City Decides To Move Forward With Outdoor Smoking Ban

In a five to zero vote, city commissioners decided to move forward with a proposed smoking ban in Port Orange.

Smoke, Smoking, cigarettes, tobacco, generic Vivek Chugh/SXC Cigarettes, ashtray, smoking Cigarettes SMOKING, CIGARETTESSlideshow: FDA's Graphic Cigarette Warnings 5 Things: To Avoid Saying To Quitting SmokersSurvey: Best Way To Quit Smoking? Thank you for voicing your opinion in our online survey Should Cities Be Allowed To Ban Smoking? Do you think cities should have the right to ban smoking at city facilities where children are present? Yes No Not sure They want to ban outdoor smoking at city facilities where children play. That includes parks, tennis and basketball courts, concession stands and little league ball fields.

Violators could be fined $500 and be sentenced to up to 60 days in jail.

"You try and teach your kids not to smoke. If you're going have people right around, second hand smoke is probably really bad as it is," says Port Orange resident Harry Eoulmegis.

John Jackson, a former city council member, proposed the ordinance. He says this is about more than second-hand smoke. To him, it's also about setting a healthy example for children.

A second reading of the proposed law will take place at March 16th at the city council meeting.

Previous Stories: February 16, 2004: City Proposes Smoking Ban At Playgrounds, Ballparks