From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Wed, 12/17/03
Gwinnett County (GA) Goes Smokefree
Parts excerpted from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Tuesday, Gwinnett County enacted the toughest smokefree workplace legislation
in Georgia.
The County Commission, in a 4-0 vote with one abstention, approved a
far-reaching law covering almost every business and public building in Gwinnett
County.
"I think it was a great thing they did," said Dr. Richard Loyd, a Lawrenceville
oncologist. "They set the standard for the state. I think it was a courageous
thing to do in a political world."
The ordinance, which takes effect April 1, makes virtually all businesses
smokefree, including restaurants and bars.
Gwinnett joins DeKalb and Fulton counties and the cities of Grayson, Loganville
and Albany in curbing smoking in public places. Almost a year ago to the day,
DeKalb County commissioners eliminated smoking in restaurants, office buildings
and county offices, but exempted bars.
Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Wayne Hill said health issues trumped all
other considerations. "Secondhand smoke is as bad as smoking," he said. "It's
unreal what it's costing in health costs.
"I understand people saying government is getting in their business, but we've
got to do what we believe is right. Should we take speed limits off the road so
people have a choice? Sometimes, you've got to do certain things to protect
innocent people, and this is one of them."
Michael Palko, manager of Foghorn Grill near Duluth, said the ordinance will
hurt business. "I can't see anything positive coming out of it for us," said
Palko, a lifelong smoker.
Steve Coldiron of the Smoke-free Gwinnett Coalition told commissioners the
smokefree law will save lives. "In fact, it will save more lives than any other
proposal that will ever come before you," he said. "As a lymphoma and Hodgkin's
cancer survivor, I thank you in advance for doing what you can to limit my
exposure to the dangerous poisons in second-hand smoke while I am in public
places in the county."
To support smokefree workplace legislation where YOU live, go to
www.smokefree.net/alerts.php
Joseph W. Cherner
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
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