Smoke-free Ordinance in Lake Worth

As of April 2011, 27 states have enacted statewide bans on smoking in all enclosed public places, including bars and restaurants: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. (Wikipedia)

Presented by the Mayor, there was much discussion at Tuesday night's commission meeting on Lake Worth passing an Ordinance for tobacco free areas. When it came to the beach, Commissioner Maxwell and Vice Mayor Mulvehill wanted to weigh the possible consequences that a tobacco ordinance might have on revenue. The Health Department claimed that 80% of the populous in PB County are non-smokers. It was suggested that more people might come to the beach knowing it is smoke-free. A few from the public spoke and the Vice Mayor changed her earlier statement and agreed that the rights of the majority prevail when it comes to a healthy community and increasing environmental integrity.

Barbara Jean Weber, a smoker, told Commissioner Maxwell that he doesn't need to weigh things in terms of money; they are either appropriate and right or they are not.

The Lake Worth City Commission agreed to direct the City Manager to have staff work with representatives of the Palm Beach County Health Department to draft a policy on a tobacco-free work place and to include city parks. The City Attorney will also review existing ordinances and recommend changes to assist with implementation. This policy will come back to the Commission in 60 days.