on smoking rules With the Columbus City Council poised to vote tonight on a proposed smoking ordinance, Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem said he plans to ask the council to hold off, and instead call a public hearing on the matter. The council meets at 5 p.m. in City Hall. The ordinance, proposed by Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box, bans smoking in “all enclosed public places,” including restaurants. However, the ordinance, which largely is modeled after a Tennessee
state law, allows smoking in “age-restricted venues,” or bars,
restaurants and other establishments which only allow people age 21
or over to enter, and “private clubs,” which restrict access
to the general public. ... Columbus
to Consider 'Hybrid' Smoking Ban Officials say the City Council could decide as early as its meeting Tuesday to adopt an ordinance based on a Tennessee state law that bans smoking in all public buildings except for those that exclude customers who are under 21. The age provision is targeted at businesses that are almost strictly bars or taverns and seldom have underage customers anyway. Bars and restaurants could allow smoking in open air patios and decks or in areas that have open ventilation where smoke doesn't go inside the main building. Chili's in Columbus has a patio that could meet the requirement. ... Study:
Heart attacks down since smoking ban Aldermen
extinguish smoking ban in city What a difference two weeks makes. While at the October 6 Senatobia Aldermen meeting it appeared that Mayor Alan Callicott may have had support for his proposed smoking ban, the October 20 meeting told a different story. At the earlier meeting, Callicott had provided the board members with
a copy of the smoking ordinance adopted by Hernando last year, and asked
them to consider such a ban for Senatobia ... Smoking
ban reignites Once again, the subject of banning smoking in public places is being considered by the Senatobia Board of Aldermen. It was near the bottom of the agenda for the board's October 5 meeting. Mayor Alan Callicott, citing health concerns, started the discussion.
He distributed copies of the ordinance adopted last year by Hernando,
and asked board members to look over it and make notes. ... Hollandale
looks at smoking ban Come
on, Columbus: Let's go smoke-free It’s time to reconsider an anti-smoking ordinance in Columbus’ public spaces, including in restaurants and bars. There are many reasons for such a law, chief among them safeguarding the health of nonsmokers, and improving the overall quality of life in Columbus. For those who dispute the health argument, a new medical study shows that smoking bans can have an almost immediate effect. The Wall Street Journal reported last week on a study that showed smoke-free
laws reduced the rate of heart attacks by an average of 17 percent in
communities that had enacted the bans. The biggest declines, according
to the study, were among nonsmokers and people between the ages of 40
and 60. ... Electric
rates to increase Oct. 1 Calhoun
Health Services Going Tobacco-Free Calhoun Health Services will become a tobacco-free campus in 2010. The hospital board voted last week to ban all tobacco products from hospital property effective Jan. 1, 2010. “We’ve never allowed smoking inside the building, so all we’re doing is extending it to the grounds,” said James Franklin, hospital administrator. A press release from the hospital stated that as a “healthcare organization dedicated to the promotion of health and wellness,” no person, including employees, medical staff, volunteers, students, vendors, visitors or patients will be permitted to use tobacco products on hospital grounds. The restriction on em-ployees will prohibit the use of tobacco products during paid work hours, meaning they may not use tobacco during breaks or in their vehicles if on company time. Franklin said the hospital will provide employees with education classes and necessary medications to help them quit smoking. He said the January effective date was approved to provide employees and others time to adjust to the new policy. The new policy is in line with a push by BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi
to get all Mississippi hospitals tobacco-free. ... Aldermen
ban tobacco from Ocean Springs parks OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) - Ocean Springs' parks are now smoke-free. Tuesday night, the Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a measure to ban the use of all tobacco products in the city's parks. The intention is to protect young people from "the effects of tobacco and provide a tobacco-free area for the youth and other using the parks," according to the ordinance. ... ACS,
Coalition Renew Call for Smoking Ordinance Efforts to get a smoking ordinance passed in Meridian are being renewed with the coming of a new administration. For at least the last four years, the American Cancer Society and a local coalition have been working together to try to get an ordinance passed in Meridian. ... Smoking
ordinance passes, again PICAYUNE — For the second time the Picayune City Council approved a smoking ordinance. After it is published in the Picayune Item it will go into effect 30 days later. A similar ordinance was approved earlier this year, but was rescinded for revision purposes the day it was set to take effect. The new ordinance was set for approval at last week’s meeting,
but was pushed back a week to give council members and law enforcement
time to look it over. Picayune Police Deputy Chief David Ervin was asked
if the department has had time to look at the ordinance. Ervin said
the ordinance had been reviewed by the department and they had no problems
with it. ... Picayune
to meet on smoking ban PICAYUNE -- The Picayune City Council has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday to discuss an anti-smoking ordinance. Council members delayed action this past week on the ordinance, which undergone several changes since public hearings last fall. Council members and other city officials said they had not had time to review the latest versions. The latest revisions addressed concerns with enforcement and required distances that smokers would need to be from the entrance of buildings. Smoking
ordinance delayed again PICAYUNE — Approval of Picayune’s smoking ordinance has again been delayed. The council agenda had the matter set for action at Tuesday’s meeting. When it came time to discuss the matter, it was moved to the end of the meeting, apparently due to city attorney Nathan Farmer’s absence. At the end of the meeting when the issue was discussed by the council, with Farmer present, Farmer said the ordinance has undergone a number of changes since it’s first introduction in late 2008. The revisions addressed concerns with enforcement and required distances that smokers would need to be from the entrance of buildings. In some cases those distances, if followed, would have people smoking in the street, council member Leavern Guy said. Guy said the reason for the long delay in the implementation of the
ordinance was that logic needed to be employed when adopting this ordinance.
Guy said while he was not ready to adopt it Tuesday, he was ready to
follow the council’s decision. ... Greenwood
police reviewing smoking policy The Scott County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on April 21
to ban all tobacco products from county facilities, citing a savings
... No
Delay For Smoking Ban Jackson’s city council rejects a motion that would delay enforcement of the city’s revised smoking ban for another six months. Several city council members say restaurants and bars have had enough time to prepare for the ban because plans were announced eight months ago. The amended ordinance prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places, including restaurants and attached bars. Smoking in private clubs is restricted when the public is in attendance. The smoking ban went into effect February 1st. Jackson
Goes Smoke-Free The new amendment prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places, including restaurants and attached bars. Even smoking in private clubs is prohibited when they're used for public functions like weddings or fundraisers. Only stand alone bars and tobacco stores are excluded. City Councilman Jeff Weill, who voted for the ban, believes it makes Jackson a healthier city. "Nobody likes to eat and smell cigarette smoke at the same time,
and it's a serious health issue," he said. "A lot of folks
are just happy that they don't have to endure that." EDITORIAL:Smokeless
spaces Starkville
city board adopts smoke-free ordinance The Starkville Board of Aldermen has adopted an ordinance banning smoking in public places and in places of employment. The ordinance takes effect 60 days from Tuesday and specifically defines where smoking is prohibited in the city, requirements for posting "no smoking" signs, responsibilities of business owners, enforcement and violations… Robert McMillen, a
researcher at Mississippi State University and one of the two leaders of Citizens
for a Breathe-Free Starkville on the ordinance committee, said the board's adoption
of the ordinance makes Starkville the first major municipality in Mississippi
to go smoke-free. Starkville
adjusting well to smoking ban Some people still tell restaurant hosts they want to sit in the smoking or nonsmoking section. But like quitting a bad habit, they'll stop asking at some point. Every seat in Starkville's restaurants is nonsmoking since the Board of Aldermen passed a smoking ban two months ago today. And so far the reports on the change have been supportive. |
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