Chris Kudriette’s Health and Business Good Smoking and Vapor Ordinance

In October, the New Hanover County Commission unanimously voted to enforce an ordinance banning the use of flammable and e-cigarettes in public places since February 1, 2021. This is North Carolina’s most progressive smoking and vaporizing rule. I am aware of.

It addresses the increasing impact of the use of e-cigarettes and aligns regulations with the expectations and social norms of inhaling vapors in public places. And it limits indirect smoking and exposure to vapors in our community.

As a business owner, New Hanover County resident, and community leader, it’s important to know what this new ordinance is, so here’s a quick overview.

The ordinance extends the ban on flammable tobacco such as tobacco and cigars, and e-cigarettes to county, town, city buildings, vehicles, premises, and public places in the county such as restaurants, bars, and recreational facilities. I will. This may seem like nothing new, but in fact, state law does not deal with smoking in most indoor facilities such as retail stores and entertainment venues, and state law does not deal with the use of e-cigarettes at all. not.

We have all seen how vaping has increased over the last decade, especially among young people. In 2017, 4.6% of adults and 22.1% of high school students in North Carolina used electronic vapor products. As research is progressing to show that aerosols produced by e-cigarettes contain heavy metals and toxins, the County Commission has taken over the protection of residents and visitors and the establishment and enforcement of regulations. I felt obliged to do it. Our business.

With a few exceptions, designated areas for smoking and vaping are still optional and are available in the details of the ordinance and where smoking and vaping are not permitted. Health.NHCgov.com..

The new Smoking and Steaming Ordinance works with business owners, community members, and local government partners to ensure that this regulation meets the goals of a comprehensive public health policy while being manageable. It was enacted after more than a year of welfare service staff and board of directors. From an implementation and enforcement perspective.

During the three public comments, there was support from both business owners and community members, and there were concerns about the impact of this rule on local businesses and the economy.

Our team worked with the business community to change the rules, such as removing references to roads and sidewalks, to make the company not responsible for the behavior of residents outside the facility.

We also considered the 2009-2010 enforcement of the North Carolina Smokeless Restaurant and Bar Act and confirmed the following: No negative impact on the economy, Or there was an impact on the employment or sale of restaurants and bars. In fact, sales have increased in some places because nonsmokers are not exposed to indirect smoking on-site. However, without this rule, vaping is technically allowed everywhere, which can cause discomfort among customers, but it will be resolved unless the employer decides to implement the company’s policies themselves. There is no way.

This ordinance bears this responsibility from the employer, with the exceptions stipulated in the regulations such as treatment facilities, private clubs, theater and movie sets, and smoking and e-cigarette permits in other areas, industry and business Is guaranteed to keep moving forward.

A smokeless restaurant and bar law assessment in North Carolina also has a significant impact on state-wide health and well-being, saving hospitality workers about $ 4.7 million annually in avoidable medical costs. By doing this locally, we are preparing residents and visitors for a healthier experience throughout the region.

Our public health team is currently meeting with leaders and organizations to share information about this ordinance. Around the county, you will begin to see signs indicating that smoking and vaporization in designated areas is prohibited or permitted. If desired, you can also download the material and display it at the facility.

I commend the Commission, Health and Welfare Committee, and our staff for adopting this aggressive public health approach to protect people from the known and unknown effects of indirect smoking and e-cigarette vapors. I will. Again, New Hanover County is an active policy leader.

New Hanover County is committed to progressive public policy, good service, courteous communication, wise exercise of authority, and sound financial management to meet the needs and concerns of today’s and tomorrow’s citizens.Please check this out for details http://www.nhcgov.com..