09/09/2008: "Discussion On Smoking Ban Continued"

A proposed ban on smoking on any San Juan County property was heard by the County Council on Tuesday, but due to lack of information the discussion was extended to October 15th

John Evans told the Council members that while “I’m a smoker. I’m not proud of it, but that’s the way it is,” but that the purposed ban was "mean-spirited" and would not be enforceable in any case.

The proposed ban is by the SJC Board of Health.

Council Member Rich Peterson is a member of the Board of Health voted against the proposal going forward, and agreed with Evans, stating “We don’t need another ordinance we can’t enforce.”

The San Juan County Board of Health, which identified secondhand smoke, even outdoors, as a major health problem and noted that many communities have extended smoking bans to open areas including parks. Councilmen Alan Lichter and Howard Rosenfeld are also members of the Board of Health, and both voted in favor of bringing before the full council.

In its recommendation to the Council, the Board suggested a range of actions as alternatives to an ordinance, including increasing educational efforts and posting signs asking people not to smoke in places such as parks and the fairgrounds.

The Council agreed to postpone further consideration of the subject until arrangements could be made for County Health Officer, Dr. Frank James, to discuss the need for an additional County smoking ban with the Council.