From Deseret News archives:
Davis considers banning smoking at outdoor sites
In Davis County, they may have to get creative, because the county may ban smoking at outdoor public places.
During an upcoming Davis County Board of Health meeting, a subcommittee that the board established to look at the issue is expected to recommend that the county establish an outdoor ban at venues such as parks, stadiums or sporting events.
In June 2006, U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona issued a report concluding that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
The report said nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25 percent to 30 percent and lung cancer by 20 percent to 25 percent.
"The science is clear: Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance, but a serious health hazard that causes premature death and disease in children and nonsmoking adults," Carmona said when the report was released.
When the Davis County Board of Health met in December — its most recent meeting — it established the subcommittee to look at restricting secondhand smoke at outdoor public places, said Davis County Health Department director Lewis Garrett.
Garrett said he expects the board during Tuesday's meeting to establish a hearing officer to take a proposed rule to the public for comment.
The Davis County Council of Governments, a committee comprising the county's 15 mayors and three county commissioners, also supports a restriction but would like to debate some details, Garrett said. The concerns include whether smoking should be restricted on golf courses or whether amusement parks should have designated smoking areas.
Clinton, a northern Davis County city, was the first city in the state to ban smoking in specific outdoor venues, Garrett said. Clinton was followed by Sandy, Salt Lake City and Midvale, among other cities.
If the board of health establishes a countywide ordinance, Garrett said, it would keep cities across the county from establishing varying similar ordinances.
E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com
