McComb selectmen on Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance that will severely limit smoking in all city restaurants.
The ban will include all restaurants and any eateries with open bar areas as well as city parks.
The ordinance will be activated in 30 days, but its official kick-off is Nov. 15 during the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.
However, smoking still can be permitted in restaurants provided that the smoking areas are fully enclosed and have a separate ventilation system and a separate entrance. An outdoor patio could also count as a smoking section.
Smoking also is permitted in freestanding bars. The ordinance does not forbid smoking outside of restaurants or other buildings.
Forrest Adair, who has led the Citizens for a Smoke-free McComb effort, was elated after the unanimous vote.
“I’m excited we’re a smoke-free community, one of the first in southern Mississippi,” said Adair, adding that it’s a good opportunity to show that McComb is concerned about community health.
The ordinance, an initiative of Mayor Zach Patterson, has been building steam since April. Patterson said the move was important in sending a positive message to the community, especially its youth.
“We’re proud to call McComb a smoke-free city,” said Patterson, who worked for the American Cancer Society before becoming mayor.
Restaurant management will be asked to enforce the ordinance by reminding smokers of the ban.
Police Chief Billie Hughes said he didn’t think enforcement of the ordinance would be much of a burden. Hughes said if a smoker refuses to comply with restaurant management, police would respond just like any other disturbance at a restaurant.
“I don’t see that it’s going to be major problem for police,” Hughes said.
In 2006, the Mississippi Legislature banned smoking in all publicly owned buildings including city halls and county courthouses, but privately owned buildings such as restaurants still had the option to allow it.
Smoking bans already have gained acceptance in Starkville, Hattiesburg, Tupelo, Ridgeland and other cities. The ban in some towns,such as Oxford, includes all bars.
