Lawrence officials ban smoking

The ban goes into effect Sept. 11.

STAFF REPORT

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Lawrence County commissioners have banned smoking on all county property.

The commissioners voted unanimously earlier this week that smoking will be prohibited not only in county buildings, as it has been since 1991, but on the grounds of those buildings. The ban even extends to county-owned vehicles.

The ban takes effect Sept. 11, the same day a state ban does.

The state will ban smoking in all public places, including restaurants, hospitals and schools. Smoking will also be prohibited in taxis, trains and buses.

There are some exceptions, including private clubs and bars in which food is 20 percent or less of annual sales. Up to 25 percent of hotel rooms can remain smoking rooms, and so can up to 25 percent of casino floors.

Nursing homes and other adult-care centers are exempt, as well as tobacco shops and cigar bars.

The ban passed the Senate on June 10.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has not yet specified whether the state ban will include the grounds of public buildings, said Chris Yriguez, legislative director for State Sen. Bob Robbins, R-50th. He said the department is expected to decide that by the end of the month.

Before their Tuesday meeting, commissioners had a public hearing on the county ban.

“I’m not a smoker, but good God, you’re taking away too many rights,” said Shenango Township resident Oran Allen.

He questioned how fair the ban will be to jurors who won’t be able to smoke outside the government center.

At the public meeting after the hearing, Commissioner Steve Craig said that smoking is not considered a right.

Craig said staff at the center get complaints “all the time” from people who have to walk through secondhand smoke to get into the building.

Karen King, the county’s director of human resources, said the county participates in a smoking cessation program offered by Jameson Hospital.