Owensboro's new smoking ban takes effect Wednesday. The ordinance bans smoking in public spaces like restaurants, stores, and city parks among others.
Assistant City Attorney for Owensboro Steve Lynn says the original ordinance draft was revised to address certain concerns.
“There were a number of different people that came to the city commission meetings and basically they said 'Look, you know, I like to unwind occasionally and go down to my corner bar and have a cigarette and a drink and you know people that are under the age of 18 are not permitted in there.' And so what the commission did… they have grandfathered all bars. They can continue to permit smoking.”
Lynn says some voiced that they felt like their rights were being taken away. He says those concerns were addressed by permitting smoking in individuals’ homes and cars.
“As with the so many of the smoking ordinances that have been passed across the state, and across the country, you know, it is intended to benefit individuals in their health and not having to be exposed to secondhand smoke and things like that.”
Smoking is still allowed on streets or sidewalk 25 feet away from an entrance to a space where smoking is prohibited. Owensboro Police officials says those found violating the ordinance will receive courtesy notices for the first 30 days, after which they will begin issuing fines, $100 for a first violation and $250 for each additional violation.
For more information check the city's website.
