Gwinnett County (GA) Goes Smokefree

Parts excerpted from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution – smokefree.net

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."