Alcona residents to decide on smoke-free regulation

Alcona County residents and business owners will have an opportunity to give input about a proposed smoke-free regulation which would eliminate smoking in public and private work sites and public places.

A public hearing will take place 9 a.m. Wednesday, prior to the Alcona County Board of Commissioners regular meeting in the board of commissioners' room of the county building in Harrisville.

"The overall goal is to provide citizens the opportunity to express their opinion," said Cori Upper, health department health services supervisor.

During the fall of 2007 the District Health Department No. 2 Board of Health adopted the regulation. The health department and Alcona County Council on Tobacco first began working on the concept of a smoke-free regulation more than two years ago and conducted a business survey which showed favorable support for the measure, Upper said.

The health department has endorsed the proposal because second hand smoke can lead to health issues including heart disease, lung cancer and aggravated asthma, Upper said.

"Second hand smoke is a dangerous substance in the work place. We feel workers should not be subjected to second hand smoke in the work place," he said.

According to the regulation, smoking would be prohibited in enclosed areas of work sites and public places, business vehicles, common use areas such as lobbies, reception areas and rest rooms and modes of public transportation under the authority of a participating county.

People would also be prohibited from smoking in service lines, retail stores, all areas of galleries, libraries, and museums, facilities for exhibiting motion pictures or various performances, sports arenas, convention halls, waiting rooms of health facilities and public areas where bingo games are held.

On the effective date of the regulation, each employer having an enclosed place of employment would be required to implement, make known and maintain a written smoking policy. The regulation would be enforced by the health officer. People who violate the regulation would be issued a warning citation for the first offense, have to pay $100 for the second offense, $300 for the third offense and $500 for each additional offense.

The regulation would not apply to food service establishments, tobacco specialty stores or private residences except those that are used as a child care, health care or adult day facility.

Each county within the district has the option to exempt itself from the regulation. It would take effect 90 days from the date the last county it's presented to in the district approves it.

The regulation is currently being considered in Oscoda County and has yet to be presented in Ogemaw County. The Iosco County Board of Commissioners adopted the regulation by a 3-2 vote on Dec. 6, 2007.

The format of the hearing will be at the sole discretion of Kevin Boyat, Alcona County Board of Commissioners chair. Upper will be present as a health department representative to answer questions. Following the hearing, it will be the board's decision on when to decide on the proposed regulation, he said.

Patty Ramus can be reached via e-mail at pramus@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.